The 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, is a better film then Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo + Juliet. This is because Zeffirelli uses a robust setting and dim lighting which improved the quality of the film. In addition, Zeffirelli’s film adaptation of the classic story more realistically portrays Romeo and Juliet’s relationship due to his choices in dialogue. The setting plays a significant role in Zeffirelli’s film. For example, it is easier for Romeo to hide in the bushes and not be caught due to the shadows created by low light and heavy vegetation. At the beginning of the scene, Romeo ducks behind the bushes in the orchard when he spots Juliet talking to herself on the balcony. Luhrmann’s version of this scene is entirely unrealistic: Romeo is standing directly behind Juliet where she could have easily …show more content…
Zeffirelli’s version is superior because the slower pacing allows for more emotion to build, creating a more passionate scene. The rapid pace of Luhrmann’s scenes takes away from the intensity of their relationship. Zeffirelli also emphasized the time period and location of Italy in his film by the way he has Romeo speak to Juliet and vice versa. The dialog is true to the setting. He adds a charming touch by having the two character’s lines spaced out, giving the viewer time to connect with what is happening at any given time. Luhrmann took that away by having the actors deliver all of their lines all at one time. The speed, in this case, reduces the passion. There is also a significantly more physical connection between the actors in Zeffirelli’s film. The two lovers interact and speak with more emotion, giving the viewer the impression that they truly love each other and would do anything for the other. Luhrmann takes this dynamic away as the actors were speaking with more of a straight face, so it didn’t look like they were actually in love with one