Compare and contrast the two 'Romeo and Juliet' films,by Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann. Do you consider that these contrasting representations have enhanced your understanding of Shakespeare's text?

The first 200 words of this essay...

Compare and contrast the two 'Romeo and Juliet' films,

by Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann. Do you consider that these contrasting representations have enhanced your understanding of Shakespeare's

text or do you view them merely as entertainment value?

When studying the two different 'Romeo and Juliet' films and comparing them together, they both have their own interpretation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" text. Baz Luhrmann created his movie in 1997 with Leonardo di Caprio and Claire Danes taking the lead roles. Franco Zeffirelli, however, created his film in 1970, starring Leonardo Whitting and Olivia Hussey. Both films provide very different perspectives on Shakespeare's text because of the different eras they were set in. The symbolism and imagery in both films are very different because of this factor. The two films also present very different settings. Luhrmann's is based in modern-day America and Zeffirelli's is based in traditional Italy. The culture of each country is very different and provides a real comparison between the two. Similarities and Differences can be duly noted throughout both films and the factors affected it but they both come together to provide a mixture of pure entertainment and the clear explanation