Scene-Response (Enrty 21)

All three versions, the 1952, the 1981, and the 1995, offer a different view on how the scene, in which Iago puts doubt into Othello's mind, can be interrupted.

The 1952 version is black and white and Othello is portrayed by a white male. In the scene Othello is wearing knights armor suggestive of his lifestyle as a honest admired man, or literally a knight in shining armor. Iago portrayed by a small less appealing man in dark clothing, very fitting to his dark motives. The start of the conversation is depicted as being very casual as they stroll along a catwalk that overlooks the sea. The sound of the waves and wind in the background give it a mellow feel. However, as the conversation becomes more intense they move inside to a dark eerie room that adds tension to the scene.

In the 1981 version Othello is yet again portrayed as a white man. Othello is played by a tall, handsome man dressed in white, whereas, Iago is played by a short, chunky man in black clothing. Not only their physical appearance but also the attire plays into how the are to be perceived but the audience, white and pure, black and corrupt. As the conversation goes on the space between that actors varies greatly. When the conversation is light the is a greater amount of space but as their voices raise and their tone deepens space gets closer and closer.

In the 1995 version the part of Othello, as intended by Shakespeare, is played by a black man. Again, the actors are dressed with Othello in lighter colored clothing then Iago. The start of the scene is very casual with several people around but then as conversation begins the two move inside to a dark room alone. As the conversation escalates music begins playing to the background and the voice of the men get louder and louder. However, what I noticed the most about this scene in comparison to the others is that Othello is very physical in his discussion with Iago and even points a gun at him. To me this portrays Othello as a violent pushy man which is not what I feel.