"I thought he wrote movies".

I want to argue that "O" is a good representation of a Shakespeare play. Personally, if Shakespeare were to make movies today, they would turn out similar to the adaptation of Othello, "O". The first reason is that "O" does not include Hollywood's repetitive conventions. Secondly, "O" deals with issues of today as Shakespeare delt with societal issues of his time. The Othello play spoke to audiences of that time as "O" speaks to audiences of the 21st century.

"O" is not your typical Hollywood love movie

- As Hugh wrote in his article, "O" is more dark and serious than other adaptations of Shakespearee.
- "O" includes a sad ending unlike most adaptations such as Clueless and Never Been Kissed.
- " O" takes risks in playing with issues of race.
- "O" also portrays sexuality more so than other adaptations.
- In class it was said that the exhibition of this film took some time because of the risks it included such as it was a year after Columbine shooting.
- The cinematic techniques of "O" is deep and metaphorical. The example most primary to this suggestion is the sex scene in which the juxtaposition of black sking and white skin includes a long take.



"O" deals with issues of today versus Shakespearian times

- High school today is more focused on sports and getting ahead, in the past it would have been about war and honour. "O" portrays the game of basketball as precious, masculine and an honourable sport to play in. Also, the coach of the basketball team shouts at the player as a sargeant would.

- The play "Othello" speaks to teenage audiences today because they experience jealousy and rivalry in High school. However the adaptation "O" illustrated the love between a girlfriend and boyfriend rather than a husband and wife as Shakespeare had done.

- The "tragedy" of today in "O" is not played down as being unimportant and personal such as a girl that's never been kissed. Instead, this film deals with guns, shooting, and raw tragedy of our time - and a year after Columbine shooting.

- One aspect that remains an issue throughout all time is class. Hugo mentions a stereotype in once scene to Roger, in which he says " you rich kids have no patience".

- As it is a movie about teenagers, I enjoyed the way in which gossip and bullying was still demonstrated. I especially liked that they were taken to an extreme and dark version in which the seriousness of these issues can be explored realistically.

"O" speaks to audiences of today as Othello speaks to audiences of that time

- some like to be critical in saying that "O" did not include the Shakespearian old english language of Othello. I would like to argue that an adaptation should not, it should be remade in to today's society and for that society. Language is how we understand each other and if we want to understand the play Othello in a movie, it should contain the universal english language of today.

- In including race as an issue and stereotype, audiences today will relate more to the film and the whole concept behind Shakespeare's Othello.

Overall, If Shakespeare were alive today and decided to become a director,Othello would be adapted in a similar way as "O".

Other Comments

I believe Heathers was the film I related "O" to the most in that Hugo and Roger's plan is to make the killings look like suicide.

I want to suggest that Michael's character could have been a bit more threatening. He was very plain and outsiderish.