Romeo and Juliet appropriation

An appropriation is a text that is appropriated or remade by a composer and presented in a new way. Appropriation is defined as the means to change a text for a particular purpose or for a type of people. It is about taking the essence of a text and changing it for another use. The two texts that I will be analysing are Shakepeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet 1996 film adaption. In the play Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare explores the themes of conflict and rebellion and their tragic consequences. I strongly believe that Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is the superior text as it conveys the same themes, however adapts them through the medium of film which is more enjoyable than a play for a modern audience and he has done this in order to convey a version of Romeo and Juliet which is relatable to a contemporary audience. He has utilised various film techniques such as setting which I will explore further in relation to the themes. Baz Luhrman's film, "Romeo and Juliet  is a highly successful appropriation of Shakespeare's classic because it reflects the attitudes of its modern context. Furthermore, the modern appropriation maintains the ingenious Shakespearean language and the sense of tragedy that defines "Romeo and Juliet.  Luhrman's popular culture film is an innovative approach that brings greater suspense, emotion and reality to the Elizabethan classic and makes it accessible and engaging to today's cinema goers. The film examines several contemporary social issues non existent in "Romeo and Juliet's  original context. However, Luhrman's film conveys the values embodied in the play and the impossible love, hate and sorrow that are the essence of Shakespeare's tragedy.

Baz Luhrman's "Romeo and Juliet  is set in a modern city; a striking contrast to the Elizabethan England of William Shakespeare. Consequently, the attitudes embodied in the film differ from those conveyed in the play. As contemporary