Othello (1965)

Even though it’s not really a life’s goal, I definitely warm to Shakespeare adaptations as I become more and more familiar with the story. Here we have a hammy Laurence Olivier as the titular Othello whose jealousy for his wife’s attentions is stoked by rival Iago. For me the costumes and make-up distract from any issues with the performances though. As if the blackface of Othello isn’t generally unsettling enough, Olivier’s makeup here has a weird bluish tinge as if he also had been on a colloidal silver regimen at the same time. While seemingly consistent with other Olivier Shakespeare productions, the wigs on many of the characters are unflattering and ill-fitting, as are the caftans that seem to comprise the majority of Othello’s wardrobe. The barebones set pieces seemed to work better here than they do in Richard III; the colors especially helping to invoke the tragic mood of the work. I do enjoy seeing Maggie Smith in her younger roles. Years of watching Downton Abbey reruns and Harry Potter films always has me unprepared to see her softer side.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor in a Leading Role; Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Best Actress in a Supporting Role (2)