Otello (1986) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language

1986 · 118 mins · Italian

Directed by

Franco Zeffirelli

Starring

Urbano Barberini, Massimo Foschi, Plácido Domingo, Remo Remotti, Katia Ricciarelli, Justino Díaz

Adapted from Shakespeare’s tragedy, Verdi’s opera portrays the corrosive power of jealousy. Iago, resentful that Otello has promoted the rising Cassio, schemes to ruin them both and sows doubt that Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio. Consumed by suspicion, Otello’s jealousy triggers tragedy and eventual retribution.