Hey folks, Harry here. A day or so ago, we had the opinion of our fine Juliet as to the quality and nature of the film entitled 'O', based upon the classic story of OTHELLO, but updated to a modern story of teens. She really seemed to love it. Well as there is always, there is another side to the coin, and here is Xanthor to flip it. So... here he is...
Hi Harry,
Xanthor here again. I saw the screening of 'O' also and I felt like not even bothering to do a review... untill I saw the one on your site. Recently I have been giving negative reviews, and I don't want to seem like I am just a negative reviewist, but once again this was not a good movie. I would have to say the only redeeming feature of this movie (and I say movie, because it was not a film), is that Julia Stiles is superb. Josh Hartnett is alright, but he isn't anything he wasn't in the Faculty, (and once again he deels and does drugs). Martin sheen was decent, but he has definately been better, (and god almight when he was crying a the end, every person in the theater was laughing) Which by the way wasn't the only laugh where it wasn't supposed to be. People laughed when the letter 'O' appeared on the screen, just because it was such a ridiculous title.
When I went into the film I did not realize it would be Othello, but after 10 minutes I noticed, so it did follow closely to the actually original play. However they dropped all the amazing monologues. The only monologue infact was the last monologue given by Josh Hartnett (Hugo: AKA Iago). It was at the end and the monologue was an absolute ridiculous translation.
As far as being realistic to teens... I don't think so. And neither did the friend I went with. Although he did enjoy more than I did, he didn't think it was anything to rave over.
This movie did give me a feeling when I left also... it gave me the feeling I wanted to see American Beauty again, because it sure as hell is a much better two hours. 'O' is a movie that for free might be worth it... but it sure wouldn't be worth $8. My honest oppinion... spend $3 and rent the version with Lawrence Fishburne.
Xanthor
