Analyze Act 3 scene 1 of Baz Luhrmans modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Weather is another effective device in symbolising and reflecting the mood in this scene. The day starts off scorching hot but there is still an element of tension and Benvolio adds to this when he states “these hot days is the mad blood stirring”. This gives the audience a sence of fear and anticipation that something will happen. As the Capulet’s stride towards the Montague’s the weather begins to change the sky clouds over and the whole place seems to darken. It escalates during the fight between Romeo and Tybalt before it turns into a torrential downpour after the death of Mercutio. This echoes his sentiments “a plague on both your houses” as he says that there is a crash of thunder and the wind picks up and the rain moves in. This signifies Mercutio’s anger at dying needlessly and possibly god’s anger this would also fit because all the characters seem to be very religious.

Another vital element in building tension and drama is the use of body language. The two most dominant householders are Mercutio and Tybalt this is mostly because of their body language they are both prepared to fight and to dominate their respective pier groups this is why they gain respect. An example of this is when the Capulet’s approach the Montague’s on the beach and fear is shown by all the Montague henchmen except for Mercutio who noncientely mocks and jeers Tybalt. Mercutio is such a powerful character that even Tybalt shows him respect “well peace be with you sir here comes my man”. He also backs off when Mercutio begins to become angry with him. Mercutio is a proud man and is extremely ashamed of Romeo when he will not fight Tybalt “O calm, dishonourable, vile submission” this shows that Mercutio has lost all respect for Romeo by saying he is dishonourable is a huge insult at the time this play was written. Mercutio’s dismissive and confident attitude attracts admiration from all the other gang members. Over all by their body language you can tell that the Montague henchmen are not as keen to fight as the Capulet’s because they will do as much as they can to avoid confrontation. Romeo is a very placid character until the death of Mercutio and he possible feels that if he had fought Tybalt Mercutio may not have died. He becomes increasingly distraught with guilt and grief for his best friend which drives him to kill Tybalt.

Sound effects are always vital in films like this to enhance the dramatic effect and build the tension. The first piece of music you really notice is when the Capulet’s Approach the Montague’s on the beach it is best described as “gangster music” its quite quiet but noticeable and makes you feel that on of the gangs will lash out at any moment. Then the music fades out the next piece of music comes in when Romeo and Tybalt are fighting on the beach it is very quiet and in the background but flares up every time something bad happens and when Mercutio dies. Also when Romeo is in his car chasing Tybalt the sound of his engine is drowns anything else out even though there is some background music. And when Romeo and Tybalt are fighting under the statue there is music but it soon fades out to silence as Tybalt drops his weapon. All that can be heard after this is Romeo pick up the gun and shoot Tybalt  after this he drops the weapon to the floor and looks up aghast at the statue above loud dramatic classical music is played.  When Romeo drops the gun it drops in slow motion and silence but the sound of it hitting the floor is very clear and loud.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this film is the way Luhrman uses his camera angles to add tension and drama. He has the ability to make people look powerful or weak and if you watch carefully he does this very well. When the Capulet’s approach the Montague’s they show low angle shots on both Tybalt and Mercutio who are the two most powerful characters in the play. This low angle shot make the person look powerful and creates a kind of showdown atmosphere between Mercutio and Tybalt also in this part of the scene it shows close ups on the other Montague’s and shows their intense fear of the Capulet’s. Later on during the fight between Romeo and Tybalt it shows a close up of Tybalts face to show his intense hatred of Romeo a close up of Romeo’s face is also shown he seems to want to be at peace with the Capulets due to his recent marriage with Juliet. When Tybalt strikes Romeo to the ground a high angle shot looks down on Romeo and makes him look helpless. A low angle shot is then shown to make Tybalt look powerful .Later on as Mercutio punches Tybalt to the ground a high angle shot makes Tybalt look weak. After Mercutio’s a high aangle shot shows Mercutio being held in Romeo’s arms this makes them look powerless and possibly reflects the fragility of life. As Romeo chases Tybalt in  his car a close up is shown on Romeo’s face entranced with rage. Another shot goes to a close up on Tybalt who looks guilty and repentant what he has done has just sunk in. A high angle shot shows the cars as Romeo rams the Back of Tybalt’s. Once out of the car both men scramble for Tybalt’s gun and Tybalt picks it up first. Then he points the gun at Romeo who has lost any care for his own life because he is so enraged and he walks towards and forces Tybalt’s gun to his head. This is a very ironic piece of film as Tybalt is the man with the gun but Romeo is the more powerful of the two a high angle shot shows this. Tybalt is consumed by guild and fear then drops his gun and scrambles back against the wall. Romeo then picks up the gun and fires into Tybalt close ups on Romeo’s face he is crying as he fires the gun into Tybalt who’s face is shown in slow motion as his body jerks with the force of the bullets hitting him as this happens a picture of Juliet in bed flashes upon the screen this shows the contrast of these two situations. A high angle shot shows Tybalt floating lifelessly in the water underneath the statue then a high angle shot shows a repentant and tearful Romeo staring up at the statue. You see all the anger drain from him and this is replaced by guilt.

During this scene Luhrman uses many techniques to build tension and drama and shows that by using sound , clothing etc. he can play on the the minds of the audience. This is what makes it interesting and gripping to watch.