Otello
Synopsis
Based on Shakespeare's play, Verdi's opera depicts the devastating effects of jealousy, "...the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds upon". Believing Otello has promoted the fast-rising Cassio over himself, Iago plots to destroy both Cassio and Otello. Iago convinces the jealous Otello that his beautiful wife Desdemona is unfaithful, and that Cassio is her lover. Jealousy is followed by tragedy, then retribution, "Has Heaven no more thunderbolts?"
Top Cast
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Plácido Domingo
Otello
Katia Ricciarelli
Desdemona
Justino Díaz
Iago
Petra Malakova
Emilia
Urbano Barberini
Cassio
Massimo Foschi
Lodovico
Edwin Francis
Montano
Sergio Nicolai
Roderigo
Remo Remotti
Brabantio
Antonio Pierfederici
Doge
Gabriella Borni
Dancer Soloist
Enzo Marino Bellanich
Peter Lapres
Cassio's Aide
Alessandro Spadorcia
Benito Barbieri
Daniela Merlo
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cannes Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
December 17, 1986
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Franco Zeffirelli
- Screenplay & Story
- Franco Zeffirelli, Masolino D'Amico, William Shakespeare, Arrigo Boito
- Original Score
- Giuseppe Verdi
- Original Title
- Otello
- Country of Origin
- Italy, Netherlands, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Production Studios
- Italian International Film, The Cannon Group, Golan-Globus Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Franco Zeffirelli
Franco Zeffirelli, Masolino D'Amico, William Shakespeare, Arrigo Boito
Giuseppe Verdi
Ennio Guarnieri
Peter Taylor, Franca Silvi
Yoram Globus, Menahem Golan, John Thompson
Department Leadership Roster
Ennio Guarnieri
Director of Photography
Franco Zeffirelli
Director
Yoram Globus
Producer
Menahem Golan
Producer
Anna Anni
Costume Design
Peter Taylor
Editor
Maurizio Millenotti
Costume Design
Franca Silvi
Editor
Franco Zeffirelli
Production Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 6 — Restricted to viewers aged 6 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Otello.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Musicals
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Frequently Asked Questions About Otello
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Otello about?
Based on Shakespeare's play, Verdi's opera depicts the devastating effects of jealousy, "...the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds upon". Believing Otello has promoted the fast-rising Cassio over himself, Iago plots to destroy both Cassio and Otello. Iago convinces the jealous Otello that his beautiful wife Desdemona is unfaithful, and that Cassio is her lover. Jealousy is followed by tragedy, then retribution, "Has Heaven no more thunderbolts?"
Who directed Otello?
Otello was directed by Franco Zeffirelli.
Who stars in Otello?
The principal cast of Otello includes Plácido Domingo, Katia Ricciarelli, Justino Díaz, Petra Malakova, Urbano Barberini.
When was Otello released and how long is it?
Otello was released in 1986 with a total runtime of 1h 58m.
Who composed the musical score for Otello?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Otello was composed by Giuseppe Verdi.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Otello?
Otello holds official age classifications: DE: 6 (FSK 6 — Restricted to viewers aged 6 and older.).