Othello (2001)
An Explosive 21st Century Adaptation From Masterpiece Theatre
With freshly rechristened characters and brand-new dialogue, this British TV production of Othello is a "rethinking" of Shakespeare's play, albeit still retaining the original's power and potency. The story is set in the London of the near future, a crime-ridden metropolis virtually torn apart by racial hostilities. By order of the Prime Minister, black police officer John Othello (Eamonn Walker) is promoted to Commissioner, a post dearly coveted by Othello's friend, mentor and fellow officer Ben Jago (Christopher Eccleston). Seething with jealousy, Jago contrives to discredit Othello in the eyes of the public, and to destroy John's interracial marriage to the lily-white Dessie (Keeley Hawes). Among those used as unwitting dupes to gain Jago's ends are Othello's trusted lieutenant, Michael Cass (Richard Coyle), scrupulously honest police constable Alan Roderick (Del Synnott), and Jago's own wife, Lulu (Rachael Stirling).
Cast
- Christopher Eccleston - Ben Jago
- Eamonn Walker - John Othello
- Keeley Hawes - Dessie Brabant
- Richard Coyle - Michael Cass
- Rachael Stirling - Lulu
- Del Synnott - Alan Roderick
- Michelle Newell - Alma
- Christopher Fox - PC Adey
- Bill Paterson - Sinclair Carver
- Carl McCrystal - Geoffrey
Screenplay
- Andrew Davies
- William Shakespeare (Theatre Play)
Keywords
based on play or musical, interracial relationship, shakespeare in modern dress, shakespeare
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Othello about?
- With freshly rechristened characters and brand-new dialogue, this British TV production of Othello is a "rethinking" of Shakespeare's play, albeit still retaining the original's power and potency. The story is set in the London of the near future, a crime-ridden metropolis virtually torn apart by racial hostilities. By order of the Prime Minister, black police officer John Othello (Eamonn Walker) is promoted to Commissioner, a post dearly coveted by Othello's friend, mentor and fellow officer Ben Jago (Christopher Eccleston). Seething with jealousy, Jago contrives to discredit Othello in the eyes of the public, and to destroy John's interracial marriage to the lily-white Dessie (Keeley Hawes). Among those used as unwitting dupes to gain Jago's ends are Othello's trusted lieutenant, Michael Cass (Richard Coyle), scrupulously honest police constable Alan Roderick (Del Synnott), and Jago's own wife, Lulu (Rachael Stirling).
- Who directed Othello?
- Othello was directed by Geoffrey Sax.
- Who stars in Othello?
- Othello stars Christopher Eccleston, Eamonn Walker, Keeley Hawes, Richard Coyle, Rachael Stirling, Del Synnott.
- How long is Othello?
- Othello has a runtime of 1h 38m (98 minutes).
- What genre is Othello?
- Othello is a Drama film.
- Where was Othello produced?
- Othello was produced in Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom.