O Review

Tim Blake Nelson's film O, a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Othello" set in American upper class prep school was underwhelming. The film began with a basketball team playing a close game with the main character, Odin, modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello character, making a buzzer beater shot to win the game. Later at an awards ceremony, Odin is recognized as the team MVP or most valuable player. During his acceptance speech Odin says it wouldn't have been possible without his right-hand man, Mike, modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Cassio character, setting Hugo off, modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Iago character. Right from the start the movie falls into the Hollywood trap of casting big-named stars in high school character roles as they are looking to make more money off of their names rather than portray realistic looking high school students (Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett, etc.). I think portraying the movie in an American upper class prep school was a positive director decision as it immediately puts Odin, a black male, in the minority, just as Othello is in Shakespeare's play. This plot point comes into play when Hugo makes Desdemona's dad, the dean, aware of the relationship and claims Odin had raped Desi, modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Desdemona character. Where I really think the movie lacks is the script. There were countless times where I had to cringe at lines said or thought "did he really say that," and they just show  the intent was there but the execution was lacking. Furthermore, some plot points such as Hugo doing drugs in the form of steroids didn't make much sense as this had no relevancy to the play. Furthermore, Odin's drug usage later on didn't make much sense either as it was irrelevant to the plot and just didn't really fit in anywhere. Another negative aspect of O, was the poor effects of the deaths as they were very unrealistic and poorly budgeted. I was also taken back by the casual use of the n-word in this movie. Although I understand it was the early 2000s and the culture at that time was more inclined to use this type of language, it still came at a surprise to me and I feel it was unnecessary and just flat out racist. I do think the use of Emilia, modern adaptation of Shakespeare's character Emilia, and Desi being roommates made the "handkerchief" scene more fluid and logical.