VHS. "O" (2001). The VHS release of the modern Othello adaptation. Standard VHS case with a dark, moody cover. Julia Stiles at the upper left. Blonde, intense gaze. Josh Hartnett at the upper right. Dark hair, brooding expression. Mekhi Phifer at the bottom center. Shirtless, arms raised, reaching upward toward a large gold "O" that dominates the center of the cover. Red and blue tones create a dramatic atmosphere. "MEKHI PHIFER JOSH HARTNETT JULIA STILES" credited at the top. "Trust. Seduction. Betrayal." tagline. "The Most Controversial Movie of the Year.". Esquire quote at the bottom. "O" (2001) was a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Othello set in an elite Southern prep school. Mekhi Phifer as Odin (Othello), the school's star basketball player; Josh Hartnett as Hugo (Iago), the jealous teammate who manipulates him; and Julia Stiles as Desi (Desdemona), caught in the middle. The film was delayed for two years after the Columbine shooting due to its themes of teen violence, adding to its controversial reputation. Stiles was on a Shakespeare-adaptation streak, also starring in 10 Things I Hate About You and Hamlet around the same time. The early-2000s teen drama wave on VHS represents the format's final chapter. Trust no one. VHS tape. Pre-owned. See photos for condition.
