Stuart Burge’s Adaptation

of Shakespeare’s Othello
Stuart Burge’s 1965 Othello is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play “Othello”. The movie shows
us themes such as betrayal, jealousy, love, misunderstandings, etc. Through the movie
adaptation, we get to know more about Shakespearean time and drama in a better way.

Suvidhi Jain
BA History Honours
Roll no- 1510
 Plot of Shakespeare’s Othello
• Othello, a Moorish general, chooses to promote Cassio instead of Lago, which
greatly infuriates him. He also plans to take revenge on Othello for the same. Lago
manipulates Othello into believing that his wife Desdemona is unfaithful to him,
stirring up jealousy. He, very cunningly orchestrates everything and in the end,
jealousy consumes Othello and he ends up murdering Desdemona. Upon knowing
the truth, the guilt makes him kill himself too.
 Cast and their roles
• Laurence Oliver as Othello
• Maggie Smith as Desdemona
• Frank Finlay as Lago
• Derek Jacobi as Cassio
• Joyce Redman as Emilia
 Similarities and Dissimilarities
• The film retains most of Shakespeare’s original play and does not change the order
of scenes. It also largely duplicates the original stage settings as shown in the play
rather than having new sets built.
• Although a lot of things are similar, there are certain dissimilarities too like-
Shakespeare’s play offers entire monologues which allows us to have a better and
deeper understanding of the character’s thoughts. The film, being a visual medium,
relies more on actions and conveying through emotions and expressions.
• The use of blackface makeup for the character of Othello on Laurence Oliver is a
major difference and a point of criticism today.
 Themes
• Jealousy- it’s the central idea of the movie and the play. Lago’s resentment towards
Othello and Othello’s suspicion of Desdemona is brought up again and again. Lago
is immediately seen as a jealous character when he complains about the promotion
of Cassio. To hurt and destroy Othello, he then lies about Desdemona not being
faithful to him, making him suffer.
• Love and betrayal- the love between Othello and Desdemona is put into question
when he starts believing whatever Lago is telling him. Desdemona, not being aware
of anything tries to explain and save herself, but ends up getting killed by her
partner.
 Critical appreciation
• It’s the only film adaptation of a Shakespeare play in which all lead roles received
Oscar nominations.
• The 1965 adaptation of Othello is considered a classic of Shakespearean cinema.
 Conclusion
• The 1965 Stuart Burge adaptation of Othello is considered one of the best
adaptations in Shakespearean cinema.
• With the cast, Laurence Oliver, Maggie Smith, and Frank Finley, the movie brings the
play to life.