Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3879 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-11-17
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 205 minutes

DVD Description
This 1989 RSC production of Othello features a superlative, multi award-winning performance by the great Sir Ian McKellen as the dastardly Iago, alongside a rich and vivid portrayal of the eponymous hero by Jamaican operatic bass Willard White and a mould-breaking interpretation of Desdemona by director Trevor Nunn’s future wife, Imogen Stubbs. With far fewer characters than Shakespeare’s other tragedies and no subplots, Othello has an unparalleled simplicity, which this version brilliantly captures. It is the story of the doomed love between Desdemona, a beautiful and fiercely loyal young Venetian woman and Othello, an ageing Moroccan mercenary. Unfortunately for the happy couple, erstwhile friend Iago harbours an irrational hatred and jealousy of the noble and brave Othello. Determined to destroy both Othello’s relationship with Desdemona and indeed his very life, Iago begins a subtle campaign of vilification, which inevitably and inexorably leads to tragedy.

Nunn’s version, set on Cyprus during the nineteenth century, brilliantly uses light, costumes and cinematography to underline the play’s themes of innocence, infidelity, ownership, manipulation and sexual jealousy. The result is a truly unforgettable production.

Special Features

• Running Time: 205 minutes

Synopsis
A stage adaptation of William Shakespeare's 'Othello'.

Customer Reviews

Excellent
Excellent cast and performance. The characters are brought to life and the complex relationships between them are well developed. Ian McKellan does an electrifying Iago. Imogen Stubbs brings depth to a very difficult character - Desdimona can be too shallow, but Stubbs gives the character life and vitality to make her real.

The down side is that it looks like a taping of the theater performance. The power that good camera work and sets can bring is lost here. But this is easily made up by the cast.

Incredible...
Fantastic...amazing...marvellous

Really entertaining (and yet strangely educational) adaptation that certainly helped me to fully understand the play and ensured a good grade at A Level English.

Superior to every other Shakespeare adaptation by a country mile, Ian McKellen puts in an unbelievable performance as the Machiavellian Iago that puts most other actors to shame

Everything about the production is class and although the idea of watching a Shakepeare play is not appealing to all, this could be enjoyed by anyone

The best "Othello" out there
It's one of those accepted blips: any production of "Othello" doesn't rely on the performance of the eponymous hero, but of his Nemesis, Iago.
And what an Iago Ian McKellen makes! Absolutely astounding. You have to see it.
Willard White is serviceable as Othello, Zoe Wanamaker is her usual superb self as Emilia and Imogen Stubbs is surprisingly unpunchable in a role that really could only be played properly by a 23 year old Jeanne Moreau.
Great production that (voguishly, but brilliantly) takes the play down to its domestic roots and plays as a chamber piece.
There are always going to be limitations to film versions of theatre, but by accepting that this is what this "Othello" is, Trevor Nunn has come up with a production to treasure.
If you want a real treat, buy his "Macbeth" (also with McKellen, matched by a towering Judi Dench) at the same time. If anything, it's even better.