Movie Review: "O"

The well-known film, "O" directed by Tim Blake Nelson and written by Brad Kaaya, is a loosely updated adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Othello". The movie was supposed to be originally released in 1999 but was held for several years due to the Columbine high school shooting because of gun violence taken in the film. Placed in a private high school setting, "O", recreates the form of unity between Othello, Cassio, and Iago as they are all members of the army, and in the film, they are members of a basketball team.  O, Oden, is portrayed as Othello who is played by Mekhi Phifer, Hugo, O’s main man, is portrayed by Iago who is played by Josh Hartnett, and Desdemona which is portrayed by Desi in the film which is played by Julia Stiles.

Though this is based off of Shakespeare himself, Kaaya creates a more simple understanding and adapts the story to modern day times, and also creating it to be relatable to young people. O is the outstanding recruited African American basketball player who gets all the glory and praise. The basketball coach, who is Hugo’s father, and also ironically named “Duke”, praises O and believes he is the best; Those feelings trigger what happens to be the most similar characteristic of the two stories, and that is Iago’s villainy.

Oden and Othello are similar in many ways, but one way there is difference is that Nelson fails to show the true humbleness of Othello’s character Oden, simply because in Othello, he is a true and humble man who never betrays. In “O”, Nelson projects Oden to have a strong hardship that leads him to do drugs and have violence in him, causing to fight with Mike at practice. Even though the two are different, they still carry similarity.

Oden’s role on the court as a dominating African American basketball player runs well with Othello’s character. Both are appraised and loved by all, looked up to and respected, which shows the true depth of Shakespeare’s original creation. Phifer portrays the role well as he makes the audience feel the sadness that he is feeling, as well as having sympathy for him because he is being betrayed by Hugo (Iago).

Hugo and Iago carry many similarities as well that show the evil rage buried within. Whether it be Iago wanting Othello’s head position as well as hating him for being suspicious of sleeping with his wife, or Hugo being jealous of Oden because his own father treats him better therefore being rejected and jealous of him on the court having the position he has as MVP. Both show the motives of Iago/Hugo’s wickedness that drives him over the edge to do absolutely whatever he has to do to end “O”. Even more similarities fall into place with his lovely girlfriend Emily (Emilia) that Hugo doesn’t care much for but seemingly likes to use her for his revenge towards Oden. Hugo is just as evil as Shakespeare’s original Iago, which Josh Hartnett portrays very well in every aspect.

Desdemona is one key role in Shakespeare’s “Othello”, and also becoming an important role of Desi in “O” as well. Throughout the play of “Othello” Desdemona is a very loyal sweet sincere woman who loves Othello even when he has attempted to kill her and does eventually kill her. She stays loyal to the end. Just like the film, “O”. Desi is upset with the way Oden has been recently acting and she knows there is something wrong and she cannot fix it, but therefore she stays with him anyways, even on her death bed; one big similarity. Julia Stiles recreates Shakespeare’s original feeling of Desdemona, and makes it come to life in the film, which makes the audience become very heart felt for her, as she is being horridly betrayed just for loving the man of her dreams.

The very controversial film “O” by Tim Nelson has the same plot summary as Shakespeare’s “Othello” just with some minor touches. Giving that it is based in today’s time, with drugs and alcohol, some divisive factors from the original story still carry over and that is what makes it a success. Racism and Sex are two major keys of the story that keeps the ball rolling to have such a traumatic ending that still occur today. Shakespeare is very relevant to any situation upheld today, it just needs a little modification to fit into terms with society today, which Tim Blake Nelson and Brad Kaaya did very well.

 

 

"O" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) for violence, strong language, drug use

 

O

Directed by Tim Blake Nelson; written by Brad Kaaya, based on Shakespeare's "Othello"; director of photography, Russell Lee Fine; edited by Kate Sanford; music by Jeff Danna; production designer, Dina Goldman; produced by Eric Gitter, Anthony Rhulen and Daniel L. Fried; released by Lions Gate Films. Running time: 91 minutes. This film is rated R.

WITH: Mekhi Phifer (Odin James), Josh Hartnett (Hugo Goulding), Julia Stiles (Desi Brable), Martin Sheen (Coach Duke Goulding), Andrew Keegan (Michael Casio), Rain Phoenix (Emily) and Elden Henson (Roger).

Othello: Act 5

1. At the end of this scene we witness the murder of several characters. Did this ending satisfy you? Why or why not?

 

Yes, in a way, because in the end, Iago gets caught and gets what he deserves, Othello finally realizes the truth, and even though so any innocent people die, to me, true justice is served.

