O (2001) User Reviews

Likeable remake of Shakespeare's Othello.

[Milla-M · 7/10 · 23 April 2003]

This was generally a good film, well above average but no where near great. It definitely highlights the theme of 'Everything comes full Circle,' which the Title 'O,' implies. It also concentrates on minor themes such as racism and exploits the human emotions of jealousy and love and how it is such a tender thing which can be easily manipulated. It also portrays how dangerous love is ... as we understand that if Odin didn't really love Desi he wouldn't have gone to such extremes when he discovered her 'betrayal.'

Most of the acting was mediocre at best. I am surprised that Julia Stiles (playing Desi Brable) played an important character but had little screen time, her character Desi was also a little nondescript (compared to Shakespeare's version of her character, Desdemona, who is much more interesting and expresses the virtues of goodness and honesty much more effectively). Elden Henson, Andrew Keegan and Rain Phoenix (Roger Rodriguez, Michael Cassio and Emily respectively), playing supporting roles also gave mediocre performances, I found Rain Phoenix especially poor in parts. Mekhi Phifer (Odin James) and Josh Hartnett (Hugo Goulding) give superb performances, both expressing their characters effectively with great skill.

Of course adapting the script from Shakespeare's play would've been difficult but for a better version of Shakespeares' Othello the pace of the film should've been slower and should have concentrated more on the character's and their feelings...this film actually seemed to focus more screentime on action more than it should've...or needed to.

However the tragic tale was efficiently portrayed and extremely well delivered, it's an enjoyable film. The ending was also quite sad and was worthy of the build-up during the film. The tragedy of how Odin was twisted by Hugo into destroying the one thing he truly loved was sickeningly realised. Overall a nice film in its own way.

Watch it! You won't regret it, but in my opinion, some parts of the film could've been much better.

• Milla.

Othello in South Carolina

[jotix100 · 7/10 · 25 October 2005]

Tim Blake Nelson trying his hand at directing decided to tackle a classic Shakespeare play, "Othello". With the help of his adapter, Brad Kaaya, they transferred Venice to South Carolina with mixed results. Mr. Nelson, being an actor himself, got great readings from his mostly young cast.

Bringing Shakespeare to locations other than where the plays were set, presents an unusual challenge for whoever undertakes the risk. In this case, the action occurs in a small prep school in South Carolina where the emphasis is thrown to the basketball team and its star.

Odin James, the role based on Othello, the Moor of Venice, is the main attraction at the basket ball court. Odin, who is black has fallen in love with Desi, or Desdemona, the fair young woman who loves him in return. When Odin selects Michael to be his right hand man at the court, Hugo, the envious son of Coach Goulding, resents being bypassed and begins to plot what to do to get back at O.

The film follows the machinations of Hugo who succeeds in creating a doubt in O by poisoning his mind with tales of deceit and betrayal from both Michael and Desi. That makes Hugo scheme a plan to get rid of his rival, but he can't see what his lies have done to O's soul and the ultimate tragedy this careless young man will bring to his family and to the school.

Mikhi Phifer is good as the tormented Odin, the star of the game who is going to go far because of his natural talent for the game. Julia Stiles, an intelligent presence in anything she does, is effective as the young Desi, whose only fault is having fallen in love with Odin. Josh Harnett, on the other hand, seems to be miscast as Hugo, who is the Iago of the real play. Andrew Keegan is good as Michael. Martin Sheen, John Heard, Rain Phoenix and Elden Henson, are the most prominent figures in the cast.

Tim Blake Nelson shows an affinity for directing. Maybe his new projects will give him an opportunity in which to shine better.

o

[jboothmillard · 7/10 · 7 August 2009]

The only other modern interpretation of a William Shakespeare play I know is Leo DiCaprio version of Romeo + Juliet, and then there's this one themed like a teen movie. This revamp of Othello uses all the same themes, concepts and most events, but it brings it all into the modern day and uses regular speaking language. Basically Odin 'O' James (Mekhi Phifer) is the black star of the boarding school basketball team, the Hawks, and the son of Coach Duke Goulding (Martin Sheen), Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is very jealous. He decides to make Odin doubt his girlfriend Desi Brable (Julia Stiles), the most popular girl in school, truly loves him and is going off with another guy. Hugo is willing to do absolutely anything to make his "concerns" look real and cause much more stress for Odin, including on the basketball court. In the end of course all the truths are revealed, at the wrong moment, after all the tragic events and all characters involved are killed, apart from Hugo who got arrested. Also starring Elden Henson as Roger Rodriguez, Andrew Keegan as Michael Cassio, Rain Phoenix (River and Joaquin's sister) as Emily, John Heard as Dean Bob Brable and Anthony 'A.J.' Johnson as Dell. The performances are all very well done, the modernisation of the story is just as good as the regular play, I've seen the Kenneth Branagh/Laurence Fishburne version, a very good teen drama. Very good!

