Abstract
This essay examines the 1995 filmed version of Shakespeare's Othello, directed by Oliver Parker and starring Laurence Fishburne. For the first time in a big-budget movie, Othello was played by a black man – an astonishing fact when one considers that this development did not occur until almost the very end of the twentieth century. This essay briefly surveys the often highly divergent responses the film received. It concludes by defending various aspects of the film, including its tightly knit structure and also the performance by Irène Jacob as Desdemona. Because Jacob's presence in the film was often severely criticized, it seems worthwhile, in attempting to defend the film in general, to examine several scenes prominently featuring her contributions to the production.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
