Compare the opening sequence of the films of "Romeo and Juliet", directed by Franco Zeffirelli (1976) and Baz Lurhman (1997). Comment on the techniques used and write about how far each version is an effective opening to the film.

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Compare the opening sequence of the films of “Romeo and Juliet”, directed by Franco Zeffirelli (1976) and Baz Lurhman (1997). Comment on the techniques used and write about how far each version is an effective opening to the film.

“Romeo and Juliet” is a play by Shakespeare; the play has been made into films by many directors. The version of the film by Franco Zeffirelli was made in 1976 for general release. The one made by Baz Lurhman in 19997 was also for general release. The Zeffirelli version is a very old fashioned type film set in Verona, to make it look authentic the clothes worn by the characters are similar to the clothes in Shakespeare’s time and so is the setting. The Lurhman version is very modern, it is not set in Verona it is set in Verona beach in USA. The clothes and setting is of the late 20th century America.

The audience expect an old fashioned romantic story when watching “Romeo and Juliet”. They expect poetic language since the film is based on the play by Shakespeare.  They will also expect a male dominating society. The music they anticipate would be classical and old fashioned.  Since the film is romantic, they expect the film to be set in a sunny and romantic place probably in the Mediterranean.

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The purpose of the opening sequence in both the versions of “Romeo and Juliet” is to tell the audience what the film is about. It is like an introduction to the film. Since both these films were on general release, the audience did not know much about “Romeo and Juliet”, so directors had to set the scene so as to make the audience understand the films better.

The Franco Zeffirelli version’s opening sequence starts with an establishing shot. The camera pans over the rooftops of Verona. The scene is very misty and grey. There is a voice over as ...

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