Othello

 

 

 

Screenplay by                             Oliver Parker

 

Produced by                               David Barron

                                                 Luc Roeg

 

Directed by                                Oliver Parker

 

 

 

Cast List:

 

Laurence Fishburne                Othello

Irène Jacob                              Desdemona

Kenneth Branagh                    Iago

Nathaniel Parker                      Cassio

Michael Maloney                     Roderigo

Anna Patrick                            Emilia

Nicholas Farrell                                   Montano

Indra Ove                                 Bianca

 

 

 

 

 

UNDERWATER CANAL – NIGHT

 

Glimmering shape moves through the water. As it comes closer we recognize it as a tragic mask – which is pulled up and out of the water.

 

 

EXT. CANAL – NIGHT

 

Misty night. The moon is reflected in the canal. A gondola appears through the mist. As it passes us we see a SLOUCHING FIGURE, wearing the tragic mask. The gondola crosses another which moors up. A veiled figure disembarks. A nightdress flashes white beneath a cloak, as the figure runs off.

 

 

EXT. ST. MARKS SQUARENIGHT

 

TWO ROBED MEN (SENATORS) walk briskly towards the Doge's palace.

 

TWO CAPTAINS approach from the other side.

 

 

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT

 

CLOSEUP: 16th century map of the Mediterranean by the flickering light of a fire. Venice is central. Rhodes and Cyprus are surrounded by symbols denoting armies and ships.

 

We pull back to see that the map is spread across a large table. TWO ATTENDANTS stand over it, holding torches. Their light gives glimpses of the several OFFICERS and ATTENDANTS in the background and of the rich tapestries and paintings of battles that adorn the walls.

 

SEVERAL ELDERLY SENATORS, lavishly dressed and dripping jewelry, sit, clutching letters. The 1st and 2nd Senators take their place among them. MESSENGERS run back and forth.

 

The DOGE (DUKE) OF VENICE sits by the fireside playing chess with an elegant YOUNG MAN (LODOVICO). We catch snippets of urgent conversation between the Senators.

 

FIRST SENATOR

There is no composition in these news

That gives them credit.

 

SECOND SENATOR

Indeed they are disproportioned

My letters say a hundred and seven galleys.

 

FIRST SENATOR

And mine a hundred and forty.

 

A TURKISH EMISSARY arrives with a scroll. A SOLDIER delivers the scroll to the Doge. He studies the following:

 

Sultan of the Turks to the Signory of Venice:

'We demand of you Cyprus, which you shall give

willingly or perforce. Beware, therefore,

lest you arouse our wrath for we shall wage

most cruel war against you everywhere.'

(1570)

 

He passes the scroll to his Senators. There is a flurry of activity.

 

DUKE

Tis certain then, for Cyprus.

 

 

EXT. STREET – NIGHT

 

The veiled figure rounds a corner into a seedy back street and runs through an arcade passing a trio of late night masked revelers.

 

 

INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT

 

Three men stand silently, tensely: A PRIEST, a handsome SOLDIER (CASSIO) and a black GENERAL (OTHELLO).

 

The door bursts open. The men rise. The veiled figure stands panting in the doorway and pulls back the veil to reveal a beautiful young woman, DESDEMONA.

 

 

INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT

 

Othello and Desdemona stand before the Priest. Othello fumbles awkwardly with the ring, then slips it onto her finger. They lean in to kiss. We pull back to reveal:

 

 

EXT. / INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT

 

A richly DRESSED GENTLEMAN (RODERIGO) and a SOLDIER (IAGO) watching through the window as Othello and Desdemona kiss. Roderigo's face twists in agony.

 

RODERIGO

I take it much unkindly that thou, Iago,

Shouldst know of this.

 

Othello brings out a sash and places it across Cassio's shoulder, who bows...

 

IAGO

By the faith of man,

1 know my price, I am worth no worse a place;

But he, that never set a squadron in the field,

Nor the division of a battle knows,

More than a spinster, must his Lieutenant be,

And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof –

God bless the mark – his moorship's Ancient.

 

Cassio cannot contain his smile. They clasp hands. Othello takes out a small dagger studded with rubies and gives it to him. The two men embrace. Cassio pays the Priest and they both leave.

