The process of transformation used by Tim Blake Nelson in his conversion of Shakespeare's Othello into 'O', required him to modernise the universal themes that are prolific throughout Shakespearean literature and human life. These thematic elements that are ever present in human society include racism, jealousy and also appearance versus reality. Shakespeare's choice to set the play in Venice was fitting because at the time it was considered a place polluted with prostitution and corruption. …showed first 75 words of 1523 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1523 total…not really uncommon, and certainly most do not end up in homicide and suicide. Though putting drugs into the equation gives it credibility. In conclusion, Nelson's transformation of the play into film works because it broaches current controversial issues, such as race and teen sex without sensationalising them. O is a deft re-imagining of a work of Shakespearean literature and its sheds due light on the pressures of adolescence and how they can boil over.