I found Othello, the 1995 film, to be a close adaptation of the written play read in class, but in the part of Othello there are notable variances between the film and the written play that may be accounted for by the actor's interpretation of Othello. Through his persona, Lawrence Fishburn portrayed Othello as commanding more clout in the film than he did in the written play, and Fishburn portrayed Othello as having less emotional intimacy with Desdemona in the film than he did in the written play.When Othello is summoned before the Duke to answer Brabantio's charges of thievery, he exhibits much clout, as he appears calm and composed in the filmed version. Fishburn's interpretation of the character is obviously one of which he senses great clout because he exudes more authority in the hearing than Brabantio. He almost looks disgusted as he enters the room as if he should not even have to answer the frivolous charges made by Brabantio. After he addresses the Duke, he turns and walks directly up to Brabantio then he recounts his history with Brabantio while standing tall and looking down on the pitiful looking old man. Fishburn's persona in this scene does not give the slightest hint that he is afraid of the Duke's judgment. The authoritative tone given to his voice while he is recounting his history with Desdemona shows Fishburn's interpretation of Othello's clout even while he is in the presence of the Duke.Although Fisburn portrays Othello as having much clout when he is summoned before the Duke to answer Brabantio's charges of thievery in the filmed version, Othello appears to plead to the Duke for mercy in the written play. When Othello enters the room there is nothing to signify his demeanor in the written play, but under the circumstances the reader is lead to think that he would be the least bit nervous since his life is at stake. Further, as Othello address the Duke in the written play, the reader sees the humbling words: (...