 

Othello and Desdemona are now alone. They move towards each other, tentatively.

 

Roderigo turns away in disgust. He pulls Iago beneath the window and whispers:

 

RODERIGO

By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.

 

IAGO

Why, there's no remedy. 'Tis the curse of service:

 

RODERIGO

I would not follow him then.

 

IAGO

O, Sir, content you:

I follow him to serve my turn upon him.

We cannot all be masters, nor all masters

Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark

Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,

But seeming so for my peculiar end:

I am not what I am.

 

RODERIGO

What a full fortune does the thick lips owe

If he can carry't thust.

 

IAGO

Call up her father.

 

Roderigo considers, then sets off. Iago turns and looks directly into the Camera. Though his expression is blank, his eyes shine with tears.

 

 

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT

 

Cassio lots himself quietly into the chamber.

 

The Senators pore over the map.

 

DUKE

But who should lead our business against the Turkish fleet?

 

They exchange thoughtful glances.

 

FIRST SENATOR

(tentatively)

Othello?

 

SECOND SENATOR

Marcos Luccicos, is not he in town?

 

FIRST SENATOR

He's now in Florence. Othello?

 

The other Senators look disapprovingly at the Duke.

 

FIRST SENATOR

Another of his fathom we have none.

 

The Duke turns to Lodovico.

 

LODOVICO

The fortitude of the place is best known to him.

 

DUKE

Fetch Othello hither.

 

Cassio leaves the room, followed by two attendants

 

 

EXT. STREET TO BRABANTIO'S HOUSE – NIGHT

 

Iago and Roderigo approach BRABANTIO'S HOUSE.

 

 

INT. BRABANTIO'S BEDROOM – NIGHT

 

An OLD MAN (BRABANTIO) lies asleep in his bed. He mumbles and writhes.

 

RODERIGO

What, ho, Brabantio! Signor Brabantio, ho!

 

IAGO

Awake! What, ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves!

Look to your house, your daughter!

 

Brabantio sits bolt upright, as if waking from a nightmare, eyes staring.

 

IAGO

... and your bags! Thieves, thieves!

 

 

EXT. BRABANTIO'S BEDROOM – NIGHT

 

Roderigo and Iago shouting "Awake", "Brabantio", "Magnifico". Brabantio appears on his balcony in his night-dress. Iago ducks into the shadows.

 

BRABANTIO

(peering into the darkness)

What is the reason of this terrible summons? What is the matter here?

 

Iago urges Roderigo to speak.

 

RODERIGO

(nervously)

Signor, is all your family within?

 

BRABANTIO

I know thee, Roderigo,

And have charged thee not to haunt about my doors;

In honest plainness thou hast heard me say

My daughter is not for thee.

 

IAGO

Are your doors locked?

 

BRABANTIO

Why, wherefore ask you this?

 

IAGO

Zounds, sir, you're robbed; for shame, put on your gown;

Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul.

 

BRABANTIO

What, have you lost your wits?

 

IAGO

Even now, now, very now, an old black ram

Is tupping your white ewe. Arise I say!

 

BRABANTIO

What profane wretch art thou?

 

IAGO

I am one, sire that comes to tell you, your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.

 

BRABANTIO

Thou art a villain.

 

IAGO

You are a senator.

 

BRABANTIO

This thou shalt answer, Roderigo...

 

RODERIGO

Sir, I will answer anything; but I beseech you,

Straight satisfy yourself;

If she be in your chamber or your house,

Let loose on me the justice of the state

For thus deluding you.

 

BRABANTIO

Strike on the tinder, ho!

Give me a taper; call up all my people!

 

Brabantio mutters to himself, struggling for breath:

 

BRABANTIO

This accident is not unlike my dream:

Belief of it oppresses me already.

(yelling)

Light, I say, light!

 

Brabantio goes back into his room. Sounds of commotion.

 

Iago congratulates Roderigo with a firm shake of the hand.

 

Roderigo gives him a purse.

 

IAGO

Farewell, for I must leave you.

 

Roderigo tries to grab him, but Iago eludes him and goes.

 

Brabantio comes out of his front door into the street.

 

A BAND OF MEN carrying torches gather at his side.

