Iago and a comrade-in-arms are outside the Venice home of Desdemona's father, who does not yet know that she has eloped with Othello. Iago confides to his friend -- who had hoped to marry Desdemona -- that he serves Othello to further his own ends. Venice needs Othello to protect its commercial interests in Cyprus where the Turkish fleet is headed. Desdemona insists on going to Cyprus, too. In Cyprus, Iago plots to convince Othello that Desdemona has betrayed him with Cassio. A lot more than political ambition seems to be motivating Iago.
Acting
Hopkins and Hoskins lock horns in masterclass duel
Direction
Miller strips sets bare, focuses on faces
Writing
Shakespeare's most brutal domestic tragedy unchanged
Director
Jonathan Miller
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Miller insisted on minimal sets and natural lighting, making this the most 'chamber play' Othello on film.
Hopkins' casting sparked debate then and now—this was his second Othello, having played it on stage in 1968.
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