Dry Welles

[tedg · 31 August 2001]

Spoilers herein.

This was eagerly awaited by this Shakespeare-in-film buff:

--Julia was a remarkable Ophelia in a very impressive recent Hamlet. That Hamlet translated very cleverly and appropriately to modern teen culture. Hamlet and his friends as film students! The Ghost behind the play within the play as senior playwright Sam Shepard (while his wife was triumphing in Titus)! Her box of remembrances is an image I will possibly take to my grave.

--She was also in a tolerable, but uninspired teen `Shrew.' That makes three teen Shakespeare films in three years. This is no accident, and possibly the sign of that rare species: an intelligent young actress. (Really, name one.) And that she was picked by Mamet for a role says a lot.

--In her `Save the Last Dance' where she played opposite a black, she completely out hiphopped him. More black than black; I wondered what we would see here, where it could matter.

--T B Nelson was in `O Brother,' and with Turturro played just the type of self-reference that Shakespeare uses in Othello, and Turturro did in his own `Illuminati.' These two were so sympatico and intelligent, I just knew he'd do something amazing given this and his past directorial ambitions.

--Everyone in the film world knows Welles' Othello, one of the greatest films of all time. With that frame, surely something interesting would result.

But we have a miss here. The conception is all wrong. The core idea in the play is an honest man destabilized by treachery. Its important to know how easily destabilized one can be with words, while at the same time Shakespeare pummels us with his own words intent on scaring the bejeesus out of us by tweaking our own souls.

Alas, no words here worth listening to. No risk to our own beings. Without risk, there's no Shakespeare, no greatness.

Othello was in an honored position because he met the Venetians on their own terms and excelled. Odin excels at the black man's game, a completely trivial part of life. He was sought out by the authorities to win games. We are led to believe he is a poor student and not intrinsically charismatic.

So when he is destabilized, we have no reason to think it's not just a case of lowclass dumb jock who's been dissed. The Moor in Elizabethan context was well before the modern notion of `rascism.' The bigotry would have been anti-Catholic. some anti-Jew, and in this study making more fun of the effete Italians than anyone African. He would have been exotic, puzzling. Casting the Moor as Shakespeare's most human character is the equivalent of modern science fiction, shifting the center enough away from the familiar to exaggerate the point. Placing the Moor in the racist US deliberately runs the risk of reducing him to a stereotype, washing all the humanity away. The incessant rap track and the basketball context drive that home. Othello is noble but Odin is a nonentity.

Maybe it would have worked if that racist Strom Thurmond was more explicitly cited. Ms. Rain Joan of Arc Phoenix (Bonanza Jellybean) is the best part. Hated to see her shot.

solid modern take on Othello

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 21 June 2015]

Coach Duke Goulding (Martin Sheen) intends to win the championship for the mostly white boarding school Palmetto Grove Hawks. Odin James (Mekhi Phifer) is the hero while coach's own son Hugo Goulding (Josh Hartnett) is put down. Duke tells the school that he love Odin like his own son and gives him the MVP award. Odin calls out wealthy Michael Cassio (Andrew Keegan) as his go to guy. Odin is dating Dean Bob Brable (John Heard)'s daughter Desi (Julia Stiles). Jealous Hugo sets up Odin with the help of weak-minded Roger Calhoun who is in love with Desi.

This is a modern day adaptation of the Shakespeare play Othello. The adaptation is not entirely smooth. There is a sense of unreality but the young cast maintains the believability. They are all quite solid in their roles. Josh Hartnett is actually good in an underhanded role which is different than his usual mind-mannered good guy roles. Phifer is brash which is appropriate. It's a solid adaptation.

A pretty heavy film

[callanvass · 7/10 · 6 February 2014]

I saw this movie a few months ago and it made quite an impact on me. This isn't your usual teenage fodder, believe me. It has it's flaws, but it's a pretty good movie with a heavy subject going for it. This movie reminded me of how malicious and cruel people can be. Odin is the focal point of this movie and Meki Phifer did an excellent job, providing the right amount of cockiness and likability. Josh Hartnett takes his acting to the next level with his manipulative and sinister performance. Martin Sheen is dependable as ever in his role. This movie disturbed me a little bit, especially the ending. It stuck with me for a while afterwords

7.5/10

A few flaws don't destroy the film.

