Othello and Primary Colors

The Art of Deception involves the skilled use of chicanery. Shakespeare’s play, ‘Othello’ and in Mike Nichols film, ‘Primary Colours, present the Art of Deception through the characters of Iago and Jack Stanton. Othello, being set in the renaissance period, had different values to those accepted in the 20th Century, the period in which Primary Colours is set. Thus context plays an important role in how deception is presented, and affects both the meaning and values of each text. Whilst both texts portray deception as the driving force in their plots, the motives, methods and consequences of deception in each text are different.

The motives for deception are the reasons for deceiving and are influenced by the context and values of texts. Motives are vital to the Art of Deception, because it provides a purpose for deception and acts as a compelling force. Motives also indicate to the audience why the Art of Deception is being practised. In Othello, Iago’s motive for deception is vengeance for not being acknowledged by the Moor as a worthy lieutenant. Although in 20th century society it would seem reckless to deceive for not being promoted, during the Elizabethan period, a militaristic and hierarchical society was followed and ranks were pivotal in determining the status and power of individuals. Therefore Shakespeare’s audience would have comprehended Iago’s motive, especially as the position he sought was passed over to Michael Cassio, “a fellow that never set squadron on the field.” Shakespeare uses contrast to justify the magnitude of the hatred Iago has for Othello in “Mere prattle without practice is all his soldiership...And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof...but he, sir, had the election.” However, in Primary Colours, 20th century societies are democratic where the “people” elect their leaders. Jack Stanton effectively conveys a classical 20th Century politician with his charisma. Politicians are expected to deceive unlike in Elizabethan times; in fact deception is the only way to win the Presidential seat of the United States of America. As Jack’s desire is to win the candidature, his motives for deception are justified by this value. “I’m going to do something really outrageous. I’m going to tell you the truth.” This conveys power in the 20th Century is determined by the skill of manipulating, convincing and popularity, unlike in Othello where power is determined by the ranks. “Okay maybe it was bullshit with Kennedy too, but people believed it.” This difference in values affects both characters’ ways in which they deceive.

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The methods for deception are the ways in which the Art of Deception is carried out. The methods employed by both Jack and Iago, depict their skills at deceiving, thus portraying their “art” in deception. Methods of deception show the audience how deception will be executed. In Othello, Iago uses emotive oratory to delude others. The metaphors “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe,” and “Your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs,” create strong imagery of Othello. Although a lie, it would have been convincing to Shakespeare’s audience as being a black African in Elizabethan times made Othello an outcast. Iago also plays on the weaknesses of others to achieve his selfish goals. Knowing that Cassio has “very poor and unhappy brains for drinking,” he wants to “fasten but one cup upon him,” so that “he’ll be full of quarrel and offence.” Adultery was seen as a deadly seen, especially for a woman to commit in Shakespeare’s time. Iago uses this value as stimulant for Othello’s jealousy, by lying to him about Desdemona’s affair with Cassio thus making him “the green-eyed monster”. In Primary Colours, however, adultery is no longer a deadly sin but it is neither something a candidate would want the public to know about. Context plays an important role in the Art of Deception as it influences the methods of deception. Unlike Iago, Jack has a team on which to rely. Jack also has the opportunity to use the media to his advantage. In the radio interview, Jack deceives the audience by convincing them that Harris is “confused.” He also uses emotive language in “I’m against doing nothing while people are suffering” to insinuate that he “really cares”. This is effective in convincing the audience as he looks straight into the camera, suggesting he is talking to “the people”. Jack also uses his skill in fabricating with his concocted story about “my Uncle Charlie...” The camera pans around to depict the magnitude of the impact of his story on everyone in the room. The dramatic irony is realised by the audience when Uncle Charlie tells Henry, “well, I’m Uncle Charlie, whatever else he says – he’s a master.”

The difference in context of the two texts has led to different consequences for all the characters concerned. Consequences depict the end results of the Art of Deception and so are significant in determining whether the act is successful and what the deceiver achieved. Iago is successful in his deception because of his engendered trust and the dramatic irony of continually being referred to as “honest”. The consequences of deception in Othello reflect the value that good will always prevail because Iago is punished however “it isn’t the cheat that goes to hell; it’s always the one he cheated on.” This 20th Century value is evident in Othello as well as Primary Colours because both deceivers entrap their victims. In Primary Colours good does not prevail due to dishonest practices by all protagonists. The cyclic structure of the film where Jack shakes various characters’ hands conveys Jack’s success as it represents a new start for the team. The slow motion emphasises the cyclic structure and the ending with the American Flag depicts the consequences of deception in the 20th Century,

In conclusion, the Art of Deception is a skill which requires motives for dedication, methods to deceive, and consequences to determine its success. Shakespeare’s militaristic society causes Iago to deceive when he isn’t promoted, while Primary Colours expects deception to occur in the game of politics. Shakespeare’s religious society believes in morality and that good must prevail while Primary Colours believes it is the best player who wins. “It’s a question of character.”

Suppression = prevention

Oppression = ruling