When we see both the Montague and the Capulet cars pull up, we know, from what we've seen before, that there's going to be trouble. Not only do we know there will be trouble, but we also get the feeling that if there were to be a fight, the Montagues (whose side we are on thanks to their introduction) wouldn't fare too well. This is shown not only by their appearance, but also the contrast with that of Abra.
The Soundtrack really sets the scene. All these elaborate and contrasting portrayals of the Montagues and Capulets through music attract the audience, keep them excited in the action and make it much more appealing and fun. The music for the Capulet Boys is spaghetti western which proposes that a stranger has entered town, like in a western movie. This impression is reinforced by Tybalt’s foot wear which is Cowboy boots. The whistling wind when Tybalt speaks and the way his metal-heeled boots clink on the ground, as well as the squeaking petrol station sign, all have strong connotations of the western genre. Luhrmann was clearly influenced by a number of different styles. The music for the Montague Boys is rap, adding to the feel of rebel. Obviously, the music modernises the story as it is modern music and goes well with the modern-day twists.
The costumes worn are clearly modern too. Luhrmann created contrasts between the Capulets and Montagues fashion senses making it easy to distinguish them without even knowing them. The Montagues wear bright and garish open Hawaiian shirts, adding to their rebellious appearance, while they are a nuisance to civilians, they still seem nice. The Capulets on the other hand appear very menacing and sinister. They are viewed feet upwards, showing their shoes, which have metal spurs moving up to their gun holsters, and black suits. The clothing of the Capulets is quite a contrast to that of the Montagues, it is smarter 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 Capulets appear to be a mixture of cowboys and gangsters. Luhrmann does not force us to use our mind in any way, he even puts badges on the Capulets and the Montagues, to reinforce the theme of the rivalry between them. The Capulets are completely different from the Montagues; wearing slick mainly black stylish trousers and waistcoats or similar black or red items. These two looks make it easy to identify the different families simplifying their personalities and the way they look in general. The slicked-back hair of the Capulets give them a Mafia look and the shaved heads of the Montague boys mixed with their attitude gives the feeling of hooligans. They seem weaker, more fun-loving characters. They are wearing brightly coloured shirts opened at the front, and one has pink hair. This fun, goofy presentation makes the insults they're shouting lose seriousness. The fact that one has a tattooed, shaved head and that they all carry guns make it seem as though they are trying to act tough, but if it came down too it, they wouldn't put up much of a fight. By examine the visual imagery; I could say both households have supremacy. But Capulets shows me that they have stronger power by being organized more than the Montagues. The contrasting music and clothing keep it simple for the audience to understand.
As the Montagues are scared Abra hisses and the word Sin is written on the metal plate over his teeth. This shows how mean the Capulets are; they are mocking them. Their overall appearance shows that they are not passionate and serious about the rivalry between the families. The way he delicately opens his jacket is another way of taunting the Montagues. Abra is showing off his guns, but his movements indicate that he is not actually trying to starting a fight. It also shows that he is calm and collected, not scared of the Montague Boys. This is again in contrast to Gregory, the pink haired Montague, who thrusts his chest forward to show the gun, obviously panic stricken. We also get a glimpse at his gun which is gold; indicating that it's for show more than for use.
Their cowardice and stupidity is shown next, when they decide to insult Abra by biting their thumb at him while he's not looking. After they do so, and Abra sees, the tension and anger start building up very quickly and dangerously. It starts with Abra roaring the engine violently, letting out his primal fury. He swings the car around sharply, and storms over to face the Montagues. This scene is relatively amusing, as the Montagues humorously panic and try to fill up the tank. Abra confronts the Montagues aggressively. The Montagues are unsure of what to do. The director portrays Montague's as humorous so this makes the audience laugh and to appeal to an even wider audience. All the characters in this scene seem to have an exaggeration on their personalities. The camera angles in this scene focus mainly on the facial expressions especially eye movements as well as the exaggerated actions of each of the characters.
