Otello (1986)

An Italian opera about a Shakespeare play produced by Globus-Golan is probably testing my patience on one or two points. The lighting and filming of this have the quality of a stage production made for PBS. The colossal sets are either filled with dozens of extras or overwhelming a single pair. The singing and acting are spot on though and after reading a synopsis of Verdi’s opera, I was able to just go along for the ride. The blackface is unfortunate but it is reassuring that that particular quirk of Othello productions is going out of favor. Regrettably the disagreeable sexual politics remains. 

Oscar Nomination: Best Costume Design