 

2. This play is considered to be one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Why is it so tragic (avoid the answer: they all died).

 

It is so tragic because of the manipulation carried throughout the story. This story shows true character of some people in this world, which is really tragic. People cheat on their loved ones, people are greedy, people are selfish, people lie to horrid extents, and people kill. To me, that is some of the most tragic things in life.  

 

3. What does the handkerchief symbolize?

 

The handkerchief, to Othello, symbolizes loyalty and love to Desdemona from him, and when he finds out that she has given it away, to him, he feels like her love for him has faded, and she has turned his love for her into something useless. The love is no more.

 

4. Examine Othello's last words. What do these words show us about him?

 

That is a true man who owns up to his mistakes even though it has ruined him. He admits to being a fool who trusted too much and was naïve to what was going on around him. Othello is ashamed for not understanding what trick that was being pulled on him, but he owned up to being such a fool.

Othello: Act 4

1. In Act 4 we learn the character of Desdemona. Choose two quotes that you believe best illustrate her character.

-I’d never do such a bad thing, not for the whole world!
  Desdemona is shown as a honest woman in my opinion, and she is truthful to admitting she would never be a "whore" and she believes it is a truthfully bad thing.
-That’s not what I wish. I love him even when he’s harsh and mean—Help me unpin this, would you? I love even his stubbornness, his frowns, his bad moods.
  This quote shows that she is a loyal woman to Othello, and sticking by their marriage by dealing with him when he is mean and rude sometimes.

2. How is Othello changing in Act 4? What is the effect of his public humiliation of Desdemona by slapping her?

He is becoming more bitter at heart and turning evil to get revenge on Desdemona and Cassio. He does not care about his reputation anymore because he thinks it is already ruined so why not express how he feels inside? So he acts out and feels betrayed.

3. At the end of Act 4 we get a glimpse into the private world of women. How does Shakespeare portray this world?

 

The women are curious, and talk about other women they think are less valuable than them, and wondering how some women could do such a thing. Shakespeare has portrayed them to be very emotional, and they want to fix everything that is going on in their life.

 

4. Analyze "The Willow Song". What is the literal meaning of this song? What does this song symbolize?

 

In the song, the woman's husband has cheated on her, and she is sad and crying; saying that she deserves this punishment. This song symbolizes the feelings that Desdemona feels inside from the situation that is going on.

Othello: Act 3

1. What is a tragic flaw? What do you believe is Othello's tragic flaw? What is your tragic flaw? Explain.

A tragic flaw is something a person has about themselves that can bring them harm. Othello's is that he is very naïve and very oblivious. My tragic flaw is that I am very gullible. I always feel bad for someone and take them in and always avoid conflict and help a person out, when in the end, I end up getting tore up and just used.

2. Below is the Shakespearean and modern version of Othello. Examine the quote about a good reputation. What does Iago mean through this quote? How valuable do you believe a reputation is? What is your reputation? What kind of name do you have amongst others? 

"A good reputation is the most valuable thing we have—men and women alike. If you steal my money, you’re just stealing trash. It’s something, it’s nothing: it’s yours, it’s mine, and it’ll belong to thousands more. But if you steal my reputation, you’re robbing me of something that doesn’t make you richer, but makes me much poorer."

"Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,

Is the immediate jewel of their souls.

Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, nothing:

'Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.

But he that filches from me my good name

Robs me of that which not enriches him

And makes me poor indeed."

What Iago means is that when someone ruins your reputation, you lose certain potential that your reputation had you built up to have. You also lose relations with people, and have broken friendships. I, therefore, believe a nice reputation is good to have but it isn't everything, because a reputation is what society views you as, not yourself; and to me, as long as I feel that I am doing what is right and staying true to myself, that is all that matters. I believe I have an okay reputation of myself. People tend to view me as the one who is always out there, and dresses out of the box, and to be creative, and very LOUD. lol

 

3. Connect this quote to another film/movie/book or to your own personal life. 

Ideas can be like poisons. At first they hardly even taste bad, but once they get into your blood they start burning like hot lava.

Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons

Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,

But with a little act upon the blood

Burn like the mines of sulfur.

In my life, ideas have been ran across to me by people, and it is my choice to listen to it and take it to heart, or just shrug it off. But every idea is poison in a way, because it seems to be the potion to cure of how one feels, but it isn't always. In my life, there have been many ideas, but only few have actually been true.

