Othello (1995) (1995)

Jealousy, passion, misplaced trust: The themes of Shakespeare's towering tragedy permeate this fresh Othello from writer/director Oliver Parker (An Ideal Husband). Kenneth Branagh (Iago), Irene Jacob (Desdemona) and Laurence Fishburne as the title warrior who ruled armies but not his own heart play the principals in this tale set in Renaissance Venice - yet belonging to the ages. The Moor who "loved not wisely but too well" commands attention now and for generations to come in this version played and filmed both wisely and well.
 


Editor's Note

The celebrated Moor of Venice and his young bride Desdemona fall prey to the evil machinations of the once-faithful Iago in this vivid, often violent retelling of Shakespeare's tragedy.


Plot Summary

An intense adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy about the Moorish general who "loved not wisely, but too well" -- and so is duped by his evil aide into thinking that his wife has been unfaithful.| As war between Venetians and the Turks rages in the 16th century, Othello weds the beautiful Desdemona and promotes Cassio over his longtime assistant, Iago. Othello prepares to celebrate his marriage, but Iago -- furious over Othello's snub -- has dastardly plans in store for his employer.| Iago begins to poison Othello's mind against Desdemona, claiming that she's having an affair with Cassio; he even manages to produce "proof" of the infidelity. It doesn't take long for the jealous general to start believing Iago's allegations, and he winds up on the path of destruction.