preview

Petrol Station Scene Analysis

Good Essays

In the Petrol Station scene, William Shakespeare’s important theme of violence is amplified and discussed through Baz Luhrmann’s filmic interpretation. The theme of conflict between the Montagues and the Capulets is a constant and crucial idea throughout the play. Baz Luhrmann has highlighted the traditional Shakespearean language by modifying the setting to a modern context, therefore the audience is able to relate to the text. Furthermore, the setting choice of a petrol station provides the film with the ability to effectively enhance the dramatic language revealed in the play. Irony and contrast are also really essential in drawing the audience’s attention to the violence in Romeo and Juliet. Tybalt states, “What, drawn, and talk of …show more content…

The relentless and dangerous feud between the Montagues and Capulets is elaborated in Romeo + Juliet through the contrast in tone, speed and style of music when these two different parties are introduced. The Montagues are introduced with is light and airy music, however, the music is altered to a heavy western style when the Capulets enter the scene. The musical elements create anticipation among the audience as they foreshadow the imminent fight. Furthermore, the distinctive difference in race between the Latino Capulet boys and Anglo-Saxon Montague boys represents and symbolises the conflict between the two houses. Reinforcing the ongoing war between the Montagues and Capulets, Baz Luhrmann has applied corresponding camera shots of the two contrasting family crests which are opposite primary colours. Therefore, Luhrmann makes reference to the conflict theme exploited in Shakespeare’s work. (link) Baz Luhrmann has successfully enhanced the audience’s appreciation of Shakespearean text in the scene Death on a Summer’s Day. Mercutio is a dominate and opinionated force throughout the play, who is illustrated by Shakespeare as a victim of Romeo and Juliet’s love. Mercutio’s last dying words express, “A plague o' both your houses! They have made worms' meat of me. I have it, And soundly too. Your houses!” Metaphorical language is featured in order to foreshadow the

Get Access