Comparing Romeo And Juliet To Zeffirelli's

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Romeo and Juliet, a play written by William Shakespeare, symbolizes a heart-breaking story of two unfortunate lovers that are held apart by their ill fate. Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann have both made productions of Romeo and Juliet. Initially, Zeffirelli directed his version of Romeo and Juliet in 1968 which sticks closely with the original script. Later in 1997, Luhrmann produced his modern version of the script. The two versions of Shakespeare have many contrasts in addition to a few resemblances. Both films are set in Verona but the sets for each one of them are very different. This essay will discuss the impacts of film adaptations and also which movie adaptation represents Shakespeare’s authentic and imaginative intentions in act …show more content…

Zeffirelli’s version sticks closely with the original script. It sets in the main dining hall of Capulet’s castle where a party is held. People attending the party wear luxurious garments. Traditional music is played in the background. However, Baz Luhrmann's version is modified to modern-day times. The scene is set in a lavish costume party at the Capulet’s huge mansion. The costume of each of the main character signifies a purpose. Romeo is wearing armor signifying he is Juliet's knight in magnificent shield come to take her away from the fraudulent world in which she lives in. Tybalt is wearing devils horns and smoking a cigar. The smoke being radiated from the cigar looks like Tybalt has just emerged from Abyss. In the Zeffirelli’s version, the dancing is very dignified and accurate, however, in the Luhrmann’s version, there are utter chaos and disorder. It seems more relevant to call the beginning of the scene in Zeffirelli a sober and dignified party and Luhrmann's a flashy and chaotic party. The music played in the background is very wild. As Zeffirelli's party is more in accordance with the medieval times hence this version more effectively represents Shakespeare's intention by helping the audience visualize the situation of the scene during medieval