Release Date: 2/19/2002 Original Release: 2001 Format: DVD Widescreen Length: 91 minutes Rating:R (MPAA) Rating Reason: violence, a scene of strong sexuality, language, and drug use UPC: 031398791126 Studio: Trimark Home Video
Dramas, Rape, Deception, Theatrical Release, Shakespeare, Violence, Teenagers, High School Experiences, Based On A Novel
Description
Director Tim Blake Nelson sets Shakespeare's OTHELLO in a modern day private high school and the result is a dark, somber teen tragedy. Mekhi Phifer (CLOCKERS) stars as Odin James, an African American star basketball player at the otherwise all-white school. The coach of the team (Martin Sheen) loves Odin like a son, which causes real son Hugo (Josh Hartnett) to squirm with jealousy and plan an elaborate revenge. Julia Stiles (a modern dress Shakespeare regular, having also co-starred in HAMLET and TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU) is Desi, the virginal daughter of the dean, with whom Odin is in love. The ensuing outburst of tragic teen violence is a shocking denouement that elevates the already dangerous mood of the film to full-fledged terror.
Because of the intense violence in the film, it was shelved for years by a nervous Miramax in the wake of the real-life Columbine high school massacre. Finally, it was picked up by Lion's Gate Films. Upon viewing the film, such worry seems needless, as the film does nothing to glorify the violence it depicts. It explores themes of class, race, and all-consuming jealousy. Shakespeare's original dialogue is abandoned in favor of hip-hop-flavored modern language, but the tale's timeless relevance remains unaltered.
DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case 2-Disc Set: Disc One: Widescreen Full Frame Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Additional Release Information: Audio Commentary - 1. Tim Blake Nelson - Director, Julia Stiles - Star, Russell Lee Fine - Cinematographer Music-Only Track Interactive Features: Interactive Menus Scene Selection Disc Two: Widescreen Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Additional Release Material: The classic film OTHELLO (80 mins.) with a new score and commentary Deleted Scenes Cast & Crew Interviews Interactive Features: Interactive Menus Scene Selection
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