Love In Zeffirelli's Film Version of Romeo and Juliet
Over the years, Shakespeare's tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet has been interpreted and changed in many different ways; but the main point is still found in every version, and that point is: true love, and the willingness to do anything for love. In Zeffirelli's film version of Romeo and Juliet, the relationship between these two star-crossed lovers is shown as more of a `love at first sight'. In the modern film version of Act I Scene V, the relationship between Romeo and Juliet is represented more as of them being separated and having to fight for their love.
Zeffirelli's version chose to emphasize the love that the two shared as to the tragedy of separation. When Juliet is first introduced to the audience, the music is sensual. Romeo notices Juliet and is breathless at her beauty. This is shown when Romeo suddenly notices Juliet while she is dancing between two men. Romeo cannot take his eyes off of her. This is an example of 'love at first sight' is because, the moment that Romeo saw Juliet, he was transfixed upon her perfection and he declared that he had never seen anyone as stunning as she. When Romeo first laid eyes upon Juliet, it seemed as though he had eyes for no one else but her. The curse of love is not only reserved for Romeo. While Juliet was dancing with the other men and she catches sight of Romeo, her gaze is almost frozen on him. They are transfixed as they stare deeply into each other's eyes. During this split second, it was as if no one else existed but them. This could be described as 'love at first sight' simply because of the spark that they seemed to have. It seemed as though they had been lovers long before they met.
First kisses are hard to forget. Romeo took Juliet aside and they are finally face to face and he kisses her. The instantaneous bond that they seemed to have is synonymous with love. The words they spoke and the feelings that they shared were so entrancing. The way that the other fascinated them was captivating.
In the modern version of Act I Scene V, the relationship between Romeo and Juliet is shown as a quest to be united. It is not something that comes easily to them. Romeo and Juliet first see each other through a fish tank in the bathrooms. From then on, they are constantly being separated. The fish tank serves as a metaphorical and physical barrier that keeps the two lovers apart. In the ball, Juliet is constantly whisked away by the other men who were hoping to win Juliet's heart. It is even a constant battle to not lose sight of one another within a vast crowd of dancers and bystanders. Romeo continually loses sight of Juliet because of all of the other men that are taking her away to dance with her. At the party, Juliet is dressed all in white, as an angel. Ironically, Romeo is dressed as a knight symbolizing 'a knight in shining armor'. This is an important factor due to the possibility that the knight costume is most often associated with the fighter's spirit, yet another symbol of fighting for their love. Juliet dressed as an angel could symbolize the fact that she will try to guide him.
Love, whether strewn with obstacles, or completely captivating, prevail in every version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Love can be interpreted into many different things and in many different ways. Whether it is `love at first sight' or something you have to fight for, love is something that is special and that should be cherished.
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