"Othello" is a German 80-minute movie (in the 2001 version) written and directed by Russian-born filmmaker Dimitri Buchowetzki. It is probably the most known work of his career. And it falls into the category of German silent black-and-white film from the 1920 where we have so so many. Unfortunately, this one does not stand out whatsoever compared to the majority of other films and sinks in the pool of mediocrity. I guess it is only still somewhat known today because the film is based on a work of a man somebody consider the greatest writer in history: William Shakespeare. Then again, the new generation who hears "otelo" (or "Othello") will maybe think of the phone company instead. But that's what it is. But this also makes me especially sad as this film, even looking at how old it is, may have been a nice way of depicting a Shakespeare story in motion picture form and making the material accessible through film. But it did not work out. I was not entertained watching this. Then again, thinking about it, also in new films, there has not been an Othello version for a long time, at least not a popular one, so may be it is time. Or the material just is not relevant enough anymore. I hope I am wrong with the latter. I do not recommend this 1922 film. Thumbs down.
Review of Othello
