The main difference between Zeffirelli and Luhrmann’s versions is the setting. Zeffirelli’s film has been set in Medieval times in Italy, and Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet has been set in modern Los Angeles, therefore there would be quite a contrast between the costumes, weapons, technology and setting. There are, however, some areas of similarity. The script has been kept the same in each film, and the language used is direct from the play. Also, even though the characters are dressed differently and act differently, some characters have similarities between them. One such character is Tybalt Capulet, Juliet’s cousin.
The first scene, when Romeo first appears is set in the inner streets of Verona. In Zeffirelli’s version, he walks up to his cousin Benvolio holding a flower. At this point you can guess that his mood will be soppy. One of the firsts thing Romeo says is “Ay me, sad hours seem long.” This shows that Romeo is not feeling to happy and something is irritating him. At this point you can tell that Romeo is a “lovesick puppy”. In this scene Romeo’s behaviour and mood is temperamental, he is in deep thought and frustrated by life. “Ay me, sad hours seem so long.” This also illustrates Romeo’s frustration with life.
Whereas in the Luhrmann version the scene is set on the beach, where Romeo is sitting there and feeling sorry for himself. When Benvolio his cousin approaches him, Romeo walks away as if to say he does not want to speak to him. In this version Romeo uses a lot of oxymorons such as “feather of lead”.
In both versions Romeo is feeling very sorry for himself because of Rosaline, with whom he thinks he is in love with, does not love him back. He is just being a “lovesick puppy” and thinks everything is against just because Rosaline does not love him back. In both films Romeo’s behaviour and mood is temperamental, he is in deep thought and frustrated by life. “Ay me, sad hours seem so long.” This also represents Romeo’s frustration with life. The language Romeo is using in both films is very soppy, for example “ O teach me how I should forget to think”, “Alas that love whose view is muffled still should without eyes see pathways to his will.” and “Why such is love’s transgression. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast”. These quotes illustrate to the audience that Romeo is depressed and he believes he is in love.
The language and Behaviour of Romeo in this scene illustrates, that when Romeo falls in love with someone, he will do absolutely anything for her, he will be besotted with that person, in this case Rosaline. It shows that Romeo will do anything and everything for her.
When Juliet first appears in Zeffirelli’s version, she is happy, jumping around, full of energy and just loving life. The background music is jumpy and fast, showing her mood, which is happy and full energy. She runs around and is smiling all the time in the first scene. In this first version her mother calls her just before the Capulet’s party to discuss Juliet getting married to a guy called Paris. Juliet immediately says “I’ll look to like, if looking licking move, But no more deep Will I endart mine eye.” Juliet is saying she will look at Paris and if this leads to liking then she will but she will not commit herself to anything.
In the Luhrmann versions her mood is still happy, full of energy and still loving life. The background music is also fast and jumpy, which again shows her mood, which is happy and full of energy.
These two scenes are very similar in both films. In both versions Juliet is happy, full of energy and just loves life. Her behaviour is very energetic and cheerful. The language Juliet uses in both films represents that she has not thought of boyfriends or getting married, for example “It is an honour that I dream not of” and “But no more deep will I endart mine eye. Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.” These quotes show that Juliet has not thought about getting married and is not that interested to get married, she will wait for the right person.
The scene does not prepare the audience very well for the tragedy that will befall them due to Juliet’s Attitude. She does not seem that interested in getting married; she will wait for the right man.
In Zeffirelli’s version the party is a mask party, Romeo and his friends wants to crash the party. Romeo only agrees because Rosaline is said to be there. Once they are at the party Romeo and Juliet meet, instantly they fall madly in love. Romeo quickly forgets about Rosaline. In this party they instantly fall in love. This is when the tragic love story begins.
The Luhrmann version, the party is a fancy dress, Romeo and his friends only go to this party because Mercuitio Romeo best friend gets an invitation. Romeo goes to the party as a Knight whereas Juliet goes as an angel. Again when they first meet, they fall in love instantly. In this version they cannot stop looking into each other’s or kissing. They have barely know each other and they start kissing.
In this scene both Romeo and Juliet’s behaviour is very sexual. From the instant they meet, they cannot keep their eyes of each other and instantly start kissing; they instantly fall in love with each other. The language between these two is very religious. “My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss”, “Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer” and “ Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take. Thus my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.” These quotes shows that the two are in love, they will not look at another person again.
In my opinion this scene prepares the audience for the tragedy that befalls them. From the behaviour and language the audience can see that these are deeply in love, and the two will try hard to meet again even though both families detest each other.
In Zeffirelli’s version Romeo breaks in the Capulet’s mansion to visit Juliet. Juliet says without knowing that Romeo is there “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” After she has said this she suddenly realizes that Romeo is there. Here there start talking and then start kissing. Then they make arrangements to meet.
The Luhrmann version is very similar. Romeo breaks in the Capulet’s mansion and speaks to Juliet, but this time they end in the swimming pool together kissing. This is the only difference with the scenes.
In this scene again both Romeo and Juliet’s behaviour is very sexual, the two cannot stop kissing. The Language illustrates the love between the two. “”I take thee at thy word. Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptised: Henceforth I never will be Romeo” Here Romeo is willing to change his name for Juliet. “My love as deep, the more I give thee the more I have,”
In my opinion this scene prepares the audience for the tragedy that befalls them the most due to the behaviour and language of Romeo and Juliet. “Three words, dear Romeo, and good night indeed, and if that bent of love be honourable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow”. This quote illustrates that the two are willing to get married. They will stay together whatever the family says. There love is too strong and the two will stay together forever, nothing can break their love.
Both films are individual; there are many differences, however there are some similarities as well. The main differences are in the setting, costume and iconography. I think that the Luhrmann version has a stronger opening, because it is more dramatic, and it prepares you for what the rest of the film will be like, because of the ‘flash-forwards’ at the beginning.
