Songs
When Romeo is under the effect of drugs the song in the background is upbeat and cheerful. The song is called “young hearts, run free” mimed by Mercutio. When the lovers meet the music drastically changes to a slow minor key ballad. This song is called “I’m kissing you” sung by Des’ree. This song sets the mood as it is an acoustic love song. The song changes when the loves first make physical contact in the elevator and becomes more intense which increases the passion between the two lovers. This music continues throughout the rest of the scene.
Before Maria and Tony meet the other characters are dancing at the disco, the music is jazzy and upbeat, this is also set in a major key. When the lovers meet the music changes as the characters fade out. The music becomes slow which a very simple beat and there are very few instruments in the minor key, as the music is so quiet you get the strong, deep feeling of passion.
Communication
In west side story the two main characters, Maria and Tony, meet across a crowded room at a school disco. As they make eye contact the rest of the characters fade out. Slowly, they begin to walk to each other always keeping eye contact when doing so.
They then start to slowly dance with one another and no physical contact is made between them. This builds up the anticipation.
After the dance, Maria holds up her hands and claims they are cold. Only then do they make physical contact, when he put her hands in his.
They move closer gradually and touch each others lips, but only for a second, because they are pulled away from each other by their friends.
When their true identities are revealed, they still keep eye contact.
In Romeo and Juliet the two main characters are at a party thrown by Juliet’s parents. When Romeo notices Juliet for the first time they are both separated by a very large fish tank, which builds up suspense because there is not physical contact. When Romeo and Juliet finally make physical contact Romeo touches Juliet’s hand but nothing more. Juliet turns to Romeo and he speaks to her. From then on they keep eye contact at all times. Romeos looks at Juliet lovingly but Juliet looks unsure until the pair kiss in the elevator. Both their faces are filled with passion until Juliet is called away and their true identities are revealed to one another. Their passionate faces turn to disbelief as its revealed they are enemies.
Shakespeare wrote the play ‘Romeo and Julliet’, but and Craig Pierce wrote the screenplay. directed the film. The original play was set in Verona, Italy but the film was set in an ultra modern suburb of Verona.
West side story was written by Ernest Lehman, it was based on the stage play by Arthur Laurents. It was inspired by a play by Shakespeare. It was choreographed by Jerome Robbins, he also directed it along with Robert Wise. The lyrics were written by Stephen Sonheim. West Side story is set in New York.
Character Comparisons In WSS and Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet Meeting scene
Romeo and his friends arrive at the Capulet feast. Romeo sees Juliet in the bathroom and falls in love with her instantly. Tybalt recognizes Romeo and wants to kill him. A violent outburst is prevented as Capulet insists on Tybalt’s obedience, reminding him of the need to keep the peace in front of his guests.
Romeo and Juliet continue their exchanges and they kiss, but are interrupted by the Nurse, who sends Juliet to find her mother. When Juliet is dragged away they are both told where the other comes from and they both realize the grave consequences of their love.
Maria and Tony Meeting scene
In the film, West Side Story. The two rival gangs, the jets and the sharks meet at the school disco. They refuse to dance with any member of the opposing gangs which results in a dance showdown. At different ends of the dance hall Maria and Tony lay eyes upon each other. They fall instantly in love and meet in the middle of the dance floor and touch hands. They share a first kiss which is interrupted as the other gangs realise what is happening. Maria is sent home and Tony is left heartbroken that his true love is an enemy.