Now the two families confront each other. The Montagues are immediately petrified which is a sudden change in mood and their conduct. This sudden change is humorous. This shows their immaturity that we saw before in their behavior. The traditional Romeo & Juliet play used swords, but modern day audience would find it very peculiar if they started to fight each other with swords, so instead of changing the text, Baz Luhrmann cleverly used the idea of naming the guns brand name 'sword', this way he could incorporate guns, which would mean that the film would attract a wider audience, and add more action to the film. The camera zooms in close to the gun and we see "Sword 9mm" on the barrel. Each gun has the coat of arms of each family. These are shown with honour as if they are supposed to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
Tybalt exclaims that he hates peace and all Montague's, I think he says this because he doesn't wish to keep the peace between their two families and if he kills them he will have even more respect from his family and friends. He speaks these words so slowly, and emphasizes on almost each syllable. This shows his fiery temper and his extreme hatred and disgust towards peace. When Tybalt says the words "all Montagues", Luhrmann decided to close-up on Tybalt's shoes as he crushes his match. This image is very cruel and violent. It relates to the idea of his hatred towards the Montagues, and it is almost as if he is crushing them. During the fight, the speed fluctuates a great deal, sometimes moving very fast with the movement of the camera very erratic and occasionally moving in slow motion. Baz Luhrmann took a very modern approach to the cinematography of the film by using lighting, cameras and lenses to their full potential and to bring new senses to your mind. Although the editing makes this scene overall fast paced the camera centres on Tybalt several times, in slow motion, as he prepares to shoot. His movements are like a ritual which it seems he has performed many times. Every distinct movement is exaggerated. The camera also focuses on his skills with the gun. He doesn't seem to be disturbed by the fact he is trying to end someone’s life at all. He seems very comfortable with the scenario and takes his time in every movement rather like a cat or a ballerina, showing off his skills with a gun. Tybalt is conveyed as is a poser as he is aware of an audience watching him and is almost desires an audience to observe him. Luhrmann has modernised the production by directing Tybalt to conduct many cowboy style actions such as spinning a gun and moving it around in cowboy fashion. Luhrmann has used this technique to show how evil Tybalt actually is. The camera is then further zoomed into Tybalt's eyes to further show the evilness of the character. There are endless amounts of close-ups shots.
Baz Luhrmann has taken a very different approach to the realism in Romeo and Juliet, deciding that if it was to appeal to a more modern audience it would need to have the elements of any other high budget, Hollywood movie yet including the tradition Shakespearian language. We hear a lot of cartoon-like sound effects, used to appeal to younger ages, and to make the scene more humorous and less serious. The theme of religion is also shown by religious symbols on family members or things that belong to them, the Montague car has a religious picture on the dashboard, the crests on the guns have a cross on them, The waistcoat that Tybalt is wearing underneath his jacket has a picture of Jesus on it, one of the Capulets has a cross shaved in the hair on the back of his head. Elements like an American/Hollywood type setting with famous, good-looking characters, and a completely unrealistic fast pace, all add to the appeal for teenagers. The camera angles become sharp and fast, as the fighting starts, showing the urgency of the situation. There is also a loud throbbing drumbeat in the background that helps to add a lot of tension. As the two gangs shoot at each other the camera focuses on the sign again 'Add more fuel to your fire 'being shot at continuously. Gregory takes cover behind a car door. The lady whose car it is panics and thinks that he is going to hurt her so she begins hitting him with her handbag. This is just comical and when you can actually watch his face and hers you have to laugh. These little acts of humour do make the scene effective as they break up the tension and this allows it to be built back up again without the audience getting bored.
After the boys had drove away, Benvolio and The Capulet’s are left alone. There are a series of big close-ups that flash from Tybalt’s, to Benvolio’s eyes. This is to recreate a cowboy or country and western stand off effect. This is a tension builder as it enhances the aggression and hatred the Montagues and Capulets have for one another. Petrol has been spilt on the ground. Tybalt drops his cigarette onto the petrol. The cigarette is shown in slow motion, as well as captivating the audience, there is also time to show the faces of Tybalt and Benvolio and their reactions. Tybalt has a sinister grin of the enjoyment that he is getting from destroying a part of the innocent society around them. However, Benvolio can see what Tybalt is about to do and how it would effect the society around them so has a worried look and is uncomfortable about what is to happen. The petrol station goes up into flames and due to the fire symbolising hate it is relevant to the text. The camera then zooms into the fire and smoke, this gradually clears causing anticipation to build up, focusing on the shot of the two business blocks and the city below with Jesus in between. The police helicopter then flies over, which backs up the modern theme and already tells us that the houses are in tremendous trouble. A news-report with the headline 3rd Civil Brawl, tells us that this sort of thing is not uncommon.
I really enjoyed Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. In my opinion, the film would have been a lot better without the unrealistic speeds, sound-effects, and actions. I would of preferred to see a more realistic and serious film with less humour. With all the camera tricks, special effects, and action, it's easy to lose the story in the style. Luhrmann's intent was never to drown Shakespeare's dialogue in technique, but it happens. But all in all, I believe this film was a success at converting the romantic tragedy, into a modern Hollywood movie.