[Dr.Teeth · 7/10 · 20 September 2001]

`When devils will the blackest sins put on,/They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,/As I do now.'

I'll get right to the point here: `Othello' is my favorite Shakespeare play. Trying not to compare `O' with `Othello' is almost impossible. I would hazard to guess, though, that the majority of the people in the audience who saw this film with me have not read the play, from their gasps of shock at the `surprise' twists. I think they enjoyed the film quite a lot, and good for them, because there is quite a lot to like about the film. Here I am mostly thinking of Mekhi Phifer (Odin), Julia Styles (Desi), and Josh Hartnett (Hugo), who turn in astonishingly good performances. I will get to those nice things in a moment, however, because there are a couple of things I want to point out that made the film difficult for me to enjoy.

Firstly, I would like to address the poster for the film. The poster is, essentially, Josh Hartnett's beautiful face in the top left quadrant, Julia Styles' beautiful face in the top right quadrant, and a tiny little Mekhi Phifer at the bottom, holding a basketball and framed in a large ‘O'. This may not be important to the overall enjoyment of the film, but to me, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Hugo and Desi are not linked romantically in the film (rather, it's Desi and Odin), but they take up about half the poster. Meanwhile, Odin (the title character) is small and greatly overshadowed. Now, I thought long and hard about why the poster designers and producers would have done this, and I came to the conclusion that it's because Phifer is black and Styles and Hartnett are white, and, naturally the studio can't put a handsome black man and a beautiful white girl together on the poster. This kind of attitude is extremely upsetting, and if anyone could clear this matter up for me, it'd be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I stand by my diagnosis.

Another minor problem that I have with the film centers around the character of Hugo. Now, Josh Hartnett did an extremely good job portraying the character, and I was very impressed with his acting skills. I repeat: I am NOT putting down Hartnett's performance. Having said that, I thought that Hugo was a little too sympathetic for my liking. Iago hates Othello simply because he chose Cassio instead of him as lieutenant, and this small slight sets him on the quest to ruin the lives of both men. Hugo, however, is a kid who's underappreciated by his basketball coach dad (Martin Sheen, an actor's actor), and overlooked by his buddy Odin at the MVP ceremony for a mere sophomore. He's jealous of anyone with more talent than him, which fits Odin to a T. This basically puts him in the `teenager who's so hard done by' category, and this makes him too sympathetic, especially to teenagers. After all, what teenager isn't underappreciated by their parents? What teenager doesn't feel like no-one's paying attention to them? Instead of being a twisted, Machiavellian villain, Hugo is the High School kid pushed too far and out for revenge. I would prefer the near-perfect evil of Iago to the misunderstood Hugo any day.

Having made these two points, I did quite enjoy the film (even though it may not have appeared so in my previous two paragraphs). The three main young actors (Phifer, Styles, and Hartnett) put out terrific performances, and there is great screen chemistry between both Phifer & Styles and Phifer & Hartnett. Martin Sheen is great to watch as a basketball coach on his way to a coronary, Rain Phoenix nails the character of Emily, and even the underused John Heard (as the Dean) adds a few subtle touches. Tim Blake Nelson's direction is quite commendable, and there are a couple of very creative cinematography tricks; I especially liked the scene where Hugo and his father talk in his office and the camera slowly pans forward in through the window.

The film addresses many themes (racism, jealousy, distrust, pride), and although it doesn't take a stand on any of them, the film moved at a good pace and kept the plot as convincingly twisted as it needed to be. All in all, it was a good movie, exciting if you haven't read the play, and an interesting interpretation of the story if you have. 7/10

Just Plain Disturbing and Horrible

[cmgfilms · 1/10 · 17 August 2001]

