Introduction
If an individual were to compare and analyze the film “Othello” written by Allen Parker with the film “O” which was directed by Tim Blake Nelson, they would find a variety of similarities and differences amongst the two pieces of works. Though both the film “O” and the film “Othello” is based off of the original play done by William Shakespeare, there are distinct differences between the two films in context and basic thematic elements. There is also an array of similarities correlating to social context that are prominent throughout both films. Whereas; most viewers will notice right away that both works are very diverse in cultural context relating to the time periods they are depicting. However, there is still a central thematic core element that both works succeed in portraying to the audience that enables the viewer to find common links between both movies.
Central Thematic Elements that Differ Between Both Works
One of the initial aspects readers tend to notice about both of these work is the differences in relation to the time period they are representing. While Allen Parker was directing and writing
his version, it is evident that he wanted to uphold many of the familiar elements of the original play from the set, plot, and the way people expressed themselves during that time period. One of the first things many viewers will notice about how the two films differ from one another is the manner of speaking utilized within each work. “Othello” tends to sway towards staying true to the original version which was the play by William Shakespeare, while “O” which was released in 2001 chooses to connect with the viewer through common everyday speech heard in society today. An example of this is when in the film “Othello” Iago, played by Kenneth Brannaugh states “Oh beware my lord of jealously, look to your wife who shares her will with Cassio” (Parker, Othello). While, in the more updated version, Hugo (Iago), played by Josh Hartnett, states during a similar scene, “Just watch your girl bro, she and Mike (Cassio) have been spending an awful lot of time together” (Nelson, O). Just looking at the aspect of linguistics, it is clearly evident that each film is portraying to a different audience.
Intended Audience for Both Films
It is clearly evident that the film “Othello” was made for a more mature audience not only because of its film rating or linguistics but also because of the more established plot which correlates heavily to the play by William Shakespeare. On the other hand the film “O” utilizes a more modern context by appealing to a younger audience through aspects that the writers knew would attract a greater teenage audience such as the use of basketball. This plays a pertinent part in the film because it leads to the jealousy that Hugo (name for Iago in the film) develops after being tossed aside so that Odin, which is the name, used in the film instead of using “Othello,” who is put on pedestal for his athletic achievements.
The Exchange of the Handkerchief and Why Was This Exchange Changed?
One of the most climatic points of this narrative in general is the exchange of the handkerchief which is done differently in both films to fit in with the way each film was being depicted. In the film “Othello,” Cassio finds Desdemona’s handkerchief by his door allowing him to use it as a tool to blackmail and denounce Desdemona’s infidelity to Othello. On the other hand in the film, “O,” Hugo tells Michael that the scarf was his mother’s and that he should give it to Brandy otherwise known as the character for Desdemona. In reality, the scarf came from Odin’s sick mother so when he sees Mike giving it to Desi the vengeance within him emerges which leads him to believing Desi has been unfaithful to him. The exchanged was most likely played out differently again because of the time periods being illustrated to the viewer. In “Othello,” the film connects more with the original screenplay by William Shakespeare whereas with the film “O” the exchange is not just different because of the time period but because of the culture being represented in the film as in this film there is a clear distinction between racial and ethnic differences.
Why was this exchange depicted differently and what aspects were being portrayed to the audience? Was this message conveyed effectively?
The exchange was clearly and concisely made differently due to the fact that the writers had to make sure it fit in well within the narrative being told in each film. While in “Othello” it could be done in a more authentic way connecting it to the original screenplay by William Shakespeare, this would not have worked in the updated film “O” since the environments in
which they lived were different. In “Othello,” there is more of a castle setting while in “O” much of the storyline is being played out in a high school environment. In the original play by William Shakespeare as with the film “Othello” the scenes are played out very differently, as in the original play Othello asks Desdemona where her handkerchief is that he gave her, and she states “I know not” then Othello states “That which I gave you” and again she states “I have it not about me” which then enrages Othello into stating “That is a fault, that handkerchief, Did an Egyptian to my mother give” (Black 1171).
It is similar in the fact that he values this handkerchief but the situation in which it is given is different. In the film, “O,” Odin asks Desi where the handkerchief is and she explains she has misplaced it and then Odin asks whether Michael might know where it is. This actually enrages Brandy into stating “What? If you're asking me if I'm cheating on you, get some balls and ask! Michael? You're the only person I've ever been with and you're the only person I want to be with” (Nelson, O)! So, in this case, the roles are flipped and it is Desi that becomes horrified by the accusation that she might have been unfaithful to Odin who she has been devoted to for months. This may have been done because of the time period in the respect that women are now more dominating than ever before while back during the time of Shakespeare it would have been a severe punishment for a woman to act that way.
Conclusion
In the end, all of the narratives end with the death of Desdemona or Desi. In the film “Othello” she is smothered by Othello with a pillow while in the film “O” Odin chokes her to
death. It portrays that even though they changed many aspects to fit the time period being portrayed, there were still elements that remained true to the original play. In fact, all of the narratives were effective in illustrating their similar issues just during different time periods with a more diverse environment. Overall, all three works including the original play stand out in their original way that enables every individual of various ages to come to appreciate the story in itself which I believe is what William Shakespeare would have wanted.
Works Cited
Black, Walter J. The Works of William Shakespeare. Roslyn: Black's Readers Service, 1937.
Print.
O. Dir. Tim Blake Nelson. Perf. Josh Hartnett and Julia Stiles. Daniel Fried Productions, 2001.
DVD.
Othello. Dir. Allen Parker. Perf. Laurence Fishburne and Kenneth Branaugh. Othello. Castle
Rock Entertainment, 19 Jan. 1996. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.
