The introduction was a very important asset of the reproduction of Romeo & Juliet, as it would be important for the viewer to be gripped by all the action, which is a result of there being so much information to absorb in a matter of a few minutes. We then approach the first scene in the play and we are introduced to the Montague “Boys” who are driving a sports car whilst blasting rock music, something todays teenagers and students can relate to. They wear hanging shirts, with the buttons undone, shades and are interested in impressing the girls. These are factors that are important when considering the mise en scene as it is important for a viewer to relate to the characters as it will determine whether he/she finds the film appealing. This is why cool and relaxed clothing, props and “bad boy” attitude are given to the characters, as this is how the target audience would wish to picture themselves.
Wipe cuts are used to set the scene, which in this case is a petrol station. The effect of this is to inform us straight to the point of where the scene is occurring. We then see the Capulets arrive at the station. We, as the viewer, can see that the Capulets are the more dominating strength out of the two households. This is because the close up camera shots show us the facial expressions and body language of the characters. We can see that the Capulets hold their heads up high to show who has the dominating power whilst there is an element of trembling in the eyes of the Montagues. The Montagues tend to shift their eyes in the anxiety of not knowing what to do, whilst the Capulets remain calm and in control of the situation, as if they are fearless. We are then introduced to Tybalt and we hear the non-diagetic sound of whistling in the background as everything becomes still and silent creating the impression that someone important has arrived. This is almost like a scene taken from a western because Tybalt also wears the cowboy style shoes, following the stereotype of cowboys who were superior duellists. We are shown a close up of Tybalts eyes, and we can see the aggression in them and how fearless he is. The clothing of the Capulets is quite a contrast to that of the Montagues, it is more smart and sophisticated creating the impression that they are above everyone else. We also see Tybalt smoking a cigar, which again provokes the idea of importance.
The traditional Romeo & Juilet used swords, but to use swords in a duel for a film that is being modernised to appeal to a contemporary audience would not work at all. Baz Luhrman used the idea of naming the guns ‘sword’ this way he could incorporate guns, which would mean that the film would attract a wider audience, at the same time as utilising guns as a means of adding more action to the film.
When the two sides begin to quarrel we once again return to the fast paced music, and straight cuts. What the viewer expects to be an argument between 5 civilians, is shown to be a whole a city in chaos, and this exaggeration adds to action as does the armed police and helicopters that are roaming the city. The scenes are then edited with fire cutting across the screen and pictures of the two households opposing one another, implying there is hatred between the feuding Capulets and Montagues. This scene is then dissolved into the next one, where Romeo is on the beach of Verona.
The pace of the film is now calm and relaxed and this is shown through the use of the back lighting and key lighting from the front, which produces a creamy yellowy background, because of the sun. Calm and mellow non-diagetic music is also used to help enhance this peaceful atmosphere that is somewhat contrasted by the prostitutes. This atmosphere is produced to show that Romeo is deep in thought, or possibly that he is in confusion.
We can see how camera shots and music are used effectively when showing someone is under the influence of drugs in the scene before the Montagues gatecrash the party. When Romeo takes the ecstasy tablet, the non-diagetic music in the background becomes distorted and slower whilst a rolling shot is used alongside an unfocused camera lens, giving the impression of someone being drugged. We know that it is Romeo that has the sensation of being high due to his body language, and slow delayed movements, but also because we only see these camera effects when we focus on Romeo’s actions.
As we move on in the film we approach the ‘old accustomed feast’ at the Capulet Mansion. Here we can see how the characters have been depicted in the movie as everyone wears a fancy dress costume. We can see that Juliet is wearing an angel costume as she looks up into the sky, as if to wait for her saviour, and appropriately Romeo is dressed as a night in shining armour. We can see that Tybalt arrives as the devil, seeing as he always provokes fights and is always looking for trouble.
Water is one of the film’s main symbols that represents purity and innocence. It shows how innocent the two lovers are and how they are almost living in a dream world where people believe in love at first sight. This is why water is always present in the main love scenes of the film, such as the scene where the two lovers exchange vows. Water also gives the feeling of a calm and relaxed atmosphere, and alongside the sparkling lights of the swimming pool, we can see how the setting creates a romantic mood. This enhanced by the water glistening in the lovers’ eyes, and close up camera shots are used to show the attraction between the two.
As we approach the end of the film we can see how make up is used to show us what state a person is in. When Juliet drinks the distilled liquor, that Friar Laurence provided, we can see her how her face turns white as she appears dead. After the two lovers die and lie side by side, the camera slowly moves away in the silence, creating more impact and as if the souls of the two lovers are now in peace as they move away to heaven.
The casting had to be carefully selected for the film also, as it would decide whether the film would be a hit or not. Romeo is played by Leonardo Di Caprio, a young smart boy, with teenage looks and charm. This not only proves beneficial to the innocence of his character but also because of his fame we would expect fans to come see him star in a film
We can see that the target audience is obviously aimed towards teenagers and young adults and this therefore played a large part in what props and clothing were used in the film. We can see that apposed to the original idea of swords being used throughout the quarrels the two families have, the modern day version shows a sword to be a type gun, something that appeals to the audience and is associated with action films. This draws the attention of the viewer, as do the fancy sports cars.
His target audience seems to be aimed towards teenagers and young adults, who tend to be interested in action and fast paced films that