No offense to director Nelson whom I loved in his performance in "O Brother, Where Art Thou," but this film is absolutely horrible. As a modern day version of "Othello," it disturbingly depicts teenagers as selfish, drunken, drugged out morons who fight and become terribly obsessed with frivolity. The film starts extremely slow and only begins to pick up once all the killing and backstabbing comes around. Though I can appreciate the attempt at making it an artist, modern day version, what is depressing most of all about this idiotic display is how it just craps upon the beauty and tragedy that was the original. As a 23 year veteran of stage and a writer, I am personally offended for all my fellow thespians who will be duped into seeing this menagerie of empty characters, beyond reality situations, and dumbed down and hopeless look at today's teenagers. Believe me, I once was a teacher and have seen how bad, not all, but a lot of teens can be. But this film takes it to a whole new level. I understand what the writer was attempting to do, but there cannot possibly be any way that the young generation today that will see this film will understand it. Most will be going to see it's leads Josh Hartnett and Julia Stiles. The writer, however, seems to fantasize with the idea that anyone who sees this will see it's parallel and meaning. All I could see was drawn out, unnecessary violence, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and sexuality that I found myself cringing at the thought people will be spending their hard earned money to see this filth. Don't get me wrong, I am no stiff or "goody-two-shoes" to say the least. It's just that film makers today have to draw the line somewhere and it's clear that the film makers with "O" missed the line completely and practically mocked it. And to make sure you know I can validate my thoughts and opinions, I spent an hour after the film ended in a Q & A session with the director. His intentions were clear and sincere. But I highly doubt anyone who was involved in the creative aspects of this film took more than 5 seconds to step back and look at it as a whole nor did they spend much more time trying to empathize with how ALL the individuals who will see this will take it or feel about it. I DO NOT recommend this film. If you are a parent, don't take your kids to see it just because you think you are being "responsible" chaperones. Go see it for yourself, if that is what it takes. I say just leave it to die at the box office where it should leave the heartless investors in debt and regretting their ridiculous attempts at having a piece of the proverbial "Hollywood" pie. No one should benefit from this disgusting picture and I hope those who waste their money finding out for themselves will finally realize that Shakespeare + modern day + teenagers is a miserable combination.

These are the things most specifically disturbing: A long, drawn out sex scene that eludes to rape; blatant and unnecessary drug use; the lack of rounding out or providing reason to become passionate about the characters, and the horrible adaptation of a timeless masterpiece.

SAVE YOUR MONEY AND TIME!

O soars high

[BettieTeese · 10/10 · 26 November 2004]

Critics have accused Tim Blake Nelson's cinematic version of Shakespeare's Othello,of 'glorifying' violence in a school setting,but i strongly disagree,and believe that this somewhat controversial film should be viewed by teenagers.It explores the origins of school violence and how teen angst can lead to tragedy.The film communicates a powerful message that no teenager is incapable of taking their jealousy to extremes,and O's superb cast of young actors effectively demonstrate how treachery and envy can lead to tragedy.Quite correctly,the film is aimed at a teenage audience,with a smorgasboard of hot young talent.Mehki Phifer,portrays Odin,the star basketball player who has everything going for him,until his 'friend' Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is overcome with his emotions and envy for Odin that he devotes his time and effort to destroying his life,which he ultimately succeeds in doing.Phifer is remarkable in his role,but Hartnett steals the show in a performance that he's never outdone.Hartnett was perfectly cast as the dark,manipulative and evil character,and its hard to pick a flaw in his performance.Julia Stiles also performs well as Desi Brable,the sweet,smart and pretty girlfriend of Odin.O is a gripping tale based on love,friendship,betrayal and deceit,issues which are effectively explored and given the importance they need in the film.It is hard-hitting and confronting,and not easily forgotten.Excessive explicit language,graphic violence and a very disturbing sex scene are most memorable.What hits hardest is how the characters treat each other,and there are scenes that are difficult to sit through,but its important that you do.O leaves you drained,but its nothing less than a masterpiece.Don't expect any sugar coating either;there isn't any.Finally,a teen film which is raw and real.

O Really?

[anaconda-40658 · 6/10 · 19 June 2015]

O (2001): Dir: Tim Blake Nelson / Cast: Mikhi Phifer, Julia Stiles, Josh Hartnett, Andrew Keegan, Elden Henson: Hits dead centre on message but flawed with its presentation as entertainment. Title is pathetically non vocal but it stands for Odin, top basketball player in high school. The coach claims to love him like a son. This doesn't impress his real son Hugo who devises a plan to derail Odin's success, with horrid results. It is a very detailed plan involving deceit and jealousy. Directed by Tim Blake Nelson who builds tension despite the many contrived moments where information is heard by just the right people. Mikhi Phifer plays Odin as a success story slowly destroyed through manipulation and eventually his own rage. Josh Hartnett plays the manipulating Hugo who will stop at nothing to prove himself superior. Julia Stiles plays Odin's girlfriend who becomes the victim of manipulation and eventually she too suffers for the crimes of others. Andrew Keegan plays a suspended player whom Hugo manipulates into hanging out with Stiles in an attempt to get Odin suspicious. Elden Henson plays a kid who is the victim of bullying until he eventually snaps. Based on the Shakespeare play Othello where the biggest strength comes from fine casting and the capitalization of hard hitting themes. The production isn't fancy but it shows how jealousy can destroy lives. Score: 6 / 10

Don't waste your money

[mrmejw · 1/10 · 1 September 2001]

Wow, that was one crap-tastic movie. The script was trite, the actors were not entertaining, and I just had a bad feeling sitting through this movie. That was 8 bucks I could of spent on a piece of rope to hang myself... I'm sure it would of been more entertaining. It's a good thing Shakespeare is dead because if he wasn't he'd be p***ed off right now.