 

BRABANTIO

It is too true an evil. Gone she is.

Do you know where we may

Apprehend her and the Moor?

 

RODERIGO

I think I can discover him.

 

BRABANTIO

O, that you had had her.

(shouting to his Servants)

Get weapons, Ho!

 

 

EXT. CHAPEL – NIGHT

 

Cassio, his two Attendants and Iago stand motionless in the swirling mist. Cassio is a little uncomfortable and discovers that Iago is staring at him. Their eyes lock together. Iago breaks the tension with a wink. Cassio grins, Iago smiles warmly.

 

Othello steps out of the chapel to join them. He scoops up a stray cat into his arms.

 

IAGO

I pray you, sir, are you fast married?

 

CASSIO

Sir, you have been hotly called for.

 

OTHELLO

Have with you.

 

They march off.

 

 

EXT. MARKETPLACE – NIGHT

 

Othello and his Men appear from one side. Brabantio's from the other.

 

Brabantio draws his sword. The sound of swords whipped from their scabbards. Iago and Cassio stop in front of Othello.

 

Roderigo is terrified to find himself in the middle of the imminent fight.

 

IAGO

You, Roderigo? Come, air, I am for you.

 

He draws the confused Roderigo to one side.

 

OTHELLO

Hold your hands,

Both you of my inclining and the rest,

Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it

Without a prompter.

 

BRABANTIO

O thou foul thief

Where hast thou stowed my daughter?

Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her,

T'run from her guardage to the sooty bosom

Of such a thing as thou?

Lay hold upon him.

 

Brabantio's Men make for Othello. Othello's Men prepare to defend him.

 

OTHELLO

Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust'em

Good Signor, where will you that I go to answer this your charge?

 

BRABANTIO

To Prison, til fit time

Of law and course of direct session

call thee to answer.

 

OTHELLO

What if I do obey?

How many the Duke be therewith satisfied,

Whose messengers are here about my side,

To bring me to him?

 

CASSIO

'Tis true, most worthy Signor:

The Duke's in council, and your noble self

I am sure is sent for.

 

BRABANTIO

How? The Duke in council? In this time of night? Bring him away.

 

Brabantio sets off. Othello rebuffs the arms that try to take hold of him, but follows Brabantio.

 

 

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT

 

The door opens and Othello enters, Brabantio, Iago, Roderigo, Cassio and OFFICERS follow.

 

DUKE

Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you

Against the general Turkish foe.

 

Brabantio pushes his way forward.

 

DUKE

I did not see you: Welcome, gentle Signor;

We lacked your counsel and your help tonight.

 

BRABANTIO

So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me:

Neither my place, nor aught I heard of business,

Hath raised me from my bed...

 

DUKE

Why? What's the matter?

 

BRABANTIO

My daughter! O, my daughter!

 

DUKE

Dead?

 

BRABANTIO

Ay, to me.

She is abused, stolen from me, and corrupted.

For nature so preposterously to err,

Sans witchcraft could not.

 

DUKE

Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding

Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself

And you of her, the bloody book of law

You shall yourself read in the bitter letter

After your own sense, yea, though our proper son

Stood in your action.

 

BRABANTIO

Humbly I thank your grace.

Here is the man.

 

He indicates Othello. An embarrassed silence.

 

FIRST SENATOR

We are very sorry for't.

 

DUKE

(to Othello)

What in your own part can you say to this?

 

BRABANTIO

Nothing but this is so.

 

OTHELLO

Most potent grave and reverend signors,

My very noble and approved good masters,

That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,

It is most true;

 

Gasps of shock and outrage, setting off a series of whispers.

 

OTHELL

O true I have married her;

 

The whispering grows louder.

 

OTHELLO

The very head and front of my offending

Hath this extent, no more.

 

Roderigo gasps indignantly. The Duke silences the noise.

 

OTHELLO

Rude am I in my speech

And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace

Since these arms of mine had seven years' pith

Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used

Their dearest action in the tented field

And little of this great world can I speak

More than pertains to feats of broil and battle;

And therefore little shall I grace my cause

In speaking of myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,

I will round unvarnished tale deliver

Of my whole course of love: what drugs, what charms,

What conjuration and what mighty magic –

For such proceedings am I charged withal –

I won his daughter.

