Cast Cassio

Matthew Daddario as Cassio

Matthew Daddario would make a good Cassio because he is good looking. This is helpful because Othello has to believe that Desdemona would cheat on him with Cassio; it enhances the reality of the theory.

In his previous role as Alec Lightwood in Shadowhunters, Daddario acts as a selfless character who treasures the reputation of tradition and family, therefore he would suit the role as Cassio because reputation means a lot to him. 

Cassio becomes Othello's right hand lieutenant and the character Alec is the male protagonist's companion. Both of the characters are very similar, so for Daddario to act as another character like this, it would come very naturally.

 

Othello & Iago

According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?

According to Adrian Lester, Othello has been fighting since the young age of seven. This could show Othello's character to have known only of war and battle since his childhood, which explains why he seeks solace in aggression and later on the murder of his innocent wife, Desdemona.

According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?

Lester presents that, because Othello isn't born into any sort of wealth or position, Othello's image and reputation is very important to him. He marries Desdemona which heightens his position in society and eventually kills out of jealousy but also in a desperate act to save his beloved reputation. Eventually Othello kills out of jealousy but also in a desperate act to save his beloved reputation.

What increases Othello's status in Venice?

Othello marries Desdemona, which heightens his position in society as she comes from a very well respected family in Venice. This allows Othello to gain more respect from his peers and even more authority.

Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?

Rory Kinnear says that Iago is disgruntled with Othello because, Iago has worked very hard striving for the position of lieutenant, which then gets given to Cassio (a younger, posher officer). Iago sees himself slighted by Othello as Cassio has gained the job from status not hard work.

What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?

According to Rory Kinnear, Othello and Iago have both started out right at the bottom of the ranks and have both moved upwards to where they are in the play. Although Othello becomes a general, Iago is stuck in his position, not quite reaching the position he has strived for (lieutenant). This leaves Iago bitter and seeking revenge.

Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?

Some ways, which are listed by Kinnear, that Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio are through: subterfuge, insinuation and getting people on his side.

Casting the role of Desdemona

Mia Wasikowska as Desdemona

 

 

 

I believe that Mia Wasikowska would play the role of Desdemona well in the play, Shakespeare's 'Othello'.

 

Mia has had a lot of experience working alongside the biggest name in the film industry such as Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway when playing the lead role of Alice in the film Alice in Wonderland. The role that Mia played as Alice, a character with naïve perception of the world and others, (similar to Desdemona) relates well to the role of Desdemona as the character of Desdemona is very naïve of how people can act and be manipulated to do, as she is completely lost when Othello becomes angry.

 

Mia has a young, innocent look about her which is perfect for the role of Desdemona as she continues to be obedient to Othello throughout the play because she believes that the man she married would never harm her. Mia's pale complexion and fair hair would help to reinforce to the audience the differences between Desdemona and Othello in the play, making Desdemona seem even more naïve, therefore making the audience feel even more sympathy towards her and more resentment towards Othello.