Rated: R (Violence, A Scene Of Strong Sexuality, Language and Drug Use)

Running Time: 94 minutes

Starring: Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett, Julia Stiles, Elden Hanson, Andrew Keegan, Rain Phoenix, Anthony "A.J." Johnson with John Heard and Martin Sheen

Screenplay by: Brad Kaaya

Directed by: Tim Blake Nelson

Studio: Lions Gate Entertainment/Trimark

Retail Price: $24.99

Features:
Disc 1: Audio Commentary with Director Tim Blake Nelson
Disc 2: Othello (1922) Film, Interviews, Deleted Scenes with optional Audio Commentary with Director Tim Blake Nelson, Basketball Scenes Analysis, Trailers

Specs: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, 1.33:1 Pan and Scan, English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles, English Closed Captions, Chapter Index (24 Chapters)

Released: February 19th, 2002

When discussing a film like "O," it's key one does not leave out the incredible and long process that the film went through. As any film buff or any person who follows the entertainment industry closely can tell you, "O" is a film that may actually be better known better for its controversey (something people would not stop talking about before seeing the movie) and its shuffling than for the actual movie itself. In case you are not familiar with the long journey the film went through, all is well. I will tell it to you right now...

"O" was a film shot on a rather small and moderate budget. While filming the movie was a rather smooth process for the most part, it's what after shooting wrapped... that would be tough. The film was finished in 1999, and Miramax was all set to release it. But then there was school violence, and they felt it would be appropriate to delay it since "O" is about high school students and violent matters that go on between them due to jealousy and mistrust. And then whenever a new date was scheduled, something happened in some school causing for another delay. After about two years and seven delays, and a pending lawsuit with the film's producers, Lions Gate bought up the film rights from Miramax and released it on August 31st, 2001. They opened the film rather strongly giving it a good push and opening it in hundreds of theaters... thank the Lords this was not a film that opening in a few dozen theaters that opened and close within three days. The film didn't go on to break box office records, but it did do well considering the delays, all the topic matters and whatnot. And the critics praised it too.

In case you're also not familiar with the plot of the movie, "O" is yet another film that is based on a classic Shakespeare play. Some will say it's a "teen film," but it really isn't since this film is not funny, is deep and works for way more than just teenagers (even if it does have actors playing teens in a high school setting). It's a modern retelling of the wonderful "Othello" but it's not direct. It deals with the same themes and some similar situations, but everything else is changed. Right at the start, we meet Odin (Mekhi Phifer). Not only does he have the heart of the beautiful and popular Desi (Julia Stiles) who's father happens to be a high official at the school, but Odin is the school's best basketball player having the respect of more or less everyone, including the team's coach (Martin Sheen), citing that he's like a son to him. But there's one person who's not into Odin. Fellow "friend" and teammate Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is incredibly jealous of him. He feels his father (the basketball coach) pays more attention and is nicer to him, and that Hugo should have been the team's Most Valuable Player. So Hugo, out of his rage, hatches a scheme to cause mistrust between Desi and Odin... as others get involved into this madness and anger brews among many, it can only lead to an ending that is purely tragic and shows how one person uses the power of hate, and then spread it like a plague.

Brad Kaaya, who wrote the film (and it is his first film that he's written may I add), does an amazing job. The film perfectly and seamlessly parallels "Othello" with its messages, themes and characters. The character development is strong here as viewers get a great sense of the characters. Kaaya's dialogue is dead on, while the characters he makes are quite realistic. Each one does represent something within the story, adding yet another layer to his script. This is a very clever, well thought out and well written adaption.

I was just as impressed with director Tim Blake Nelson (some of you may be familiar with him as Delmar from the Coen Brothers classic O Brother, Where Art Thou?). Nelson creates a very good and stylish film here with the material. I haven't seen any of his directing work before this, but watching "O" makes me want to check it out. Nelson paces the film pretty much flawlessly. He has the setup, the buildup and the driven finale. There's a very even sense when watching "O" and it goes by really quickly at a nice hour and a half. Nelson also has well rounded shots, most of which sing beautifully and stand on their own nicely. Nelson is in control here and has such a great sense of the story and themes. He captures all of that within the film beautifully and flawlessly.

