alr

Othello

Screening on Film
Directed by Orson Welles.
With Orson Welles, Michéal MacLiammoir, Suzanne Cloutier.
US/Italy/France/Morocco, 1948–52, 35mm, black & white, 91 min.
Print source: Library of Congress

A follow-up to his innovative 1948 adaptation of Macbeth for Republic Pictures, Welles' Othello was plagued with delays and budget problems from its very first day. Welles’ genius and resourcefulness transformed obstacles into opportunities, such as the famous fight scene staged in a steamy Turkish bath after the production’s costumes failed to arrive. While Welles' cosmetic dark skin has contributed to the film's general neglect, he gives one of his finest performances, conjuring a genuinely moving Othello who is deeply plagued by love and jealousy. Despite the film's renown – it garnered the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1952 – Othello remained virtually impossible to see until a wonderful 1992 restoration made new prints available.

Part of film series

Read more

Orson Welles the Unknown

Other film series with this film

Read more

Theater into Film

Read more

Orson Welles, Part One

Current and upcoming film series

Read more

Albert Serra, or Cinematic Time Regained

Read more

Wang Bing’s Youth Trilogy

Read more

The Shochiku Centennial Collection

Read more

Planet at 50

Read more

The Yugoslav Junction Continues!

Read more

Theo Anthony, Subject to Review

Read more

The Ideal Cinematheque of the Outskirts of the World

Read more

From the collection – Satyajit Ray

Read more

Mother’s Day Mini-Marathon