How successful is Baz Lurhmann in representing the character of Tybalt, in a way that is exciting and accessible for a modern audience of the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet

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Jay Barnett            Media Study            Page  of 2

How successful is Baz Lurhmann in representing the character of Tybalt, in a way that is exciting and accessible for a modern audience of the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet

Baz lurhmann’s, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a colourful, frenetic, kitsch version of Shakespeare’s original play.

Lurhmann’s lavish, high camp style, as a director is distinctive and can be seen in previous movies, such as Moulin Rouge.

Lurhmann’s ‘re-enlivening’ of Romeo and Juliet includes parodies of both the spaghetti western and the Miami gang wars. This movie is not meant to be read naturalistically as it displays Lurhmann’s trademark use of cartoonist primary colours and pop art imagery. The scenes are deliberately over the top.

Exaggerated use of slow motion and close-ups create intense viewing and draws you in.

Lurhmann uses the medium of film to create a Romeo and Juliet that captures the passion and drama of the play, and renders it accessible and exciting to a contemporary film audience. He deliberately targets the film to a teen market with the use of young iconic actors and up to date soundtracks. Specifically, the ideas Luhrmann draws out in the film are the ravaging effects of a family feud, fate and chance of young love.

Mainly Tybalt’s character is established through his costume by his sadistic outfit, it creates an uncertaincy and a mysterious feeling, you don’t know what he is going to do next.

Tightly fitted around his shoulder and thigh are gun holsters, the gun within represents the modern equivalent of a sword, making it more accessible to the audience. His flamingo style of movement gives a unique extra, which embellishes his character.

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Under lying his jacket are religious iconography letting us know that he believes in faith and on god’s side, so to speak.

Baz Lurhmann brings in the Montagues first; it sets a lighter feeling towards the audience, there laid back style of clothing, such as beach shirts.

Clearly aimed at the younger side of the audience.

In this film, Baz Lurhmann makes it accessible to a modern day audience, he achieves this by using recognisable characters in today’s world, making it more exiting and easier to understand.

During Tybalt’s entrance a well known signature tune is played from ‘The ...

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