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Shakespeare Still Relevant to Hartnett

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Josh Hartnett thinks William Shakespeare has something to say to today's youth.

Hartnett, 23, a star of this summer's "Pearl Harbor,'' has three movies coming out over the next six months, including "O,'' a teen retelling of Shakespeare's "Othello'' set in a present-day prep school and including some disturbing instances of teen violence.

The film's release was delayed after the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado. Original distributor Miramax eventually decided against releasing it and sold it to Lions Gate.

In the film, Hartnett plays Hugo, the conniving son of his school's basketball coach. The character is based on the role of Iago in Shakespeare's play.

Hartnett said he hopes the film will spark discussion of school violence.

"I love Shakespeare and the fact that his story can be so relevant today is astonishing,'' Hartnett said Friday. "But the film does not glorify violence. It does just the opposite. Hopefully, it will start a dialogue about school violence. For that reason alone, I'm glad it's finally being released.''

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Monday August 27,2001, 2:40 AM ET