Show how the portrayal of conflict between the Montagues and Capulets in Baz Luhrmann's 'Romeo and Juliet' is highlighted by the use of media techniques.

Authors Avatar
Choose a film or TV drama which involves conflict between two groups of people.

Show how the portrayal of the conflict is highlighted by the use of media techniques.

William's Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrmann, is a film in which media techniques are used to portray the conflict between two rival families: the Capulets and the Montagues. Mise-en-scene, camera movements and shots, editing and sound are all employed by the director to show the bitter conflict between these rival families.

The opening scene from this film is The Prologue, which sets the scene and uses mise-en-scene, camera movements and shots to introduce the theme of conflict. The mise-en-scene of a long shot of Verona Beach introduces the rival families by showing two large business towers bearing the names 'Montague' and 'Capulet'. These towers are elevated above a religious statue and show that - for these families at least - power, wealth and status are more important than religion. Furthermore, inserts are also frequently used to draw the audiences' attention to phrases such as "Ancient Grudge" which reinforces the theme of conflict and tells the viewer that this conflict is generations old. In addition, the camera pans across a series of magazines with images of guns and war which further serves to highlight the theme of conflict to the audience.
Join now!


The Gas Station scene follows The Prologue and uses mise-en-scene to effectively portray conflict between the Montagues and Capulets by highlighting the differences between the two families. A mid-angle shot from behind introduces the Montagues: they are listening to loud, upbeat hip-hop music, which immediately suggests they like having fun. Their car is a bright yellow open top, which shows they are relaxed, cheerful people as the colour yellow implies. They wear unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts of bright, saturated colours and lots of loosely hanging jewellery: all of this tells the viewer they are casual and laid-back. However, this ...

This is a preview of the whole essay