O (2001)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Tim Blake Nelson

Writers (WGA):

William Shakespeare (play)
Brad Kaaya (screenplay)

Release Date:

31 August 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance | Thriller

Tagline:

Everything Comes Full Circle...

Plot:

An update of Shakespeare's 'Othello' with a young cast, set in a high school and centered around basketball player Odin.

Plot Keywords:

Shot In The Leg | Hawk | Shot In The Chest | Manipulation | Boyfriend Girlfriend Relationship

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Mekhi Phifer	...	Odin James
Josh Hartnett	...	Hugo Goulding
Andrew Keegan	...	Michael Cassio
Julia Stiles	...	Desi Brable
Rain Phoenix	...	Emily
Elden Henson	...	Roger Rodriguez
Martin Sheen	...	Coach Duke Goulding
John Heard	...	Dean Bob Brable
Anthony Johnson	...	Dell (as Anthony 'A. J.' Johnson)
Chris Dong	...	Dutchman Player
Rachel Shumate	...	Brandy
Marshall Gitter	...	Radio Announcer
Lisa Benavides	...	Ms. Serney
Chris Freihofer	...	Assistant Coach Jeffries
Ken French	...	Scout #1

Also Known As:

Othello (USA) (working title)
The One (Europe: English title) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated R for violence, a scene of strong sexuality, language and drug use.

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Finland:K-15 | Canada:R (Ontario) | Singapore:PG (cut) | Portugal:M/16 | USA:TV-MA (cable rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Canada:18A | Denmark:15 (DVD rating) | Germany:16 | Philippines:PG-13 | Spain:18 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Company:

Chickie the Cop

Trivia:

This was slated to be released in 1998, but was held back three years following the killings at the Columbine high school.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Odin and Hugo are in Hugo's room talking about Mike and Desi, the jacket hanging on the bed changes positions.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Hugo: All my life I always wanted to fly. I always wanted to live like a hawk. I know you're not supposed to be jealous of anything, but... to take flight, to soar above everything and everyone, now that's living.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Lucy (2006)

O soars high

Critics have accused Tim Blake Nelson's cinematic version of Shakespeare's Othello,of 'glorifying' violence in a school setting,but i strongly disagree,and believe that this somewhat controversial film should be viewed by teenagers.It explores the origins of school violence and how teen angst can lead to tragedy.The film communicates a powerful message that no teenager is incapable of taking their jealousy to extremes,and O's superb cast of young actors effectively demonstrate how treachery and envy can lead to tragedy.Quite correctly,the film is aimed at a teenage audience,with a smorgasboard of hot young talent.Mehki Phifer,portrays Odin,the star basketball player who has everything going for him,until his 'friend' Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is overcome with his emotions and envy for Odin that he devotes his time and effort to destroying his life,which he ultimately succeeds in doing.Phifer is remarkable in his role,but Hartnett steals the show in a performance that he's never outdone.Hartnett was perfectly cast as the dark,manipulative and evil character,and its hard to pick a flaw in his performance.Julia Stiles also performs well as Desi Brable,the sweet,smart and pretty girlfriend of Odin.O is a gripping tale based on love,friendship,betrayal and deceit,issues which are effectively explored and given the importance they need in the film.It is hard-hitting and confronting,and not easily forgotten.Excessive explicit language,graphic violence and a very disturbing sex scene are most memorable.What hits hardest is how the characters treat each other,and there are scenes that are difficult to sit through,but its important that you do.O leaves you drained,but its nothing less than a masterpiece.Don't expect any sugar coating either;there isn't any.Finally,a teen film which is raw and real.