Review of O (2001) by Shelby N — 05 Jun 2007
This is a modernization of "Othello," set in a posh boarding school that is also a perennial basketball powerhouse. Othello becomes Oden (Phifer), the lone black student at the school and the star player. Desdemona becomes Desi (Stiles), Oden's girlfriend and the headmaster's daughter. Iago becomes Hugo (Hartnett), also a basketball player and the coach's (Sheen) son, who feels overlooked as both a player and a son. We also get an Emily, a Rodger, and so forth.
The original plot is stuck to very closely -- even woodenly -- rather than being modernized. It creates some plot holes and renders some character actions unbelievable. (It's possible I'm mistaking the director's intent here, though.).
The acting is decent. The writing okay. Same for the direction (Tim Blake Nelson). All in all, it's probably interesting enough to rate a rent.
This review of O (2001) was written by Shelby N on 05 Jun 2007.
O has generally received mixed reviews.
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