Comparison of Romeo and Juliet Movies

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Comparison of Romeo and Juliet Movies

Franco Zeffirellis ‘Romeo & Juliet’ was the most popular film in the

box office in 1968, eight years after he directed it on the stage in

the West End. Baz Luhrmann created his version thirty years later, in

a modern style. There are many differences and similarities between

the films, but each does not change the tale. They use young actors

and actresses to appeal to the younger audience at the time that they

were released, but it is obvious to see the generation gap between

them.

The first noticeable difference is in the films title. Baz Luhrmanns

1997 version is named ‘Romeo + Juliet’, while Zefirellis is ‘Romeo &

Juliet’. Luhrmann used ‘+’ instead of ‘&’ because it is a more modern

term, and his film is set in modern times. The ‘+’ is also shown in

the form a crucifix. Throughout Baz Luhrmanns film, the religious

aspect of the families is stressed, and this use of the crucifix

supports that idea within the title. Zefirelli uses ‘&’ because it is

a traditional form of writing ‘and’, and his film is a traditional

style.

The introduction of Zefirellis ‘Romeo & Juliet’ begins with panoramic

views of Verona as the camera pans across the landscape. It seems very

calm and serene. There is soft, classical music playing and writing

appears on the screen. (in this order)

1. Franco Zefirelli’s Production of

2. William Shakespeare’s

3. Romeo & Juliet

Zefirelli is pushing the point that this is his version of the play.

While this is seen, the prologue is said. It is said slowly, and the

voice is soft, as if it is going to be a peaceful fairytale story. The

views you see are of a medieval Verona at dawn. The sun is rising and

the empty marketplace is seen being...

... middle of paper ...

...to go to the cinema and generally have

a more disposable income. By using young actors and actresses, Franco

Zefirelli attracted a wider young audience to see his film. Baz

Luhrmanns film was made with younger actors too, but it was also made

in the ‘MTV generation’, where crime, guns and fast action is widely

enjoyed by younger viewers.

Each film is different in their own ways, but they both closely follow

the romantic and tragic tale of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The films were

aimed at the same young age group, but are completely unalike. The

generation gap between them shows how much life and interests have

changed within thirty years. The films are in two different worlds.

Zefirellis is romantic and medieval, Baz Luhrmanns dramatic and

modern, but in each both directors have adapted the story to fit the

demand of the viewers at the time they were made.

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