Disturbing but fascinating

[preppy-3 · 8/10 · 4 September 2001]

Retelling of Shakespeare's "Othello" set in the year 2000 with high school kids. I've never read "Othello" so I don't know how faithful this is. An alienated high school kid (Josh Hartnett) ignored by his basketball coach father (Martin Sheen chewing the scenery), plots to destroy Odin (Mekhi Phifer) a star player his father adores. Tragedy follows. Fast-paced, somber and disturbing. The characters talk and act like real kids--you get to know and understand them so the violence that erupts at the end is very upsetting. Excellent acting, especially by Julia Stiles (as Odin's girlfriend Desi), Phifer and Hartnett (who's absolutely chilling). The only bad acting is by Sheen--way too over the top. This is an extreme film--lots of swearing, a disturbing sex scene and the killings at the end. Worth seeing but depressing. Sat on the shelf for 2 years because Miramax was afraid of it. Good thing Lions Gate bought it and released it.

Overlooked new version of Othello deserves mention

[funkyfry · 7/10 · 28 October 2002]

Memorable modern adaption of "Othello" sets the story in a ritzy prep school where Odin (Phifer) is the star basketball player, one of the school's only black students, and also one of its most popular. His sexy white girlfriend (Stiles) is the headmaster's daughter.

A good showcase for the young actors, as well as the veterans who fill out the cast. Follows O's tragedy to all of its brutal conclusions.

This film's success was hurt when it was held back for 2 years following the Columbine High School murders, to which its events bear little resemblance. As a consequence, its once cutting-edge soundtrack was yesterday's news, and its stars had in some cases already broken through. It was not very successful, but hopefully will have a long life on video.

low-quality modernization

[marsoullis · 2/10 · 13 June 2006]

First of all, the makers of "O" were a little overzealous in being true to the original story Othello (as even the title will attest). I'm a purist by nature, but making the story totally identical yet throwing in so many modernisms to it made it confusing. The acting wasn't great at all (how they got Martin Sheen...it's only to his folly, I guess), the sex was ridiculous (were they even trying to convince the audience it was more than simulated?), and well, such a dismal story is not at all worth retelling in the first place. Don't see it -- if you must see something then catch Fishburne and Branagh in the film version of the original Shakespearean story.

Better than a lot of movies

[anoushbabygirl · 11 April 2004]

Mekhi plays the only black basketball player in an all-white high school. Julia Stiles portrays his (dumb) white girlfriend, Desi. Josh Hartnett is Hugo, and he is obsessed with Odin, who his coach dad likes better than him. I watched the one with Lawrence Fishburne, and read the cliff notes last year for class (I'm busy, not stupid!), and the one big difference between this movie and the play is how the characters are written. In the play, Iago (Hugo) is not very emotional or weak. He hates Othello for unknown reasons, and vows to destroy him. In O, Josh Hartnett plays him as somewhat vulnerable and confused. He is motivated mostly by his father's indifference, but a lot of his actions are left ambiguous. He hates and loves Odin, instead of just hating him. The last lines are about him. The story is told mostly from Hugo's oint of view, and compared to the original, Othello is insecure and not very "noble." He's really just a normal kid, but obviously had some kind of complex, and the drugs Hugo gave him made it worse.

O my- another stab at modernizing Shakespeare

[gizmomogwai · 7/10 · 13 August 2010]

After starring in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Julia Stiles does another movie adapting Shakespeare into a modern high school setting. This one is called O, and is based on Othello. Stiles plays a white girl named Desi who is in a relationship with Odin, a black student who wins basketball games for the school again and again. Another player, Hugo, becomes jealous and plots to tear Odin and Desi apart.

A possible problem in making a movie like O is that it might be interpreted as a racist warning for white women- "Ladies, if you're going to date a black guy, be prepared to accept some rape and strangling." (Odin does both to Desi; although she later denies being raped, she technically was because she told Odin to stop and he didn't). But the movie almost certainly isn't trying to promote that kind of message. Perhaps a better view is that race is a secondary issue in O and the real issues are teen jealousy, angst and violence. And that's good subject matter- after the 1999 Columbine high school shootings, teen violence becomes a more relevant issue- there should be more stories trying to tackle it. I found the concept of high school tragedy interesting, and this movie had some solid moments.

