Episode 281: Othello (1951) / Filming Othello

In this episode, we dive deep into Orson Welles’ ambitious and
visually stunning 1951 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. Known
for its turbulent production—spanning years, continents, and
funding challenges—Welles’ Othello is as much a story about the
making of a film as it is about the tragic Moor of Venice. We’ll
explore how Welles’ unique cinematic vision transformed
Shakespeare’s text into a noir-infused, dreamlike masterpiece,
analyzing his bold use of shadow, striking close-ups, and
inventive editing. We’ll also discuss the film’s performances,
including Welles’ commanding yet vulnerable take on Othello and
Micheál Mac Liammóir’s chilling portrayal of Iago. Finally, we’ll
examine how this film fits into Welles’ career and why it remains
one of his most underappreciated works.Feel free to email at
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