Othello: Act 2

1. Choose one of Iago's soliloquies (end of 2.1 or end of 2.3) and thoroughly analyze it. 

As you analyze think about the following questions:

1. What is Iago saying?

2. Figurative language?

3. How is his rhetoric? His tone?

4. What is he revealing? Revealing about himself?

Iago is discussing to himself how his plan to ruin Othello and Cassio is going to play out; also explaining another motive to keep pushing him to fulfill the evil plan he has created. One example of figurative language in Iago's soliloquy is when he states, " I love her too, not simply out of lust, but also to feed my revenge" which represents a personification because lust cannot feed his revenge. Iago's rhetoric is very persuasive as he exclaims his plan to end Othello and wrath of hate towards him. His tone is carried by bitterness and evil to succeed in his master plan, as well as revealing to the audience how truly sneaky and mischievous he is.

2. In Act II Iago launches his plan to destroy Othello. What is his motive? Jealousy? Racism? Is he opportunistic? A sociopath? All of the above? None of the above? Use TEXTUAL SUPPORT. 

 

Iago's motive to destroy Othello is that not only does he believe he is not worthy to be a general, but he is jealous of him as he is suspicious that Othello has slept with his wife, as well as being a little racist as he does not like that he is black. Iago is also very deranged and a sociopath. He violates the rights of others such as his wife. This behavior is often criminal. He pronounces to Desdemona that, "No, it's true, or if it’s not, I’m a villain. You wake up to have fun, and you start work when you go to bed" about his wife and all women. Iago also disgraces his own wife by saying, "You make yourselves sound like saints when you’re complaining about something, but you act like devils when someone offends you."

 

3. Choose another character (from film, books, etc) that reminds you of Iago. Explain

In the movie, Frozen, a prince who is 12th in line for the throne is impatient to having power, so therefore he tricks prince Anna into marrying him, pretending to be romantically in love with her, then she is near death from an accident, the prince refuses to save her, and wants her to die, so he can ultimately have the power. The prince is related to Iago because he is pretending to be loyal to her, when truly all he wants is power.

3. Create two discussion questions from Act II that you would like to discuss with the class.

 

-Do you believe Iago's master plan will work?

-Do you have sympathy for Iago and think what he wants to do is okay, or are you against it?

No Fear Shakespeare: Act 1

1. What conflicts do you already see beginning to emerge? Choose two quotes from Act I that expose these conflicts. Explain why each quote is significant and what it reveals about the characters. 

 

-That’s how I always do it, getting money from fools.
Iago
He is talking about Roderigo, and how he is tricking him. This shows that Iago is very evil and mischievous. He is going to start very big conflict with the Duke, and many others if anyone finds out about his secret plan to ruin Othello.
-Keep an eye on her, Moor. She lied to me, and she may lie to you.
Brabantio
He is becoming a very bitter man and is not only very upset with Othello at heart, but his own daughter. Since she has lied to him about her loved one, it has caused a change of view towards his daughter. This is already causing conflict with the couple, especially his daughter.

2. Create three discussion questions of your choice based on Act I

-Do you believe Iago's secret plan will pull through and succeed?

-What is your view on Brabantio's outrage, do you believe he should be bitter with his daughter or understanding?

-Do you think that Othello will truly stop the Turks from taking over Cyprus or do you think his wife will distract him?

3. In a paragraph each, analyze the character of Othello and Iago (so far). 

-Othello is a very humble and honest man. He has worked very hard to have the job he has, especially dealing with all the accusations. He is very loyal, seemingly very brave and willing to do whatever it takes to do what is right for Cyprus. He also has a true heart of love for Desdemona, despite the forbidden love that her father disagrees upon, he truly loves her and does not want to lose her. Othello is also slightly blinded to his officer Iago who truly despises him.

-Iago is a conniving, and secretive. He is selfish and set out to only get what he wants which is to have Othello's job. He plans to turn everyone into fools so that he may get what he wants. Iago is also very tricky, faking to care about Roderigo as a friend, and as well as Othello. He plainly hates Othello and pretends to be loyal to him, when truly he could care less about him.

chapter 16-27

Chapter 16 -- It’s All About Sex...
Chapter 17 -- ...Except the Sex
OK ..the sex chapters. The key idea from this chapter is that “scenes in which sex is coded rather than explicit can work at multiple levels and sometimes be more intense that literal depictions” (141). In other words, sex is often suggested with much more art and effort than it is described, and, if the author is doing his job, it reflects and creates theme or character. Choose a novel or movie in which sex is suggested, but not described, and discuss how the relationship is suggested and how this implication affects the theme or develops characterization.

