Romeo & Juliet Essay
What are the differences between Franco Zefferelli’s and Bazz Luhrmann’s interpretation of Romeo and Juliet?
One of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy write ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has struck enormous success in the last 400 years. It tells the story of two star-crossed lovers as they try to find a place in the world together without dealing with the wrath of their families’ rivalry. Many directors interpretations have been released and screened but two of the most successful versions were directed by Franco Zeffarelli (in 1968) and Baz Luhrmann (in1996). Each version has its own features, props, settings, subtractions and additions. Zeffirelli's version of the story is a filmic representation of the actual historic period during which the play was written (set in Italy, as the play is). Baz Luhrmann's version is a contemporary setting, including many anachronistic elements that try to make the story relevant for contemporary audiences. Some of the main differences between the two are setting, characterization, social context and cinematography. Both of the movies were accurate representations of the original play written by Shakespeare, and yet still differed in many different ways. But despite differences, the main plot of the story was still accurately portrayed to the audience, and both versions are still favourites among families all over the world.
This text will compare the differences between the versions and how they contribute to the feeling of the play.
Franco Zeffareli’s film is set in the 15the century Italy. Each family is set in a traditional style 15th century castle with handmade stonework. Major settings include country side towns, built villages, market squares and stonework chapels. Costumes include big, bright, flamboyant dresses on women while men wear hats, masks, vests and leggings. The costumes provide a historic feeling for the audience. On the other hand, Baz Lehrmann’s production felt more comical and perhaps less realistic. it is
One of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy write ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has struck enormous success in the last 400 years. It tells the story of two star-crossed lovers as they try to find a place in the world together without dealing with the wrath of their families’ rivalry. Many directors interpretations have been released and screened but two of the most successful versions were directed by Franco Zeffarelli (in 1968) and Baz Luhrmann (in1996). Each version has its own features, props, settings, subtractions and additions. Zeffirelli's version of the story is a filmic representation of the actual historic period during which the play was written (set in Italy, as the play is). Baz Luhrmann's version is a contemporary setting, including many anachronistic elements that try to make the story relevant for contemporary audiences. Some of the main differences between the two are setting, characterization, social context and cinematography. Both of the movies were accurate representations of the original play written by Shakespeare, and yet still differed in many different ways. But despite differences, the main plot of the story was still accurately portrayed to the audience, and both versions are still favourites among families all over the world.
This text will compare the differences between the versions and how they contribute to the feeling of the play.
Franco Zeffareli’s film is set in the 15the century Italy. Each family is set in a traditional style 15th century castle with handmade stonework. Major settings include country side towns, built villages, market squares and stonework chapels. Costumes include big, bright, flamboyant dresses on women while men wear hats, masks, vests and leggings. The costumes provide a historic feeling for the audience. On the other hand, Baz Lehrmann’s production felt more comical and perhaps less realistic. it is