How were the two Othello films different, which was more effective in portraying characters and themes?

The two film depictions of Shakespeare's play Othello present us with another dimension of the text. Of the two however, the newer 1995 version by Oliver parker is a much better interpretation of the original text. Even though a little over half of the original text has been cut out it is still a better depiction of the text over the 1952 version by Orson Welles. The plot also remains easier to follow as the events are …

…movies are helpful in portraying themes that may not be picked up whilst reading the play. However because the newer version by Parker remains faithful to the text, it is easier to view, and it was made properly with newer technology it is the better film. Welles' version is a classic however and although not real at times for a movie made in the 1950's it is clear to see why it was so popular.