In contrast, the BBC adaptation is very old, tedious and dreary. The ball is very plain, simple and unattractive. There are no decorations or ornaments, and everyone is very slow, reserved and formal.
Luhrmann uses a wide range of colours such as fluorescent reds and pinks. He also uses golds, silvers and bronzes, to give a sense of wealth. The BBC film however, uses darker shades of brown, blacks and greys because it was made quite a while ago. Luhrmann uses many props in his production such as masks. In the ball scene, everyone is wearing detailed masks or, holding hand held ones. The masks are of royal colours such as, gold, silver and bronze. The BBC version on the other hand, is very bare and uses no props. There are just simple arches.
In both films Romeo is portrayed as being the gentle hero. Juliet is also portrayed as being kind and naïve. Tybalt however, is presented as being violent, aggressive and egotistic and, Mercutio as energetic and wild. In Luhrmann’s version everyone including Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt and Merctutio are wearing costumes and masks. Whereas, in the BBC version everyone is wearing more traditional clothes.
The BBC version’s portrayal of Tybalt is very different to Luhrmann’s one, as the BBC doesn’t present him as violent as he really is.
Luhrmann’s production uses bright, dazzling lighting and powerful sound. The music is very loud, energetic and wild. Everyone is dancing. There are also drums, trumpets and maracas playing in the background, to create an impact. There is an extravagant sensation. Lighting is also used to create an impact as, the rich colours and sparkling fireworks, draw the viewers to keep on watching.
The BBC production is very different to the Luhrmann adaptation as, the music is very quiet and soothing. There is a band playing instruments and, the music is slow. Everything is very old fashioned. The lighting is dark and dull and candles are lit.
The atmosphere at the masked ball in Luhrmann’s film is very lively, youthful and eccentric. Everyone is individual and, the mood is happy. Tracking shots are used to follow people when they’re dancing. This gives a fast and sharp sensation as, everyone is moving quickly. Close up and single shots are also used on Romeo and Juliet, to emphasise the main characters. You can also hear the sound of clapping, and the footsteps of guests dancing. A spotlight also focuses on the ballad singer, to make her stand out.
In the BBC version, the atmosphere at the masked ball is very quiet and gentle. Everyone is following a pattern whilst dancing and, everything is very traditional. Tracking shots are also used to follow people dancing. As everything is silent, you can only hear the sound of guests dancing.
When Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time, they instantly fall in love. In Luhrmann’s adaptation their first meeting was by the large, tropical aquarium. They both hide from each other and slow; soothing music is playing at this moment, to create a relaxed mood.
Whereas, in the BBC production their first meeting was whilst Juliet was dancing. Romeo starts following Juliet as, he wants to kiss her. In the BBC film, Juliet is portrayed as being plain and simple.
Tybalt is presented as being very bitter and provocative. Luhrmann presents Tybalt in the same way, as the BBC version does. He is portrayed as quite an evil person.
In the BBC production, Tybalt is presented as being very irrational. However, the mood is very different in both films. He is much more aggressive in Luhrmann’s film, which means the mood is much more tense. In the BBC film however, he is not as aggressive which means, the mood is quite calm.
In conclusion, I prefer Luhrmann’s version as, it’s much more eye-catching and easier to understand. The whole atmosphere is very vibrant and exhilarating and, draws the viewers in. It’s a very effective production, which makes you want to keep watching. I think Luhrmann’s version appeals to a wider audience as it’s much more intriguing. It’s booming, very frantic and leaves you wanting more.