 

BRABANTIO

A maiden never bold;

of spirit so still and quiet that her motion

Blushed at herself – and she in spite of nature

To fall in love with what she feared to look on!

 

OTHELLO

I do beseech you, send for the lady

And let her speak of me before her father.

If you do find me foul in her report,

The trust, the office I do hold of you

Not only take away, but let your sentence

Even fall upon my life.

 

All eyes turn to the Duke. The Duke turns to Brabantio, who smiles and nods morbidly.

 

DUKE

Fetch Desdemona hither.

 

Othello gestures to Iago who leaves with two Attendants.

 

DUKE

Speak, Othello.

 

OTHELLO

Her father loved me, oft invited me,

Still questioned me the story of my life

From year to year – the battles, sieges, fortunes,

That I have passed:

 

 

EXT. GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S HOUSE – DAY – FLASHBACK

 

Brabantio and Othello walk together in a bright, sunlit garden. GRATIANO and Cassio listen to a MUSICIAN play..

 

Brabantio listens intently as Othello tells his story.

 

OTHELLO (V.O.)

Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances,

Of moving accidents and hair-breadth scapes,

Of being taken by the insolent foe,

And sold to slavery.

 

Desdemona sits behind them. Her hair spread out for blonding in the sun.

 

IN CLOSEUP we see she is peeking through her hair. She averts her eyes when Othello turns her way.

 

OTHELLO (V.O.)

And of the Cannibals that each other eat,

The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads

Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear

Would Desdemona seriously incline...

And with a greedy ear

Devour up my discourse; which I observing...

 

 

EXT. GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S HOUSE – EVENING – FLASHBACK

 

ANOTHER DAY

 

Twilight in the garden. We find Othello and Desdemona in a secluded corner.

 

OTHELLO (V.O.)

Took once a pliant hour, and found good means

To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart

That I would all my pilgrimage dilate.

I did consent...

 

 

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT

 

Brabantio, seething with anger, turns to the Duke. The Duke remains inscrutable.

 

 

EXT. GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S HOUSE.EVENING – FLASHBACK CONTINUED

 

OTHELLO (V.O.)

... and ran it through even from my boyish days

To the very moment that he bade me tell it.

 

CLOSEUP on Desdemona's face, on which the following montage appears.

 

 

MONTAGE

 

INT. HUT – DAY

 

Flames. A white arm drops a flaming torch... Frantic figures move in the background. In the foreground stands a BLACK CHILD. The child seems abandoned, but is then whisked away by his FATHER.

 

 

EXT. RAVINE – DAY

 

The BOY OTHELLO runs fast and scared across a ravine. There is shouting and yelling behind him. He crouches among a pile of rocks. He nearly loses his footing, and, looking down, he sees a cluster of human bones at his feet. He squints up into the sun. The sunlight is all but blocked out as a vast, strangely misshapen figure carrying a spear steps into view and casts a shadow over his face. He picks up a bone and prepares to strike...

 

 

EXT. TRAINING GROUND – DAY

 

The Boy Othello... strikes, with a staff at his Father who is training him in the arts of war.

 

 

EXT. CRATER AND POST – DAY

 

The Young Othello... strikes again, with a sword, at TWO ENEMY SOLDIERS. A net is thrown across him.

 

 

EXT. BATTLEFIELD – DAY

 

The Young Othello – Shackled to other prisoners of war is led through a smoking battlefield. Explosion. Dead bodies. one is shifted aside – Othello, bloodied, lies beneath.

 

 

EXT. BATTLEFIELD – DAY

 

Othello, bare-chested, catches a gun that's thrown at him.

 

 

EXT. BATTLEFIELD – DAY

 

Othello in MILITARY UNIFORM, fighting side by side with Iago. Othello saves Iago from a fatal blow. Iago escapes through smoke. Othello fights on. Iago returns on horseback, picks up Othello and they ride off through flames.

 

 

EXT. GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S HOUSE – EVENING – FLASHBACK CONTINUED

 

The images fade from Desdemona's face to reveal tears on her cheek. Othello dabs her cheeks with a strawberry spotted handkerchief.

 

OTHELLO (V.O.)

My story being done,