Analyse the techniques used by Baz Luhrmann in his adaptation to the opening of Romeo and Juliet

        On the contrary, powerful music is heard and a religious statue is used to reflect a religious significance because the two rival families in the story both support different religions. A setting is then established and habitual images of violence and danger and death are flashed on the screen. These reflect the tragedy that is to come. There are then rapid camera shots which come into contact with the news report so as to follow through with the modern theme and to also emphasise the serious nature of the feud. The actor, who plays the priest, repeats the same prologue that was read to us by the news reporter, which makes the audience more involved and reiterates these lines. The camera focuses on the images used and the intensity in the music grows.

The ‘T’s in the title are red, flaming crosses, and this suggests death and religion and marriage, and this colour contrast implies innocence and tragedy. The inveterate images of the newspapers reflect truth and convince the audience that the dispute between the rival families is very serious and should not be dismissed. There are three newspapers shown, which may represent three different arguments, causing the audience to realise that it is not only the families who are affected by these disputes but the public as well. The use of the phrases “star-crossed lovers” and “take their lives” emphasises the theme of the play and uses a colour contrast of black and white to represent innocence and purity. The repetition of the prologue also reinforces to the audience that they should not expect a happy ending to the story. The audience can then disseminate themselves with this distinctive story line.

Luhrmann then goes on to use an unusual technique in the next sequence, he introduces the characters and the relationship they have with Romeo and Juliet. However the camera moves and captures them in the midst of conflict using serious expressions on their faces. This reinforces the tragedy and an impact is created on the audience as the volume has now increased. Paris, the bachelor’s son, is the only character smiling in this introduction which may suggest he is not directly involved with the dispute. This technique adjusts the viewers to the characters so they understand more easily earlier on who is related to whom.

The tension increases as the music volume becomes more powerful and dramatic. An opening door to Juliet’s deathbed makes religious connections and symbolises the end of the film before it begins. This prepares the audience for what they are about to see during the film and entices them to watch more. It also prepares the audience to expect an unhappy ending. The camera then flashes through images including a firework exploding, reflecting the exploding storyline and a young, innocent choirboy, who is also seen at the marriage of Romeo and Juliet. A silver mask is also seen, Romeo wears this mask when the lovers first meet, and it may also suggest people hiding their emotions as Romeo and Juliet have to do. There are also more images of violence and threatening imagery. This sequence of images can retell the play if in order and inspire the viewer to watch the film as they need to make sense of what they have seen. The prologue is represented again and the red crosses are thematic. The music gets more dramatic and climaxes to a final crash of the drum where the title “Romeo and Juliet” is shown. This prepares the audience finally for the film and the build up ensures that the film will be worth the wait.

I think that Luhrmann uses modern techniques throughout the prologue of this film so that the audience will know that they can relate to the film even though it is spoken using Shakespearian Language. The modernisation of the film also ensures that the audience can relate to the film. Also, the younger audiences are more attracted to this film as it uses modern day actors and actresses and sets it in a scene that we can all relate to. The effects and techniques used produce a visually exciting film for the audience.