Othello (1999)

The quayside below the castle of Cyprus

Othello has defeated the Turkish invaders in a sea battle. Iago has been denied promotion by Othello in favor of Cassio and plans revenge. Iago first promises Roderigo that he will enjoy the favors of Othello’s bride, Desdemona; he then incites Cassio to a drunken brawl in which Montano is wounded and implies to Othello that Cassio started the fight. Othello dismisses Cassio from his service. Othello and Desdemona rejoice that their great love has overcome all prejudice against their marriage.

The courtyard of the castle, the next day

Cassio begs Desdemona to plead for him with Othello. Iago overhears the conversation and manages to create doubts in Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s fidelity. He has obtained from Emilia a handkerchief that was an early love token from Othello to Desdemona and now uses it as evidence against her.

Scene 1: A corridor in the castle, the same evening

Iago arranges for Othello to listen while Cassio describes his dalliance with his mistress, Bianca. Othello assumes they are discussing Desdemona and finds an opportunity to confront her. When she is unable to produce the handkerchief, he accuses her of being a whore.

Scene 2: The great hall of the castle

Lodovico has come at the Doge’s instructions to recall Othello to Venice and to appoint Cassio as governor in his place. Enraged, Othello strikes Desdemona and falls to the ground in a seizure.
“Behold the Lion!” says the delighted Iago, who in the meantime has bribed Roderigo to murder Cassio.

Desdemona’s bedchamber, that night

Full of foreboding, Desdemona bids Emilia a tearful good night. Othello interrupts Desdemona’s prayers; he declares the time has come for her to die and, despite her protestations of innocence, smothers her. Emilia bursts in to announce that Cassio has killed Roderigo and is horrified to find her mistress dying. In response to Othello’s accusations, she reveals her husband’s plot and calls for help.

Iago is captured before Othello can kill him; in front of Lodovico and Cassio, Othello stabs himself, embraces Desdemona, and dies “upon a kiss.”