Oliver Parker's adaptation of William Shakespeare's Othello is one that has a softness to it that is then starkly contrasted with a harshness which brings the story to its dramatic conclusion. The opening of the film sees Othello and Desdemona's secret marriage and the tenderness of their love along with the desire and romance they have for one another. This is seen when Othello enters the veiled wedding bed to meet his new wife. Parker creates a space for the couple that is within this veil of intimacy that appears will not be crossed by another living soul.
But Iago's plot to overthrow the great General upends this softness and Othello becomes harsh towards his wife. This is seen clearly when he is asking to see his mother's handkerchief which he believes she's given to Cassio. Notice they are once again on the bed, but this time no veil and there is even another woman present sitting upon the bed. This represents the fact that Othello believes his beloved has allowed another man in her bed, and his jarring nature towards Desdemona continues until the very end when he smothers her to death.
Parker also plays with movement and sound in a wonderful way that is on full display in Othello's final speech. There is quite a violent stirring as the men seek to restrain Othello who demands to speak. He is allowed voice and the room becomes still and silent as they connect to his despair. Othello then begins to strangle himself in the silence and motionlessness of the room and a few soldiers begin to move in but they are stopped by Montano who allows Othello to kill himself. Mr. Parker creates a richly tense atmosphere that though is soft in sound is awfully powerful as the connection of each actor to Othello's words heighten his expression of mourning. And Montano's stopping the soldiers is a brief but strong moment that reveals the gravity what weighs upon Othello and Montano's understanding of it. While Othello has been adapted many time, this version brings the tragedy to life in its traditional context in a way that its meaning shines through for a contemporary audience to understand through the use of Parker's composition and use of rhythm in a way that allow the meaning of Shakespeare's words to be revealed through the moving picture.
