Scene Response

I chose to respond to the 1995 version of Othello.

First, I noticed that this was the only version that cast Othello as a black man. I was surprised that the other two versions did not because I thought that the play made it very clear about Othello's race, not that it necessarily contributes, but Shakespeare does make sure the reader knows Othello is black.
Also, with regards to the lighting, I noticed that as the two characters went further and further into their discussion, the lighting got darker and darker. The scene began with the two of them outside in the bright daylight, then as Othello pushed Iago to reveal the details of his suspicions, the scene got darker. I thought that this technique was especially effective because as the dialogue got darker, so did the scene. It really helped as the viewer to understand the situation as a serious one (in case I missed some of the dialogue that gave it away).
Finally, I noticed the use of close-ups on the actor's faces. When Iago was whispering into Othello's ear about Desdemona and Cassius, the camera was zoomed in very close on their faces. This allowed the viewer to see the look of shock, disbelief and horror on Othello's face and the mischevious look on Iago's. Also, near the end of the clip when Othello has the nightmare about seeing his wife and Cassius together, the camera is on a close-up of his face to see both the physical and emotional pain Iago has caused him.