Still, there are flaws. First off I'll note some of the songs used in this movie just don't fit a tragedy- it's just music that Odin might like. The song Painted On My Heart was used in this movie's brilliant trailer; it should have been used in the movie, too. Turning now to the plot, it's arguable that Odin is too easily manipulated, too quick to deteriorate. We probably don't have enough time to sympathize with him before he goes crazy- like in the rape scene. Beyond that, there are some examples of second-rate acting, like from the girl angry about getting the scarf. Sill, O is entertaining, worth seeing at least.

"O" brother, where art thou?

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 9 September 2006]

In one of many adaptations of Shakespeare plays (in this case "Othello"), high school student Odin James (Mekhi Phifer) has everything that he wants, including hot girlfriend Desi Brable (Julia Stiles), but Hugo Goulding (Josh Hartnett) seeks to undermine everything. I actually like this Shakespeare adaptation better than the recent adaptations of "Romeo and Juliet" or "Hamlet", as this one uses modern language. I mean, Shakespearean talk sounds nice, but it just doesn't seem to fit in a world of iPods and such.

So, I recommend "O", even if the cast members sometimes try a little to hard to emote. Also starring Andrew Keegan, Rain Phoenix, Martin Sheen and John Heard.

Not that this is really related, but Tim Blake Nelson has now been involved in two updated versions of classic literature: he directed this one and starred in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (adapted from "The Odyssey"). And both begin with O. Hmm...

Crazy thrill ride but not quite what expected

[bigrex76 · 6/10 · 13 September 2001]

Sitting down for this movie I was a bit skeptical. After the opening scenes and characters were developed I really got into the story. As the movie progressed I found myself wanting to jump into the screen and tell everyone what was wrong and wanted to help them as to not get hurt. The ending was great and kept me on edge the whole time.

Pathetically stupid

[EnchntdFlwr · 1/10 · 24 February 2002]

This movie is one of the worst I have ever seen. I consider it a waste of money and time. The story itself had really little point, and the 10 minute sex-scene made it a stomach turning, revolting nightmare. I suggest to anyone that is considering seeing this, to spend their money elsewhere--a spare toilet seat would be more useful.

One of the better retellings of Shakespeare to date. ***1/2 (out of four)

[Movie-12 · 8/10 · 7 September 2001]

O / (2001) ***1/2 (out of four)

After the disastrous attempts the last decade has made at updating Shakespeare, I eventually thought that it was nearly impossible to successfully modernize anything of the genre. Shakespeare's themes and ideas can still relate with many aspects of society today, but seldom do filmmakers incorporate modern culture with the timeless stories told so long ago. "O" is like a slap in the face that proves my theory wrong. Based on Shakespeare's play "Othello," this isn't the first time Hollywood has tried to translate the tragic masterpiece onto film. In 1995, Laurence Fishburne starred in Oliver Parker's unsuccessful adaptation of the play. This time around, director Tim Blake Nelson has finally completed a victorious version of the story.and it's takes the form of a high school drama.

The film takes place in an elite private school located in the American South. Mekhi Phifer ("I Still Know What You Did Last Summer") stars as the title character, named Odin James, the only African American student at the school. That doesn't interfere with his reputation or image, however, because he's the school's defining figure. Rewarded MVP by the school's basketball team, he's a virtual celebrity with the student body, the basketball coach (Martin Sheen), as well as his beautiful girlfriend, Desi Brable (Julia Stiles of "Save the Last Dance"), the daughter of the Dean of Palmetto Grove Academy (John Heard).

Hugo Goulding (Josh Hartnett of "Pearl Harbor"), the son of the basketball coach, is Odin's best friend. He's asked by his father to look out for Odin because of the straining pressures of Palmetto Grove Academy. Little does anyone know, however, Hugo is dangerously envious of Odin and the attention he receives. On the outside, Hugo is friendly to all of his basketball teammates, including Odin, but on the inside, he's concocting a bitterly evil plan that will render more than just the social status of his classmates.

This tale of treachery, jealousy, and mistrust will introduce a new audience to the genius of William Shakespeare and some of his most intriguing and intelligent characters. In this version, the film changes the original metaphor of war into that of high school sports. It's startling how the themes of the classic story translate so well to the lives of modern young people. The film thoroughly examine the emotions of its characters. Through jealousy, favoritism, trust, and envy, to popularity, conformity, and the extreme measure some will take to fulfill their feelings, "O" looks into the heart of darkness, not through a sadistic serial killer or demonic monster, but through one of the most dangerous figures of all, a friend with ulterior motives.

