How does Baz Luhrmann make the final death scene effective for the audience?
Baz Luhrmann has used many very effective film techniques in transforming the final death scene from play to film. He increases tension in the audience through the use of music, colour and camera angles, and makes this scene one of the climaxes in the film. The role of fate in the tragedy is emphasised. Although the tragic death of the lovers dominate the scene, it also encapsulates the strong and poignant love that exists between Romeo and Juliet and suggests that only through death can their love blossom in tranquillity.
The scene begins as Romeo locks the door against the intruding outside world. The noise of helicopters and corruption disappears and is replaced by silence and peace. Romeo is in a pitch-black room and this darkness builds up an atmosphere of tension and suspense. It is foreshadowing and warns of the oncoming tragedy. The beam of light in the darkness is very effective as this symbolises the presence of Juliet in Romeo’s otherwise dark world. As the door is opened, the camera is consumed by blue neon lights lining a long aisle leading to Juliet’s deathbed. The audience is overwhelmed by this image as we relate it to the previous brief scene where Romeo has premonitions about going to Capulet’s Ball. We are drawn into the scene as we recall Romeo’s haunting lines, “for my mind misgives some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin his fearful date with this night’s revels.” Romeo has not only shut out the physical world, but rather the long shot down the aisle reinforces the idea that he and Juliet are now truly alone, with no outside interference. The large church has a solitary atmosphere and at this moment, we forget about all other characters in the film and are mesmerised by the unfolding events. The camera is in front of Romeo as he walks down the aisle, with the neon lights silhouetted behind him. This creates a ghastly atmosphere and the blue reflection on Romeo’s face makes him seem already dead. He is breathing heavily, creating a sense of speed and the inevitability of events. A depressing melody starts and follows Romeo. The music is haunting and in a minor key, reflecting the sadness of the scene and what Romeo is about to see. As Romeo approaches the deathbed, it slowly builds up to a crescendo so that the atmosphere is heavy with tension.
