Comparing Baz Luhrmann's Romeo And Juliet

Hang onto your seats and get ready for another of Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic masterpieces. This time, Luhrmann has taken Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet and effectively translated the original play into a visual representation that even the most dedicated Shakespeare fans will enjoy. Luhrmann manages to represent the key events, themes, characters and settings of the original play with only a few differences to make it a box office hit. Firstly, he has used modern concepts and settings and a stellar cast to make the audience want to come to see the film. Secondly, he has made the movie easier to understand than the original play with the use of modern and exciting cinematic techniques. Finally, he has slightly adjusted the script to help
the movie flow and maintain the audience attention.
With modern settings, gang warfare between the Capulets and the Montagues, and casting Leonardo DiCaprio (Romeo) and Claire Danes (Juliet) as the star crossed lovers, Luhrmann is guaranteed a box-office hit.
It is entertaining how Luhrmann cleverly uses the script to turn the play into a modern version. For example, when Old Capulet says, “I want my sword. Old Montague is here, and he’s waving his sword around just to make me mad.” the audience will laugh when they see it is actually an automatic rifle. The guns have the brand names “Dagger” and “Sword”. It is set in a fictional city called Verona Beach which is sure to delight. It is a modern sky scraper filled city filled with crime, violence and drugs giving the backdrop for car chases and shootouts. Quite the opposite of what you would expect considering the
dialogue.
This movie is more modern, exciting and easier to understand than the original play.
Through various production techniques such as costumes, lightings, sets, camera angles and music, Luhrmann has created a visually exciting and energetic film where every scene helps convey the message to the audience – even if you don’t understand the Shakespearian language. The first scenes set the tone for the film and will get you engaged from the very start. He takes you on a frantic trip through Verona beach while the narrator speaks in typical Shakespearean style. Luhrmann show a jumble of street scenes, police in riot gear, headlines and street scenes. He bounces from shot to shot which will leave you wanting more. He uses extreme colours, loud menacing music and violent speech which makes you feel the hate theme. On the other hand, he uses soft music, soft lighting and serene backdrops such as the pool, in the love scenes.
The dedicated Shakespeare fan might notice that Luhrmann has made a couple of adjustments to the original play but it hasn’t made a difference to the final result. For example, he took out the scene where Paris was killed and he also changed the final scene of the movie where Romeo and Juliet meet their fate – you will have to see the film to find out what happened. I can guarantee you that he makes it so exciting that even though you know it ends it tragedy, you will stay to the end and hope that it ends
differently.
You will want to take the side of the warring mafia-style families from the very beginning. Will you be a Hawaiian shirt wearing punk Montague or a leather clad hispanic Capulet? Whichever side you choose, this film is sure to take you on a rollercoaster ride of gun fights, car chases and a love that can never be. Luhrmann has captured the true essence of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with a modern twist. The key concepts, themes, characters and settings of the original play have been captured by Luhrmann so his film will appeal to a wide ranging audience from Shakespeare followers to those who find Shakespeare boring. Luhrmann has brought Shakespeare into the mainstream. This is truly one of the best Shakespearean adaptions of all time and you would be mad to miss it and sad when it finishes. Even if you don’t like Shakespeare you are sure to enjoy it. In a word, Baz Luhrmann has nailed it!

Figure 1 "Hand me thy long sword."