Working against an inconsistent editing style and an uneven soundtrack, the actors do an exceedingly well job with their difficult characters. Josh Hartnett delivers a performance that isn't excessive or physically violent, but instead internal and intelligent. He gives his character a face for the complex emotions. He doesn't seek satisfaction through random temper tantrums, but through developing a full scale plan. Julia Stiles projects a charming, passionate chemistry with her supporting characters. Mekhi Phifer also furnishes a strong, convincing image of Odin.

Perhaps "O" doesn't fully exceed it's potential. It doesn't develop such possible themes as racism or one-sidedness. While creating a strong message on keeping friends close, but enemies closer, the film fails to examine a handful of themes that would have made the powerful, tragic conclusion even more effective.

"O" was originally completed in 1998, but because of the recent violence in real life high schools, the studios were uncertain about it's content and rescheduled its release date numerous times. Maybe these actions say something about the movie's impact and how influential it may become. In that case, why wait to release "O" if the message is something today's teens need to witness, both to inform them on Shakespeare and to demonstrate the dangerous results of envy and jealousy.

Flawed but effective "re-imagining" of Othello

[Hancock_the_Superb · 7/10 · 21 December 2007]

Odin James (Mekhi Phifer) is the only black student at Palmetto Grove, a private school in the Deep South. He is the star of the basketball team, is dating Desi (Julia Stiles) daughter of the school's dean, and is loved by teachers, coaches, and students. All that is, except Hugo (Josh Hartnett), the insanely jealous son of the basketball coach (Martin Sheen). Enlisting the help of hopeless outcast Rodger (Elden Hanson) and his girlfriend Emily (Rain Phoenix), Hugo launches a convoluted scheme to destroy Odin's life, convincing him that Desi is cheating on him and also turning him against best friend Mike Cassio (Andrew Keegan). Odin's jealousy eventually gets the better of him, and a tragic conclusion becomes inevitable.

Adapting Shakespeare for teens is a process that generally strikes me as intellectual masturbation or pompous self-importance. The themes of Shakespeare's plays are so universal and more importantly oft-copied that claiming descent from Shakespeare seems like a desperate attempt to add class to an otherwise typical film. Luhrman's "Romeo+Juliet" was a loud, flashy mess, redeemed only by its lead actors. "Ten Things I Hate About You" and "She's the Man" were disposable fun but more or less interchangeable with any number of other teen flicks, and in any case bearing only tertiary relation with their source material. I'm not impressed with "She's the Man" claiming descent from "Twelfth Night" because its basic story has been done five million times since.

However, O stands above these films, despite a few notable flaws, namely the ending. Tim Blake Nelson adapts what is (in my opinion) Shakespeare's greatest tragedy Othello into a modern setting with surprising skill, keeping the spirit and themes of the play intact and even adding additional layers to it.

Shakespeare's play is as much about the villainous Iago as it Othello. Despite his wickedness, Iago is a sympathetic character; he is clearly a tormented man with inner demons he doesn't know how to face. In this film, Hugo has additional motivation beyond merely being passed over for promotion (or acknowledgment as MVP). His father barely acknowledges his existence, while embracing Odin as "the son I never had". As despicable as Hugo's actions are, it's easy to see what would drive him to such extremes.

Also added is an exploration high school caste system. Usually dealt with in a truncated and comic fashion, it is devastatingly portrayed here. Rodger, Hugo's accomplice, is the son of one of the school's contributors, but also a geek who is beat up and picked on by pretty much everyone. There is a painful scene where Cassio torments him at a basketball game until he leaves. Hugo's alienation from his team mates is also a major factor, and it's easy to see why many people thought of Columbine when the film was released. People cast out by society are likely to their revenge, and this film shows that with devastating effect.

Perhaps inevitably, the movie gives more weight to Odin's race than the source material did. The film features several sex scenes, including a disturbing one at mid-point where Odin's jealous begins to take hold in the middle of coitus - a scene that is both disturbing and effective. Odin is a model student, a great player, and liked by almost everyone in spite of his race, and yet as Hugo's scheme begins he begins reverting to stereotypes - he does drugs, is violent and moody, and at the end is driven to murderous rage. Odin is a victim as much of his own demons as Hugo, and the movie does an excellent job showing that.

The biggest problem with the film is the end. Although abbreviated, the movie does a good job following the original text, and the film is perfectly paced. Until the climax. The decision to reduce the last two acts into a brief montage scene was a mistake, and ruined the pacing of the film. Odin's monologue at the end justifying his actions would have been more powerful if the movie hadn't just leaped into it.