Perhaps though what carries "O" most of all are the performers. Every single performance here is rather intense and true to the bone that really struck a chord within me. I hope some of these performances get Oscar® nods, but somehow I doubt it (stupid Academy!). Julia Stiles is open and true like always as she perfectly fits what Desi is all about. Mekhi Phifer as Odin "O" James is incredibly well cast as our tragic hero. Throughout the course of the film, Odin changes and Phifer really keeps up with it. He starts as somewhat laid back, but soon becomes paranoid and fills with anger and rage. His speech at the end really did take my breath away as Phifer brings so much passion and has great chemistry with Stiles. Elden Hanson and Andrew Keegan fit their roles superbly, but I felt Josh Hartnett stole the movie as the cunning and envious Hugo. Hartnett is in like every movie these day it seems, and his body of work so far really has been impressive. Hartnett fits Hugo like a glove... the mannerisms, the style of speaking, the manipulation and vulnerbility... everything. Hartnett is solid gold in this role and is the true catalyst of the movie. He plays off well with everyone. Finally, there's Martin Sheen as Hugo's father and coach. I really like Sheen as an actor (not to mention an activist), and I think he's good in everything he does (yes, even "Lost and Found"!). Sheen is really intense and brings his character to full life... there's just so much energy within him. His performance is also a must see in the film.

"O" can be viewed as a typical drama about jealousy and betrayl, but what put the movie over the top and what made it so controversial with film executives and many others was the last half-hour, something that really hits close to home in this day and age when it comes to so many sad, tragic and disgusting incidents of school violence where many get hurt and others lose their lives. Hearing those stories on the news angers me and it angers many. The last half-hour really isn't blown up to what it's been made out to be in my opinion, and I bet if this didn't involve high school students, no one would have a problem with this film at all. But it does involve high school students, most of the action takes place around a high school and due to real life events, that's what makes this movie key.

Why the film's ending can be rather intense, personally, I'm mixed on the delays and what went through exactly. I do think it was wise of Miramax to delay the film as often as they did out of respect and the public's general feelings, and probably due to the fact since it may "inspire" some people to do what was done in the movie. But the delays can be argued, seeing how movies of the past have inspired others to comit acts of violence, not to mention video games. You don't see video games being delayed due to their violent content. If they were, then hell, a lot of these games would never even make it to the market. But in my take, the media is not to be blamed in all of what goes on when some insecure sixteen year old has the desire to hurt his or her fellow peers. The thing is, when something bad happens out there in this world, parents, lawmakers and so many others go out and blame the media as well as other entertainment outlets claiming it's their fault since they make everything so violent and they have no right too, seeing how kids or other people will pick up on this and do something by something they watched or played. Isn't that a bit hypocritical? They're allowed to speak their mind, but they feel others should tone down their own art and not fully express what they want to make? Personally, I feel people should stop blaming others and take a damn look at themselves. Maybe it's not what they see or hear from the media, but rather, how others treat them. How parents are not involved and ignore them. How they have no outlet or place to express themselves or even anywhere to take their own feelings where they would feel secure to talk. It's time people stop using others as scapegoats and take a look at the real root of the problem may be. "O" must be given credit, for it explores that with its own characters and does provide reason with why some students feel they must hurt those around them.

But why am I mixed? Because of the controversial ending itself. It certainly is intense and incredibly well done, but it doesn't take place in a high school. It simply involves violence and high school students. It's not like one of these actors jump into a high school and opens fire at random people. But since the film takes place at a private boarding high school and we are talking about high school students, the media and others have to be alarmed and get involved due to that matter alone. Again, I do appreciate that the film was delayed out of respect for audiences and people it hit home for as far as they would feel, but the violence involved just simply involves high school kids. That's it. In true media fashion, they make things seem bigger and worse than what they really are. Don't get me wrong, the ending does hit home due to the fact it is high school students and what high school students do feel, but it must be noted it's really not like what we're used to seeing on the news involving high school violence. There have been situations that can be argued that are somewhat like "O," but it's more like a story we'd see on the news involving grown people.

"O" is a movie that simply should be shown in every high school. Forget the fact it's rated R. Forget the fact that many will argue "OH IT WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE OUT THEIR ANGER WITH VIOLENCE!" and whatnot. This is a movie that many can relate to as far as feeling insecure. After the movie, it deserves discussion and what people should do to deal with their feelings and what is happening to them. Because who knows... with the right words, it may just be enough to help one person. And that, perhaps, is a lot saved. Lives, feelings, anger, wounds and what have you. "O" is not only a superb retelling of a wonderful and strong play, but a true modern classic.

