Romeo and Juliet - Zeffirelli and Luhrmann Essay Example for Free

Romeo and Juliet Zeffirelli and Luhrmann Essay The two main film interpretations of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet are Zeffirellis, made in 1968, and Luhrmanns, made in 1997. Although they use the same original script written by Shakespeare, these two films are very different. Zeffirellis is set in the 16th century, at the time when the screenplay would have first been written whereas Luhrmann has set his film in modern time but still using the Shakespearian language. The most popular and well-known scene of Romeo and Juliet is the balcony scene where Romeo and Juliet first declare their love for each other. Luhrmanns version of the balcony scene is started with a shrill crash as Romeo enters the Capulets house and knocks a post to the ground. This gains the audiences attention immediately for the scene. Romeos movements are clumsy and speech is fast-paced and raspy. Romeo escapes outside and awkwardly attempts to climb a vine below Juliets window. The camera pans out frequently to show the view of their entire Capulet estate, this shows the importance of where they are as its a forbidden area for Romeo to be. Romeos inept actions put a brief comical twist into this classic tragedy. From Juliets window, a small figurine of the Virgin Mary can be seen for a short time through the curtains. This has a strong symbolic meaning, showing the contrast between Romeo and Juliets sexual intentions and a sense of purity and religion. It could also be a symbol of warning meant for Romeo and Juliet. When Juliet is first seen in the Lurhmann version, she is the complete opposite of Romeo. Juliet is wearing a flowing white dress, signifying her innocence and inexperience; she delicately exits an elevator and begins to speak her lines with full use of facial expressions, acting confused and stressing the unimportance of names. Romeo jumps out abruptly and the serenity of Juliet looking over her swimming pool is broken by her shocked high-pitched scream. The two fall together into the pool with the same startling affect used at the opening of the balcony scene, grabbing the attention of the audience. The sudden movements are quickly slowed as Romeo and Juliet start to talk. Their words are hurried and there is an obvious need for secrecy which is stressed by the security cameras and guards surrounding the area. Their kisses are romantic and loving but not lacking  passion. Juliet is suddenly struck with fear of being caught with Romeo and with another sudden movement, she leaves the pool. The scene ends romantically and with both Romeo and Juliet feeling happy. Throughout the film, Romeo and Juliet are both on the same level, showing that their characters are equal at this time. The romantic feel is constantly interrupted by sudden movements or noises to keep the audiences concentration, making the film interesting to watch. Zeffirelli starts the balcony scene with Romeo gazing longingly at Juliet who is on her balcony dreamily staring across her garden. Romeos lines are whispered, romantic and spoken very slowly and softly. The scene is shot through the leaves to show the mystery and danger of Romeos being there. The bright light silhouettes Juliets figure like an angel. Juliets dress is low cut and quite revealing making her seem mature and seductive, which is very different to Luhrmanns interpretation of Juliet as his is very innocent. When Juliet first sees Romeo, her actions become quick, rushed and sudden. Juliet spends the entire When Romeo and Juliet share a kiss it is sexually motivated and very passionate. Romeos movements become excited and quick as he swings from trees. The relationship between Romeo and Juliet is very passionate and lustful as opposed to how the relationship was portrayed in Lurhmann. When Juliet decides its time for Romeo to leave, the pace of the film slows once again. The voices become romantic instead of sexual. As Romeo and Juliet part, the camera pans out to show their hands drifting further apart from each other in a slow lethargic movement showing the separation and isolation of Romeo and Juliets character. Zeffirellis film was very serious, stressing on infatuation where as Lurhmanns film was light-hearted and showed real love between Romeo and Juliet.