Another cast member that grabbed my attention was Claire Danes, who played Juliet in the Baz Luhrman film. In Act 1 Scene 5, Romeo refers to Juliet’s lips as “ saints lips”, while he, portraying a pilgrim, prays that there “..lips meet in prayer”. In this particular scene Baz Luhrman has ensured that Juliet collaborates and strengthens Shakespeares idea of a ‘saint’ because she wears a gown of pure white, accessorized with angelic wings. The virgin white attire symbolises purity, innocence, and cleanliness…all things that are represented by a saint. However, the ‘heavenly’ costume worn by Juliet may also represent the Capulets’ other children, all of whom passed away not long after birth, and are ( to the audiences belief) basking in the ambiance of Heaven. In the Shakespearean era, any child that died was thought to spiritually re-enter Heaven. Baz Luhrman fully considered this, resulting in Juliets costume showing that she was not only pure herself, but also related to all things heavenly. This shows also, that the pressure was on Juliet to marry into the right family, as none of her siblings were around to do this. If I was directing this scene for a modern day audience, I would set it in a school on parents evening. A young year 7 Juliet would be frantic as her parents would expect her to be the high `achiever in their family, and she would be wearing black as it is simple…yet mysterious. An older, year 10 student, Romeo would be serving tea and biscuits to the teachers, and suddenly spot Juliet. He would recklessly follow her through busy year-bases and crowded corridors, never letting her leave his site. I would direct this scene as such, as I feel it would be appealing to a teenage audience, and they would be able to relate to it more. Also, if the scene was directed in this way, the age gap between Romeo & Juliet would be more obvious, and would shock the audience more. This would have been ineffective in Shakespeare’s original performances in the globe theatre, because to society at that time, there was nothing wrong about a thirteen year old marrying a seventeen year old. To them, as soon as a young lady became fertile, she was to be married, and begin having children. This differs considerably from modern society, as a thirteen year old girl is seen to be naïve and vulnerable…nowhere near ready to have children of her own. In Baz Luhrmans interpretation, Juliet seems far from naïve, very confident and self able. While Romeo flirts with her, she encourages it, smiling continuously, and fluttering her eyelashes, emphasizing her angelic beauty. She speaks softly and seductively, often complementing herself, just incase Romeo somehow failed to notice any aspect of Juliet’s endless beauty. She reminds him that “..My bounty is as boundless as the sea..” As Romeo compliments her, educating her as to how her “..Cheek would shame the stars” and how her “..Eyes twinkle in there spheres”, Juliet falls deeper into love, explaining that “..My love as deep the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.” So, by now Romeo & Juliet are in love with each other, despite their families feud.
In Act 1 Scene 5, the contrast and references to the themes of love and hate seem never ending yet captivating too. We learn that the once strong unbreakable love Romeo had for Rosaline, has fizzled away, so much so that Romeo questions himself, asking …”did my heart love till now?” this proves that he doubts the feelings he has previously experienced are actually true love, as no experience feels as overwhelming as his current situation. Rosaline has been replaced by Juliet , and a stronger love continues to grow, despite the hatred that should blossom when Romeo discovers Juliet is infact a Capulet, his families sworn enemy. However, Romeo and Juliet seem to have found love from the depths of their families hate, and Juliet announces proudly to her nurse that “my only love sprung from my only hate”. Baz Luhrman has encouraged Romeo and Juliet to whisper at intimate moments, to show that something important is about to commence. This also sets the atmosphere for the audience, who then understand the bond between the lovers. However, this wouldn’t have been the case in Shakeseares time, because all of the actors, including Juliet would be male (like I said it was the mans job to work…women were not expected or encouraged to). For this reason, there would have been no intimate scenes, or any seductive posing or voice throwing. If I were to redirect Act2 Scene2 I would have Juliet starring out of a window on the thirt floor of the school building, while her parents were talking to teacher. Icily, her mother would call her and alert her that it was time to leave, and suddenly, she would notice a tiny figure of Romeo on the redgra outside, having carved the words ‘I LOVE YOU’ into the ground. Juliet, of course would have to act full of sorrow and remorse, but upon walking to the car, would cry desperate to use the toilet while her parents waited in the car. Once away from her parents, Juliet would unite with Romeo, where they would confess their love for each other, before being separated again for a while. This scene is vital in the play Romeo & Juliet, as it is the whole creation of the play. It is the part when Romeo & Juliet admit there love for each other, in overwhelming styles. I feel a modern day audience would appreciate this performance of Romeo & Juliet, as they would be able to relate to bad reports, an un-understanding mother and the pure rush of adrenaline, from being so secretive, yet obvious. I have no doubt that my personal directed scene would have been an utter disaster if it had been performed in Shakespeare’s time, in the globe theatre, but I feel now that there is less racism, and prejudice in the world.
In conclusion, I feel that Baz Luhrman succeeding in creating an entertaining yet original film, written by Shakespeare so long ago. Baz Lurhman added slight twist, with the aid of camera techniques, and imagination, and manipulated Shakespeare’s work until it was suitable for a modern day audience.