On the first disc, we have "O" presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen and 1.33:1 pan and scan. Choose your preference, but like always I go with the widescreen... it's just better as Nelson's true vision is not completley butchered. In any case, we have fine, though flawed transfers here. Colors are pretty strong and solid, but sometimes I felt they were a bit undersaturated or that they didn't quite light up the image as I hoped they would. Detail and black levels here bring a nice thickness to things. I noticed some of the "halo" effect at times during the movie around characters. It isn't much, but it's still there, and that effect always annoys me to death for some reason. There was also some noticeable grain, not to mention a decent deal of blemishes and dirt. Still, I found the transfers to get better as the film moved along, and in the end, despite the flaws, each are pretty sharp.

For the most part, "O" is a dialogue driven tale. The only track available is a Dolby Digital 5.1 in English, and it can be intense when it needs to be. The film's climax and ending show off its power really well. The noises of the weapons and with things that cause noise are mixed incredibly well, making you feel like you're there watching all of this in real life. They have a certain pizzaz and zing to them that use great, effective surround use and .1 LFE. The basketball scenes were also great. The crowds roaring and cheering are really loud and come at you from all directions making for quite a great experience. The basketball games themselves are also nice with the ball dribbling, shots and sounds from the players themselves. It brought some pretty sweet effects out. Other than that, this mix is rather straightfoward since there is a lot of talking. But dialogue is clear and nothing overlaps or overpowers it thankfully as you can perfectly make out what the characters are saying. Overall, a rather nice mix considering the elements. English closed captions, Spanish subtitles and English subtitles are included.

A two disc set, "O" does pack a very good deal of supplementary materials that explore the film even further, but perhaps not in ways people exactly expect. On the first disc, we are only treated to an Audio Commentary with Director Tim Blake Nelson (despite what the box says, the trailer is on the second disc). I don't know when this track was recorded, but it's very nice. Nelson has a nice voice and he keeps things going no matter what, which I respect. He compares the film with the original play, motifs within the film, offers praise for the actors and tells pretty cool production stories. I would have liked it if he addressed the controversies of the film more, but again, I don't know when this track was recorded and if he didn't want to, just ignoring it... that's fine with me. This is a solid track that shouldn't be missed.

The main extra on the second disc, with no doubt, is the inclusion of the 1922 version of the film Othello. That means if you've never read the play, you can watch it and then compare it with the film version "O." This is quite a great supplement, as you now get two movies for one price: a modern classic and an old classic. I'm not sure if mainstream audiences will dig this version, but true film buffs will for sure. It's a silent film, but has music cues and all. Also, it must be given that this movie is now eighty years old. It's been restored, but the transfer isn't that great. Some may also think the film is a bit cheesy, but again, it tells the story of "Othello" quite nicely in case you need to brush up. Eight chapter stops are included. On the rating scale, I give the film a 3.5/5.

Under Interviews, we are treated to four interview segments: one with Julia Stiles, one with Mekhi Phifer, one with Josh Hartnett and one with Tim Blake Nelson. These are somewhat promotional seeing how they were recorded at the press junket it appears, but the actors talk about their characters, the production, drug use in the film and the themes of the film. Nelson talks about the message of the film and certain aspects of it as well. They can be short, but worth a watch for sure.

Under Deleted Scenes, we have four of them with optional commentary from Tim Blake Nelson. The scenes are in pretty high quality non-anamorphic widescreen, and fully edited. Nelson offers praise for these scenes, but explains the cuts. I think a majority of them could fit back into the film nicely, but Nelson differs. Do check these out.

Director of Photography Russell Lee Fine (a buddy of Nelson's from college and who's shot all his films) and Tim Blake Nelson give the finer points of staging basektball scenes in the Basketball Scene Analysis. We see three clips from the film in anamorphic widescreen and we hear their commentary. It's more or less like a scene-specific commentary. Fine talks technical here... something I loved and ate up, but something those not really into film won't get. But you really get a feel on the dos and don'ts when making sports scenes like this, and how it all works. This is a great feature for sure that does not disappoint so if you're into film, watch this.

Finally... Trailers. We have "O," but we also have "The Wash," "Cube 2," "Rose Red," "American Psycho 2," "The Rules Of Attraction" and "State Property." Go nuts.

"O" is a fantastic film that I believe everyone should see at least once. With its great script, excellent direction and incredible performers, "O" is something more films should aspire to be. This DVD set is quite nice too... for one thing, you get two films with it. The extras pertaining to "O" are also nice, but I can't help but wish there was more on the controversey the film recieved. No matter though. Sporting a good presentation as well, this is a no-brainer purchase.