The cast is uniformly solid. Mekhi Phifer is powerful as Odin; his portrayal of Odin as a victim of his own insecurities is spot-on, and he is a thoroughly believable character throughout. Josh Hartnett, whom I've never rated as much of an actor, surprised me with a powerful performance as the treacherous Hugo. Julia Stiles' part as Desi is underwritten but Stiles cannot be faulted for that, and as always her performance is top-notch. Andrew Keegan, Rain Phoenix, and Elden Hanson also create memorable characters. Martin Sheen and John Heard are effective as the two most prominent adult cast members.

Despite the ending, "O" is definitely the best of the teen adaptations of Shakespeare. The spirit of the original play is kept intact, and the characters are adapted well into a modern context. Definitely worth a look.

7/10

crap

[thomasgulch · 1/10 · 16 October 2007]

Delmar from O brother directs this takeoff on Othello, perhaps the 1000th movie remake of this story. Newer directors are always trying to make this story into a movie about contemporary suburban white high schools because they can work some soft core scenes of a black kid and a white girl in erotic situations, some rap music, and present the concept of the 'noble black savage' as a modern hero. If you missed this derivative piece of garbage, wait about ten minutes and some other new movie director will make another 'Othello' ripoff. Let this concept die. This whole concept of translating Shakespeare into contemporary themes degrades Shakespeare and doesn't do anything for the literacy of most public high school youth who cannot read and are more interested in hip hop, drugs, guns and short pants wide enough to stuff a bicycle into.

Strong and chilling.

[Finntroll · 8/10 · 31 May 2004]

In these dark times when it seems like at least 95 % of all the teen-movies that are made are trying to copy "American Pie", this is the kick in the butt that the genre needs.

Shakespeare's classical play Othello has been somewhat rewritten to fit the silverscreen and the 21st century better. The theme of revenge, love and jealousy remains intact but the settings have been changed. Great actors in the three leading roles (Stiles, Phifer, Hartnett) makes this movie feel alive, and the cursing and violence makes it feel even more real. The ending is scary and sad, and it makes you think for a long time after you've seen it.

Along with "Donnie Darko" and "Ghost World", this is one of the best movies aimed at teens I've seen.

***/****

my notes

[FeastMode · 7/10 · 24 June 2019]

Great adaptation of and old Shakespeare story. a tragedy at it's very essence (about 2 viewings)

Some things are best left un-adapted

[creed78 · 1/10 · 31 August 2001]

Shakespeare's works have been updated for the big screen numerous times. From MacBeth to Ten Things I Hate About You, filmmakers have tried to turn his masterpieces of stage writing into great films. Some succeed. Some others, however, turn out like "O."

If my girlfriend hadn't held my arm as I tried to stand up, I would have left the theater about 40 minutes into this unbearable adaptation. Okay, fine, the filmmaker tried to stay as true to Shakespeare's original plot and characters as possible. That alone is admirable. But when you realize that staying true to the original play prevents you from making a decent movie, wouldn't you just move on to a different project? Say, one that doesn't seem contrived and trite the entire time?

I know we live in an age of teen angst and insecurity (heck, every age is probably such) but how are we supposed to believe that a jealous teenager (Hugo) would embark on such a manipulative mission of sneakiness, and find the willing help of a conveniently placed red-headed geek who is willing to do his bidding? He launches his plot by manipulating people to do things to upset other people. Hugo tells his friend Michael that Michael can get back in good favor with their friend Odin by getting closer to Odin's girl. "Um, okay. That makes sense to me. If I hang out with his girl more, Odin will understand that I really want to be his friend." A character that dumb deserves to be shot.

Again, maybe in Shakespeare's original play, this kind of plotting and scheming didn't seem so far fetched. Maybe it sounds better when it's soldiers and dukes and princesses and slaves that are battling for affection and speaking their lines in Shakespeare's eloquent dialect. But it transferred poorly to this modern adaptation.

And I got the feeling that not one of the actors was ever doing more than reciting lines. I never felt they were acting. I never thought Julia Stiles was anybody but Julia Stiles. Odin was just Mekhi Pfifer. And Josh Hartnett was just horrible. And it felt like the director slept through the whole process.

I can proudly say that this is the worst movie I've seen all summer (and that's a summer that includes debacles like Planet of the Apes and Pearl Harbor). It should have been left alone in its classic setting, with its classic dialogue, and its classic characters. I believe there is such a version out there somewhere, starring Laurence Fishburne. That must be a much better experience, but I wouldn't expect all you MTV junkies to watch anything with stars that are over 28 years old.