"O" Movie Review

By: Jocelyn Reynolds

The movie “O” was written based upon the Shakespeare play Othello. The plot, characters, and the overall theme was very similar between the two. The movie was very interesting due to the excitement and entertainment from the beginning through to the end, just as the play was when Shakespeare showed it in real life at the theater. The plot stayed the same by using the handkerchief/scarf as a device to cause mischief between the characters. The characters share the same qualities and thinking skills as the one used in Othello. The themes from the movie go hand in hand with the play. He uses Jealousy, Lust, True Love, Betrayal, Gender Roles, Racism, etc. I highly encourage anyone who is interested in the play, to also watch the movie in order to gain a better understanding. The modernized changes in details will give this generation a more relatable connection with the overall message set for mankind. The play and movie is so close in comparison, that it is almost identical. However, they are some differences in the movie that one can notice right away after viewing. The movie introduces new evils from the world such as rape, drugs, shootings, and very graphic curse words. In the generation we live in today, the movie does not display anything that one does not hear of already happening. I believe anyone who is mature enough to accept that these things are in our society should be able to watch it and enjoy it for its true purpose. These harsh things are not to brain wash the public but to make them more aware that not all things in life are roses and candy. Many believe this movie is very controversial and to some extent I agree. O came out during the time when College shootings, sex content, and other harsh things were avoided by the public. However, one should not turn their back to these issues. Children should not be allowed to watch this movie, but teens and young adults need to use this as a tool to understand not only the play by William Shakespeare but to understand that these things can happen in the world they live in. The movie is rated R, which is very suitable for the content. The movie was taken in great consideration, and props should be given to them for that reason. The actors chosen for this movie are very suitable. The director does not pick very popular celebrities, in order to create a more realistic and serious theme. One particular would include Dezzy, which is highly relatable to the character Desdemona. Dezzy looked sweet and innocent, like an all American girl to be exact. One would never expect someone as pure as her to be an unfaithful disgrace to her significant other. Therefore it adds more of a shock and disappointment to the character Othello or in this case Oden. The lighting and setting of the movie went well with the plot. During happier times like in the beginning when Oden and Dezzy were madly in love, the lighting was more bright and clear; just like their relationship. When Oden was confused and lost, the setting became darker and more uneasy. The night took over, which is very symbolic for the fact that most bad things happen when no one can see them. If one has not watched this movie, I highly encourage them to do so. The understanding and overall meaning of the story, breaks past from the allegations of closed minded individuals. One will learn from watching this film how judging others based upon what is heard or observed is not only foolish but wrong. Anyone can surprise you and not everyone has your best interest at heart. While one may think this movie would be a waste of time, due to the fact that they have already read the play and could expect the outcome; they will be quite surprised to the suspense and plot changes. One could watch this movie many times and still be interested by the deceit. “O” makes one go into deep thought about their situations in life, and gives them a chance to reflect on their relationships with others. Overall, I believe this movie was a success because it amplifies the original play and also gives a taste to the time it was rewritten. One should certainly watch this movie and enjoy its story line, just as others did in current time as well as in the 1950s.