A Comparison of Two Versions of the Romeo and Juliet Ball Scene

The soundtrack was extremely different for both; this is something, which I think clearly contributed to the difference in atmosphere. However the tempo of the choice of songs for both adaptations are very similar. The historic interpretation had old music with a folk theme that was fast moving throughout. This helped keep the tempo going and the scene was extremely quick moving. When Romeo and Juliet finally meet there is a young man that sung a slow song.

The modern version is clearly had a better variety to choose from. The first song that is played in the ball scene had an extremely upbeat tempo, which really sung out and grabbed your attention. This had very little to do with Romeo and Juliet meeting as Mercutio took centre stage during this part of the scene. An artist who is seen and is at a contrast to the previous fun number plays the second song live. The song is very slow and flowing, it is sung by a rich female voice that changes the mood drastically. This is when Romeo and Juliet meet, the change in atmosphere is marked clearly by the change in music.

The setting is also a major aspect of films that is important. In both versions the ball was set in a very big ballroom. In the old adaptation the lighting was richer and nestled in the darkness. In the new, the lighting was much brighter and gave off the feeling of light and fun. The traditional decorations in the historic interpretation contributed to make the atmosphere almost seductive. However despite the almost garish entertainment from Mercutio the modern version's ambience was romantic.

The costume was very different obviously but I think that it was the element that stood out in my mind the most. In the old version I think that the costume although in keeping with the book's period in time, was not in keeping with the book's main themes for that scene. Juliet was clad in a scarlet dress that immediately drew your attention to her. This served a purpose and it was made clear who Juliet was, but this I think was not Shakespeare's intention. Juliet was meant to be a demure character who was almost hidden in a crowd. Instead she came out as the life of the party a role she was never meant to play.

The modern version handled the costumes a great deal better. The theme of fancy dress I thought was a particularly good one as it allowed all the characters to show their true personalities. Juliet's pure, virgin nature was clearly portrayed in her angel costume. Romeo's romantic feelings also came through in his knight in shining armour costume.

The acting was very similar, as I think all of the actors share a similar standard of skill. The old Juliet was perhaps a little more suited to the role as she looked the right age. I think that Leonardo DiCaprio was a little more convincing as the fresh faced Romeo.

Overall although both adaptations interpreted the text very differently the results were equally pleasing. I think that all that mattered was that Romeo and Juliet's love at first sight was depicted well and I think that both versions achieved this.