Comparing Zeffirelli's Adaptation Of Romeo And Juliet

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“Romeo and Juliet” is an age old tale featuring love and heartbreak, and is perhaps one of literature’s most beloved and despised story. Director Franco Zeffirelli, transformed this tragedy into the 1968 film that we know about today; which is considered the most idolized adaptation of the play. It starred Olivia Hussey (Juliet) and Leonard Whiting (Romeo) as the protagonists of this film. One of the reasons Zeffirelli’s adaptation of the film is the most raved about is because of his choice in cast. He chose Romeo and Juliet’s characters very close to the age that Shakespeare had written in his story, instead of hiring older actors with more experience. It also included John McEnery (Mercutio), Michael York (Tybalt), Milo O’Shea (Friar Laurence)t, Pat Heywood (Juliet’s Nurse), and Robert Bisacco (Count Paris). Romeo and Juliet is a film that sends you on a rollercoaster of emotions filled with violent and intense themes. This movie has won many awards including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, one BAFTA award, two David di Donatello awards, two Oscars, and one Nastro d’Argento award. Being such an iconic film, it has also produced a very universally known quote, “ O Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo,” said by Juliet in the equally adored balcony …show more content…

The young ages of Romeo and Juliet are a large part of my discontent, as well as the too quick romance between the two characters. Love affects everyone, but such a quick romance can prove to be irrational. Though the times are different and falling in love at a young age was something normal, I think that this story is more based on infatuation than on the love the characters had for each other. Overall, I think that Zeffirelli did a fantastic job bringing Shakespeare creation to life, even though I don’t necessarily agree with the choices that the characters

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