A hugely successful transformation of the complex written version to the action packed film took place when accredited writer Baz Luhrmann redefined the classic tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet.
Luhrmann and co-writer Craig Pearce were tenacious in deciding "to stick absolutely to the Shakespearean text, to keep as many of the Elizabethan customs as possible, such as a highly evolved code of etiquette and honor, even in the use of violence" in the context of a created world, based on twentieth century icon. They discovered that one of this century's most powerful and effective icons, the movies, best exemplify the notion.
"There are textual facts in Romeo and Juliet, having to do with Elizabethan society, which exist in Mexico," Luhrmann explains. "For instance, during Shakespeare's time religion was very involved in politics; there was a very small percentage of great wealth and a large population of poor; it was violent; and people were openly armed. We've interpreted all of these Elizabethan things in the context of the modern, created world. In fact, much of this occurs in …show more content…
Everything about the transformation was trying to simplify the understanding of this, and give connections to contemporary society; “Lady” was dropped to be replaced with the highly religious, uncommon (but well-known) name Gloria, which is a perfect choice. The simple but effective use of over-applied make-up and magnificent clothes illustrates the matter further, and anyone can relate to an egotistic peer. Furthermore, Juliet's father, the imposing and unpredictable drunken monarch is portrayed using a bloated, somewhat hideous actor, which doubtless, reminds many youngsters of the Julius Caesar’s senate as well depicted in the popular Asterix