The language of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is very effective in creating an emotional response in an audience. How does Baz Luhrmann build upon this in his 2001 film of the same name?

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The language of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is very effective in creating an emotional response in an audience. How does Baz Luhrmann build upon this in his 2001 film of the same name?

Romeo and Juliet was written by British Playwright William Shakespeare. It was written relatively early in Shakespeare illustrious career. Romeo and Juliet has stood the test of time and is now a testimony to Shakespeare’s memory. The moral issues and tribulations created in Romeo and Juliet are still apparent in today’s society. Baz Luhrmann saw this play as fertile ground to base his 1996 film of the same name. It can be argued that peoples expectations 600 years ago were a great deal lower than today. Directors did not have the access to the overabundance of special effects. Basic effects such as  Stage lighting had yet been invented. All of these hindrances meant that the text had to completely involve the auidience. Shakesphere did this by using a variety of methods e.g in some plays he parioded the problems of the time e.g. in Macbeth Banquo, Macbeth’s friend was a direct descendent or James 1st for whom the play was written.

Shakespeare was unable to employ the cineamagraphic skills used by Baz Luhrmann. William Shakespeare had to rely on elaborate language to convey his messages whereas Baz Luhrmann had a plethora of special effects at his disposal. Lurhmann is able to use the progressiveness of technology to convey a mood change using sound effects also lighting can also change to suggest a new character is about to enter.  After the chorus the play opens with talk by the Capulet servants about the quarrels with the Montagues. This indicates to the audience that there is underlying fission between these two powerful families.

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   Act 1 Scene 5 opens with the great hall of the Capulet house. Romeo is persuaded to go to the ball by Mercutio. The scenes leading up to Act 1 Scene5 show Romeo in a depression over Juliet’s cousin Rosaline.

Romeo does not go to the ball searching for love – the contrary is true, he is lovesick and does not expect to enjoy the ball at all. The moment that Romeo sees Juliet in the film they are separated by a Fish tank this is prefigurative of the struggle that they are to face also ...

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