 

 In the movie Bonnie and Clyde, the two characters have sexual intercourse many times but only shows them starting off kissing on the bed. Everyone knows where it leads to, and I believe it represents something more than just hooking up. Bonnie and Clyde commit horrible crimes and do bad things, therefore their love for one another is the only thing that truly is real to them. They may both be crazy, but their crazy about each other.

 

Chapter 18 -- If She Comes Up, It’s Baptism
Think of a “baptism scene” from a significant literary work. How was the character different after the experience? Discuss.


 

Chapter 19 -- Geography Matters...Discuss at least four different aspects of a specific literary work that Foster would classify under “geography.”
 

No Country for Old Men would classify under geography because of where it takes place, which is the desert. It represents the struggle and pain that is caused; the suffering throughout the movie.

Star Trek, because the setting of space and galaxies shows the feeling of the whole movie and that is the unknown and the curiosity of the future.

The Notebook, because where it takes place at is the fairytale of every girl's dream romance. Taken place in a small town in the 1940's, very vintage, where two people fall in love.


Chapter 20 -- ...So Does Season
Find a poem that mentions a specific season. Then discuss how the poet uses the season in a meaningful, traditional, or unusual way. (Submit a copy of the poem with your analysis.)

Winter
trees stand bare
looks for coats to wear
hovers together seeking
a refuge from the icy winters air.
      -Heather Burns

Burns uses winter in an traditional way, describing what happens to trees during the winter, but it carries more meaning by describing how the trees feel from the weather, therefore making it unusual.
 

Interlude -- One Story
Write your own definition for archetype. Then identify an archetypal story and apply it to a literary work with which you are familiar.

a story that has been imitated.

The movie Percy Jackson is an imitation of the old story from the bible called David and Goliath. Percy has to get an important belonging back from a giant Cyclopes, by fighting him to get it back.
 

Chapter 21 -- Marked for Greatness
Figure out Harry Potter’s scar. If you aren’t familiar with Harry Potter, select another character with a physical imperfection and analyze its implications for characterization.

Harry Potter's parents were killed by Voldermort when he was a baby. After Voldermort killed his parents he walked over to Harry and looked at him. Trying to strike him, but didn't kill him, just simply scarring his head. Voldermort saw tremendous power in him, knowing he would be destined for greatness.  

 

Chapter 22 -- He’s Blind for a Reason, You Know
Chapter 23 -- It’s Never Just Heart Disease...
Chapter 24 -- ...And Rarely Just Illness
Recall two characters who died of a disease in a literary work. Consider how these deaths reflect the “principles governing the use of disease in literature” (215-217). Discuss the effectiveness of the death as related to plot, theme, or symbolism.

In My Sister's Keeper, the older sister dies from cancer. I believe it was a symbol that she died to show her family something....to not take things for granted. Her family was so stressed into everyone else's problems, they were forgetting about hers. Finally her speaking up and saying that she wants to go ahead and die, opened their eyes.

Chapter 25 -- Don’t Read with Your EyesAfter reading Chapter 25, choose a scene or episode from a novel, play or epic written before the twentieth century. Contrast how it could be viewed by a reader from the twenty-first century with how it might be viewed by a contemporary reader. Focus on specific assumptions that the author makes, assumptions that would not make it in this century.

In Bonnie and Clyde, the two characters are fornicating secretly and never get married. In the old days that was considered horrible and frowned upon, but to society in the present time would generally accept the fact that the two characters are having a sexual relation without being married, because in this day in time, many people are doing such a thing. When someone from the present does not comprehend why everyone in the movie thinks what they are doing is so bad, when they need to reconsider the place and time the movie is set in.
 

Chapter 26 -- Is He Serious? And Other Ironies
Select an ironic literary work and explain the multivocal nature of the irony in the work.

In the television show American Horror Story, there is one episode where a woman is trying to become famous and wants to be well known. Well her teeth are out of line so she decides to go to the dentist. What she doesn't know is that the dentist is a murderer. Therefore, when she goes to the dentist being the pretty woman she is, the dentist decides to kill her, have sexual contact with her, cut her up in pieces, then dump it in town somewhere. Over all, the woman becomes famous by being murdered which is very ironic.
 

Chapter 27 -- A Test Case
Read “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, the short story starting on page 245. Complete the exercise on pages 265-266, following the directions exactly. Then compare your writing with the three examples. How did you do? What does the essay that follows comparing Laura with Persephone add to your appreciation of Mansfield’s story?