Othello (1965)
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80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
68% of users liked it
(416 ratings)
As directed by Otto Schenk, this most unusual version of Giuseppe Verdi's 1887 opera Othello (adapted from Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name) isn't actually a stage-bound theatrical production. It was shot for German television in 1965 on elaborate sets, but was also done with "roving" cameras,… More As directed by Otto Schenk, this most unusual version of Giuseppe Verdi's 1887 opera Othello (adapted from Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name) isn't actually a stage-bound theatrical production. It was shot for German television in 1965 on elaborate sets, but was also done with "roving" cameras, which liberates the material from a sense of staginess and gives it an unprecedented level of intimacy. It stars Wolfgang Windgassen as Othello, Sena Jurinac as Desdemona and Norman Mittelmann as Iago. The Südfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester, the Chor der Wiener Staatsoper and the Wiener Sängerknaben lend added musical support, with Argeo Quadri conducting and Norbert Balatsch serving as chorus master. Gerhard Hruby designed the sets, and Leni Bauer Ecsi did the costumes. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- Unrated, 2 hr. 14 min.
- Directed By
- John Dexter, Stuart Burge
- Genres
- Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics
- In Theaters
- Dec 15, 1965 Wide
- On DVD
- Aug 14, 2007
Critic Reviews
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Phil Hall, Film Threat
Even with its imperfections and politically incorrect presentation, this film is a memorable achievement.
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Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It's a bloated corpse of a movie, running a numbing 166 minutes with only Olivier's lifeblood to sustain it.
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Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Whether taken as a cultural relic or the definitive screen treatment, Othello demands to be seen for Olivier's bravura, high-wire performance.
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Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
A great cinematic touchstone.
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Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
It's a stagy and uneven enactment of the play, but what players on this stage!
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Wolfgang Windgassenas Othello -
Sena Jurinacas Desdemona -
Norman Mittelmannas Jago
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Margarita Lilovaas Emilia -
William Blankenshipas Cassio -
Adolf Dallapozzaas Rodrigo
