Compare and contrast Act 1 Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet in Franco Zeffereli’s 1968 version and Baz Luhrman’s 1997 adaptation.

Audience

The 1997 film is aimed at a younger audience because of the setting, the music, the characters-how they dress, its things that the younger age group are interested in rather than classical music, Shakespearean custumes and swords. This is specifically to attract a wider range of audience.

Construction

The constructions of the two films are very different, the 1997 film uses more close ups, quicker changing camera shots and they show you what you need to know such as the number plate 'MON' is shown as the car drives into the garage. As Tybalt gets out of the car he stomps out the match with the metal healed shoe. The 1968 film had less close ups and usually showed the whole scene.

Narrative

The story in the 1997 version of Romeo and Juliet is more action packed and exciting than the 1968 version. They are more aggressive and more frightened it is a bit exaggerated to add more excitement to the film. The 1968 version is less aggressive and when the police come they act astonished of what he says. The starts of the two films are very different, in the 1997 film we see the Montagues first and they go on and start the fight. In the 1968 film it is the other way around.

Genre

The type of the films differ a lot as well, the 1997 version is more of an action film but it has a lot of western sound effects. I think this is to add ton the excitement of the action by combining the two types of films together. They don't have alot of sound effects but the western ones like: bullets ricocheting from metal signs and tins. The 1968 version is less action packed and exciting but is more of a traditional and old type of film.

Iconography

The religious side of the play is very important. In the 1997 version they have got religious symbols on the back of the gun and have tattoos with crosses on. They have chains with crosses on. In between the Capulets and Montagues buildings there is a statue of Christ. As Tybalt puts the scope on the gun he prays as he gets up. This shows that the religious aspect is very important in the play. The 1968 version has not got as much religious aspects as the 1997 play at the first scene.

Conclusion

I preferred the Baz Luhrman's 1997 version of Romeo and Juliet because it is more modern and has more of an interest to me rather than the Franco Zefferelli's 1968 version.