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34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"O" is eye-opening and mind-blowing., September 10, 2001
Never having seen or read William Shakespeare's play "Othello," I was unsure what to expect from "O," a film that begins somewhat slowly, and then kicks into a higher gear as the plot thickens. This modern update of the classic play pays a great tribute to the work of Shakespeare, while also featuring some very well-wrought performances and a third act that is disturbing and affecting at the same time. Taking place in Charleston, South Carolina, at the high-class Palmetto Grove prep school, the film begins with a basketball game as Odin James (Mekhi Phifer), brings the team to yet another victory, while the wildly jealous Hugo (Josh Hartnett) looks on from the sidelines. Odin's fame among his teammates and fellow students, not to mention his stable relationship with Desi Brable (Julia Stiles), the daughter of the school's headmaster, enrages Hugo, who keeps his cool and concocts a plan of earning Odin's fame for himself. At this point, the actors have proved themselves very worthy of the film's many complex emotions. Phifer is also able to convince us of Odin's inner strength and sense of devotion to Desi, and Stiles mirrors these attributes in her character. The two share a warm and inviting chemistry seen little in films of a teenage nature; this is due in large part to the time the movie devotes to the developing of their relationship. This drawn-out approach may seem a bit tedious, but it serves to better the film by enhancing our connection with these two characters. It is Josh Hartnett, however, who steals most of the show as Hugo, instilling in him a subtle sense of deception that can be quite chilling. Hartnett handles the material just as it needs to be, in a calm, laid-back fashion. Hugo is the type of person who steps on those around him to get where he wants to be, and for this to work, he must show no emotion over the actions he takes; Hartnett captures this trait beautifully. As Hugo's jealousy grows, so do his evil plans. He involves many others in his quest for revenge; when fellow teammate Michael is temporarily kicked off the team, Hugo offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that he get Desi to convince Odin to suggest to the coach that he be reinstated. Hugo then plays on Odin's doubts, filling him with suggestions that Desi may be sharing more than just friendship with Michael. This begins an increasingly fascinating descent into untruths, deceit, and evil, as each character becomes involved in a final plot twist that will decide each of their fates. This, accompanied by the slowly progressing beginning and middle, make this one of the best Shakespeare reworkings I've seen to date. Everything about the film rings true to his work, right down to the dialogue, which, even in its modern state, evokes the tones and emotions that his original writings also do. That final act is what almost kept the film from reaching the silver screen. Filmed before the Columbine High School disaster, the film was shelved for fear that it would create a stir after that most brutal act. Seeing it now makes it that much more effective; it takes teenage issues, like jealousy, loyalty, betrayal, trust, and love, and casts them into a light that no other film would dare touch. The violence that permeates the film's ending is gratuitous, yes, but it also serves as a warning sign of just how out of control our society can be. "O" can be considered an unconventional teenage film, due to its daring approach, and its success in carrying out that approach in a convincing manner. Its lead actors are able to sell us on the characters they play, while the story itself stays in touch with the many messages embodied in all of Shakespeare's works. At first, I found the film somewhat tiresome; upon further thought, it gains luster.
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