Otello (1987)

Synopsis: Verdi's opera is here given the full cinematic treatment by acclaimed director Franco Zeffirelli (ROMEO & JULIET, LA TRAVIATA). Placido Domingo expertly combines rage and vulnerability as the... Verdi's opera is here given the full cinematic treatment by acclaimed director Franco Zeffirelli (ROMEO & JULIET, LA TRAVIATA). Placido Domingo expertly combines rage and vulnerability as the lovesick Moor unable to stem his jealousy once the evil Iago (Justino Diaz) plants the seeds of doubt. Katia Ricciarelli makes a beautiful and sublime Desdemona; it's almost unbearable to see her radiant joy snuffed by Othello's rage. Their love scene/duet in the first half is an achingly beautiful highlight, as is Ricaiarelli's transcendent "Ave Maria" near the end. Diaz is also excellent, producing a proud and unapologetic portrait of evil via his fierce vocalizing as Iago. Throughout the film, the singing and acting of these stars reverberates with almost unbelievable power. Zeffirelli's use of real locations, close-ups, elaborate tracking shots, gorgeous costumes, and expressive natural lighting adds poetry and psychological depth to the characters and the story, making this not just a great opera, but a great film. [More]

Starring: Placido Domingo, Justino Diaz, Katia Ricciarelli, Petra Malakova

Starring: Placido Domingo, Justino Diaz, Katia Ricciarelli, Petra Malakova, Urbano Barberini

Director: Franco Zeffirelli

Director: Franco Zeffirelli

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