In both films the costumes the actors wore reflected the characteristics of their roles. In Franco Zeffirelli’s, Juliet wore a red dress which symbolises love and in Baz Luhrmann’s version Juliet wore a white angel costume which shows purity and innocence. Romeo wore a blue/navy costume with a tiger mask in Franco’s version, which was quite different to what Romeo wore in Baz Luhrmann’s. He was dressed as a knight which associates with romance and symbolises protection.
Not only did the costumes reflect the personalities of the characters, but it also set a certain image for the two feuding families. In each version of Romeo and Juliet, the characters could be told which family they belong to, just by their outfit.
The lighting of the scenes were similar, as both films portrayed the scene as lively and exciting at the beginning. The only difference to the lighting is what was used to create the light. Franco Zeffirelli used traditional items such as candles and torches. Baz Luhrmann used modern items such as chandeliers and fireworks. The start of the party was similar in both films. Even though Franco Zeffirelli’s version of the scene started noisily, Baz Luhrmann’s was noisier.
Another similarity were the camera angle shots. Both directors used a variety of camera shots, especially close up. Luhrmann’s production, the close ups were helping build tension by showing both families feelings and facial expressions. Throughout the masked ball scene, there are a number of close ups on key characters. For example, when Tybalt recognises Romeo at the party and when Romeo and Juliet first set eyes on each other across the fish tank. Franco also uses close ups at these points of the scene.
The setting of the two films are also very contrasting. Zeffirelli’s production was set in Tuscany and Umbria because they were very authentic cities, which were a lot like the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, would have been. However, the Luhrmann version of Romeo and Juliet was set in Mexico, Miami beach. This was to exaggerate the chic, modern look. The setting choice is also another example of the distinction of interpretation between the two directors. Furthermore stressing the fact that the films appeal to very different type of audiences.
The music played is also another thing that Shakespeare does not inform the audience of, so the directors had the choice. The types of music that was chosen for the masked ball scene in both films were quite distinct, which again shows that the two directors’ interpretation of the play weren’t quite the same. The music the characters danced to in Franco’s version was ‘The Muresca’ which has a fast tempo.
The pace of the masked ball scene in both productions is different at the beginning of the masked ball scene. The 1996 film was much more energetic and fast paced with extremely upbeat music in the background. On the other hand, the 1968 film was much calmer and the scene started with Capulet being the generous host and pleasantly greeting his guests.
The part of the scene which both films’ pace was so similar was the part where Romeo and Juliet are together. For example, in Franco Zeffirelli’s when they passionately kiss and exchange compliments, and in Baz Luhrmann’s when they see each other and fall in love at first sight.
The way the characters speak and what they say, says a great deal about them. The two directors might have completely different interpretations of the play, but the one thing they clearly both valued was Shakespeare’s way of language. They both kept the dialogue the same as the play.
The purpose of Franco’s film was probably to create what Shakespeare would have created if he was alive. This is clear because of how predictable and traditional Franco Zeffirelli’s movie is. Baz Luhrmann’s purpose might have been to attract the younger audience to Shakespeare as the fans of Shakespeare tend to be older.
Both movies were excellently produced but I personally prefer Franco Zeffirelli’s version of Romeo and Juliet because it’s exactly what I think Shakespeare would have wanted the film of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to be like. Luhrmann’s version was very well made and much more effort put into it, but the original was still more appealing to a wider audience, because younger people can relate to it and older people can enjoy it because it isn’t like the modern action packed kind of film.