Orson Welles' production of Othello was adapted from Shakespeare's play and cut in length to be much shorter in its running time. Welles' touch can be seen from the moment the film begins with the funeral procession as Othello and Desdemona are carried to their final resting places. The imagery has incredibly depth and contrast within it as we see priests walking in the foreground as Othello's body is carried of in the distance making the priests look large and Othello very small. Then, the intersection of Othello's procession line with Desdemona's shows that they, though apart, are now heading for the same place from which they cannot escape.
The imagery proves to tell us exactly what the fate of the lovers will be. Then, Welles sinks us into darkness before coming back in a reflection upon the Venetian water. This imagery shows us that we are being taken back in time, in order that we get the full understanding as to what occurred here. And, Welles' use of imagery continues throughout the film as we see the great storm that crushes the Turks, representing also the storm that will soon rage within Othello. And, finally the dome being closed upon Othello after he has killed his great love, Desdemona and stabbed himself; symbolizing the end of his life.
Welles contributes greatly to the legacy of Othello as he makes the story accessible to many who would never have seen the full version in the theatre. He trims the text down and creates a film that funs just over 90 minutes. By doing so, many could believe that he is committing blasphemy, but if by doing so more people experienced the tale was it worth it? Arguably, it was worth it after all.
