In Shakespeare's Othello, Iago is portrayed as a cruel puppeteer, who uses his high-level critical analysis and manipulative skills to exact those he believes have wronged him ; as he weaves a web of deception to trap the play's protagonist (and play's namesake) Othello. Various film adaptations have portrayed the characters in different ways, often resulting in a blending of Shakespeare's era context, artistic license, and character. One such fusion is Stuart Burge's 1965 cinematic portrayal of Iago in his Othello. Act II, Scene I is a great example of how Iago can be adapted for film. Other characters in the play assist Iago's plot by revealing their weaknesses. Cassius, who speaks of Desdemona as the “Divine Desdemona,” a name accompanied by a change in lighting to symbolize divinity, greets her with a kiss on the hand, all the while apologizing for his polite upbringing; having just spoken about her in an overtly positive way with “Fortunately. He has reached a maiden/What a specimen of description and unbridled fame,/One who excels in the whims of emblazoned pens,/And in the essential dress of creation/Wearies the engineer. Cassio also kisses his hands when he refers to Desdemona, showing his obvious attraction towards her. This gives Iago both insight into his character and a tool to exploit with his plans. Other characters often mistake his cruel and sincere words for a joke and lightheartedness, with his outburst about Emilia and women in general being ignored by the characters in the scene or met with false complaints. Iago's constant walking around during his lines indicates nonchalance towards what he is saying, which is reaffirmed by his complete lack of eye contact. However, Shakespeare's work has the possibility...... middle of paper ......enge. The foreshadowing present in “If now he should die, now I should be very happy” is met with an ironic response from Desdemona, considering their fate at the hands of Iago. Othello exits the scene using Iago as a warhorse, which doesn't fit Iago's self-image, but his willingness to help indicates his desire for revenge. Iago's subtle manipulation of those around him creates a classic villain who thrives on the misery of others by spinning a web of deceit. His characteristics allow him to manipulate others to a large extent to achieve his goal, and he shows no remorse in doing so. Stuart Burge's film adaptation shows him as the manipulative and vindictive character Shakespeare described him as. Iago's words are particularly great in describing his character, in "Knavery's plain face is never seen until it is used." Works Cited Wikipedia