Comparing Romeo and Juliet Movies

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Comparing Romeo and Juliet Movies This essay compares two scenes, from two film products. The directors have very differently modernised and restored the famously tragic love story written by William Shakespeare. In this essay I will be writing about the fight scenes in ‘Romeo & Juliet’, compare the different setting and language, and interpret the characters between the Baz Luhrmann-1996, and Franco Zefferelli-1968 versions of this William Shakespeare play. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) wrote thirty-four plays altogether. They can be separated into five different groups according to the subject matter and theme: · The Histories, e.g. Henry V · The Tragedies e.g. Macbeth · The Comedies e.g. Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Nights Dream · The Romances e.g. The Tempest · The problem plays e.g. the Mechant of Venice, and Romeo & Juliet (interestingly both set in venice...) Shakespeare wrote at a time of considerable political unrest. Elizabeth-I was on her throne and Britain was under constant threat from Roman Catholic enemies who wanted to restore the links with Rome that Henry VIII had severed. He depended on royal approval to survive, so it is hardly surprising that he is pro-monarchy, as in Henry V and Macbeth, and anti civil war, as in Romeo & Juliet. Shakespeare wrote for a company of actors that he knew so he was able to tailor the parts to suit them. Women, however, were not allowed to perform on stage – acting was regarded as a lowly profession unsuitable for women – so all female roles had to be played by boys. Summary This is a story of a love at first sight, a love so powerful it r... ... middle of paper ... ...ter has their own dramatic, individual introduction, in fact the film has a dramatic introduction hinting what is in store, opera music, flashing images, bright colours, snap shots of characters. Consequently capturing the minds of a young audience. Zefferelli has made his version comparable to Shakespearean times, being naturally traditional. Despite both versions having different intents, in both versions the actors are fluent with the language, expression in the words makes it easier to adjust with a Shakespearean world, and follow the complex plot. The intent of Luhrmann’s version was for the film to appeal to, and be accessible to a modern day audience. He hoped that the power of this play would be enjoyed, especially by a young audience, this version has compromised a Shakespearean language with a modern world.

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