Similarities Between Romeo And Juliet And Baz Luhrmann

William Shakespeare, the renowned English poet, playwright and actor created the eminence of all literature; a piece of literature that still hasn’t escaped the clutches of society due its profound effect, that piece of literature is indeed Romeo and Juliet. The storey of star-cross lovers who come from feuding families, Montagues and the Capulets, who ultimately take their life. Almost four-hundred years later, directors Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann have both produced popular film versions protraying very different styles and techniques of the one play, using setting, editing and colour and costume to appeal to their chosen target audience. The Baz Luhrman edition is aiming towards a modern teenage audience who might not know Shakespeare but like action. While Franco Zeffirelli is more steered towards Shakespeare fans.
Firstly, the settings of both films are very contrasting the way they appeal to their target audience.
Zeffirelli decided to set his film in Renaissance Verona to stay true with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Whereas Luhrmann version is set in ‘Verona Beach’ which incorporated a L A style cityscape, modern-day city gang culture and gun crime with two separate skyscrapers bearing the name Montague and Capulet. The skyscrapers are both equal in size which is referring to the families being ‘both alike in dignity’. Similarly, both directors did include religious aspects; but Baz luhrmann is to religious symbolism as Michael bay is to explosions though. The authenticity of Renaissance Verona by Zeffirelli and Luhrmann modern day chic setting helped both directors at appealing to their target
audiences.
Secondly, the editing approach by Zeffirelli and Luhrmann was uniquely disparate from one another at attracting their target audience. Zeffirelli incorporated a range of camera angles, but he made frequent use of medium close up shots which made the viewer feel as if they were an eye witness, especially during the fighting scenes. Zeffirelli use of simple but effective incidental music also really set the tone. Luhrmann on the other hand never let the camera stay still, rapid sequence cuts, whip pans and extreme close- up’s during the petrol station sequence really built up the tension. Furthermore luhrmann use of over the top sound effects and dramatic music corresponded with the action. As a result, Zeffirelli’s use of soothing incidental music and median close up shots of passionate romantic scenes appealed to Shakespeare fans; while Luhrmann’s rapid pacing attracts modern teenagers who tend to get bored without action.
Lastly, the choice of colour and costume of both films were drastically different due to the directors’ decisions of their target audiences. Zeffirelli intend to dress characters by a colour code. The Montagues are in red and gold, The Capulets bear blue and green. Throughout the film everything is red and brown and yellow, dusty and sunlit. Luhrmann went for a modern look. Dressing the Capulet’s in suits giving them a chic gangster look and the Montague’s in casual Hawaii shirts giving them a punk image. Colours such as purples, pinks and yellows during the party scene gave the film a psychedelic vibe. Thus, Luhrmann’s modern costume and dazzling colours will appeal to teenagers because they’re able to relate to it and understand, and Zeffirelli choice of colour and costume is very authentic and traditional which will furthermore attract fans of Shakespeare.
Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann have both produced excellent versions of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, each using very different styles and techniques, using setting, editing and colour and costume in mind to appeal to their chosen target audience.