Romeo And Juliet Film Analysis

Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film, Romeo + Juliet effectively appropriates the Shakespearean 16th century love tragedy. So why has Luhrmann decided to appropriate Romeo and Juliet? By changing the context, Luhrmann effectively makes the play relevant, discussing his contextual concerns of the 1990’s. This is done through the use of themes in the film, love, family disputes and hate which have remained similar to the original play, although the way they have been presented are different, in particular the form and characters. The form has had an obvious change as the original play has been adapted into a film. Characters in the film have also been appropriated to correspond with Luhrmann's contextual concerns. Hence, Luhrmann successfully appropriates the original Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet by maintaining similar themes, but altering the form and characterisation to fit his contextual concerns.

A Comparison of the Fight Scene in Act 3 of Shakespeare's Play ‘Romeo and Juliet' in the Film Version by Zeffirelli (1968) and Lurhmann (1997)

The Elizabethan play is re-imagined as a modern action, love film, Bricolage. Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet takes aspects of the original Romeo and Juliet, pastiche, and includes them in scenes such as the prologue, taking the original artifice and adapting its relevance to today. The techniques of metafiction are also found, as Mercutio in Luhrmann’s film is a black bisexual male. There is also techniques of, “flattening of effect” where violence detaches the families’ members from emotional lives. Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet’s multi voiced narrative, setting his movie in a country and culture unfamiliar to himself contra to Strictly Ballroom, Luhrmann implementing Shakespearian prose in place of modern communication within his film and filming Romeo + Juliet in a much larger area, with more diverse areas for scenes, indicates the development of Luhrmann becoming a more courageous and expressive

Zeffirelli and Luhbrmann, both had the task of displaying the story of Romeo and Juliet in a cinematic form. Their adaptations of a

Romeo and Juliet is one of the most commemorated and referenced plays in the history of the world. Because it is so popular, many variations of the play exist. Since different ideas about the play have produced a multitude of different reenactments, lots of plays out there have many differences. Three of these versions, Two of which are movies made, one in 1968, the other in 1996, and the last is an actual play production on Broadway in 2014, have many differences and similarities. What we can interpret from these variations is that even though the words on the script may not change, with time, culture can alter the appearance and mood of the production.

Baz Lurhmann’s creation of the film Romeo and Juliet has shown that today’s audience can still understand and appreciate William Shakespeare. Typically, when a modern audience think of Shakespeare, they immediately think it will be boring, yet Lurhmann successfully rejuvenates Romeo and Juliet. In his film production he uses a number of different cinematic techniques, costumes and a formidably enjoyable soundtrack; yet changes not one word from Shakespeare’s original play, thus making it appeal to a modern audience.

Of the two cinematic portrayals of the climax, in Act II, scene i, of Romeo & Juliet, the Luhrmann version from 1996 is superior to the Zeffirelli version. When comparing the two one can notice that there are many differences, and similarities. While these two films are telling the same story, it is the differences between the two that lead to Luhrmann’s 1996 version being superior. Due to its more dramatic settings, and character interactions and actor

Romeo and Juliet is a timeless story about two ill-fated lovers. Originally written by, Shakespeare, this story has been adapted by different directors who all commonly try to add their own unique twist to it. Two of the most prevalent adaptations of Romeo and Juliet have been done by Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann, who have taken this love story to the big screen. Franco Zeffirelli’s movie, which was produced in 1968, is extremely authentic and stays true to Shakespeare's vision, whereas, Baz Luhrmann’s version produced in 1996, is contemporary and appeals more to younger audiences. There are various differences and a couple of similarities between Zeffirelli’s and Luhrmann’s movie versions such as the costumes, their interpretations of

Romeo and Juliet’s actions may seem rushed and immature, but Baz Luhrmann’s movie offers a compelling insight into their decisions. By setting this Elizabethan era play in the present day, the viewer can see past the differences in scenery and clothing compared to those of their lives, to analyze the unique characteristics of the lovers’ society and upbringing that may have led to their hasty love affair and violent end. Luhrmann creates a culture of violence and speed through careful decisions regarding cinematography, editing, and sound.

Baz Luhrmann, a well known film director, adapted this love story to film in 1996, which is called Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, is a tragedy about two young lovers who cannot be together because their families are enemies. Baz Luhrmann directed 'William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet' recounts the Romeo and Juliet story utilizing Shakespearean Language set as a modern day environment. Not all viewers would recognize the language of Shakespeare so the mise en scene and additionally the performers' developments are essential to ensure that the audience recognizes what is happening inside of the dialog. In this essay, I will talk about whether Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Baz Luhrmann's film updates Shakespeare

The New World Encyclopedia includes a lengthy and extensive section on Romeo & Juliet with a copious amount of information or aspects pertaining to the play. In one part, it examines the film adaptations of Romeo & Juliet and discusses the thought process when trying to adapt Shakespeare’s works cinematically. The end of the fourth act being a major focus. This material will help further my understanding and argument of the sacrifices that need to be made to have Shakespearean plays effective on the big screen; especially for modern audiences.

One of the characteristics of Elizabethan and also Jacobean drama is the low number of stage directions and the lack of details they contain. As a logical consequence theatrical representations or film versions of these ages may allow an important quantity of freedom in the performance. In other instances stage directions and other important theatrical elements are consciously left aside in order to create totally different visions of the original idea. That is not the case of Baz Luhrman´s version of Romeo and Juliet filmed in 1996, which despite the numerous alterations of the original play still retains Shakespeare's initial conception.

William Shakespeare, is the most famous playwright of the English language as he successfully conveys many universal themes, in his 16th century tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, appealing to the audience during the time which it was produced. Hence it raises the question of how effective would Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film be as appealing to a 20th century audience? Luhrmann’s form of displaying the original play as a film, is a significant modern appropriation, as the audience can physically see the play unfolding, identifying the film's effectiveness. By drawing on the original themes of violence and love, and introducing numerous film techniques, Luhrmann's modern adaptation of the play will prove itself highly effective.

William Shakespeare's 16th century tragedy, Romeo and Juliet obviously appeals to the context of the time in which it was produced. Hence it raises the question of how effective Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film is at appealing to a 20th century audience? Luhrmann’s form of displaying the original play as a film, is a significant modern appropriation, as the audience can physically see the play unfolding, identifying the films effectiveness. By drawing on the original themes of Violence, love and timing - and introducing numerous film techniques, Luhrmann's modern adaption of the play will prove itself highly effective. DONE

Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet”, creates a contemporary romantic drama based on William Shakespeare’s classical text from 1597. Luhrmann’s cinematic depiction of “Romeo and Juliet” uses creative filmic techniques to assist the understanding of the characters, plot and language to a broad audience. Firstly, the use of characterisation creates relatability between the audience and characters. His depiction of the plot is also enhanced by using diegetic and non-diegetic sound throughout the film. Finally, setting and visual components such as colour, aided in the understanding of Shakespearean language by a modern audience.