Parkers Representation of Othello

Parker’s film version of Othello delves into the notions of a sexual reading focusing on the masculinity of Othello. Also, Parker demonstrates a racial side to the play employed to centralize the theme of jealousy which is the catalyst the ultimate tragedy in Othello. With the omission of parts of the play, Parker employs different characterization relating it to the modern social ladder.

My reading focuses on Othello, the character. Othello was a foolish man who trusted the advice of a colleague whose promotion he had blocked. Instead of Parker’s version of Othello being heroic and with an extremely masculine physique, my reading suggests that Othello was simply a flawed human being. Since Othello was hopelessly in love and succumbed by jealousy and insecurity, he lost his eloquence, confidence and his powerful nature.

In Parker’s film, Othello is given a powerful screen presence emphasizing his masculinity reinforcing the idea of this reading being having racial and sexual overtones. In the scene where Othello confronts Brabantio for the first time, Othello’s costume immediately depicts him as a heroic general as he stands up tall without fear speaking with eloquence. “Most potent, grave and reverend Signors, My very noble and approved masters”, is a clear depiction of the meiosis in his speech revealing his confidence. The fire burns brightly in the scene foreshadowing danger.

My reading of Othello brings his personal characteristics to the foreground. These characteristics are that “The Moor is of a free and open nature” which demonstrates that he is too trusting. Iago has manipulated a weak man into trusting an evil being. “Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee”. The transformation which has occurred in Othello from a honest gentleman into a “green eyed monster” figure. Othello’s loss of eloquence in speech and manner is evident when he says, “Farewell the tranquil mind, Farewell Othello’s occupation gone”. This demonstrates how Othello has succumbed to jealousy through the manipulation of Iago. “Arise, black vengeance, from hollow hell! To tyrannous hate! Oh blood, blood, blood!” Here is a clear indication of his loss of eloquence which has revealed to the audience of the start of his “naked wrath”.

In comparison, Parker uses the technique of breaking the fourth wall when Iago is manipulating Othello. Iago always stands behind Othello whispering into his ear which reinforces his devious manipulating ways. Iago is portrayed as an intelligent jealous colleague of Othello who always has two sides. This jealousy is depicted in Parker’s film by the chessboard scene. Iago is directly level with the chess board when he places both Desdemona and Othello on the chessboard. Cassio is then placed in between them when suddenly a thunder strike occurs as he pushes the chess pieces symbolizing Othello and Desdemona, into the water. The zoom close up Iago’s face with the fire flickering in the background and the rise in orchestral music are crystal clear indications of the foreshadowing of the death of Othello and Desdemona. “I put the Moor, at least into a jealousy so strong that judgment cannot cure.”