Filming Othello (1978)

Embarking on an introspective journey into the heart of cinematic creation, "Filming Othello" opens with the enigmatic Orson Welles, poised behind a moviola, inviting us into an informal, intimate conversation about his interpretation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Othello. With a captivating monologue, Welles unravels the intricate tapestry of events that led to the birth of this cinematic spectacle and the unexpected hurdles that haunted its production. As the film evolves, the solitary monologue morphs into a lively discourse set within the warm ambience of a restaurant. Welles is joined by Micheál MacLiammóir and Hilton Edwards, his co-stars who breathed life into the characters of Iago and Brabantio respectively. Together, they delve deeper into the enigmatic world of Othello's making, revealing the unseen layers of the film's production. Returning to his solitary post behind the moviola, Welles invites the audience to witness a past event— a vibrant question and answer session from a 1977 screening of Othello in Boston. This intimate interaction between the creator and his audience adds another dimension to the narrative. The film culminates with Welles, the eloquent monologuist, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of memory and retrospection. He expresses a longing to not look back on Othello with a lens of regret and lost opportunities, but instead to look forward to it as a project of promise and delight. "Filming Othello" ends with Welles' heartfelt wish for a future where Othello would be "one hell of a picture", offering a poignant farewell to the audience: "Goodnight." This immersive film provides a rare glimpse into the art of filmmaking, the trials and triumphs of creation, and the enduring power of Shakespeare's Othello.

Filming Othello is a documentary movie featuring Orson Welles.

Filming Othello is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.