Shakespeare writes the balcony with Romeo climbing the high wall that separates him from Juliet. Through the night's silence he hears Juliet speaking from a balcony. Juliet is talking to herself, justifying her love for Romeo and agonizing over how impossible their love is because he is a Montague. However she concludes that a name is but a name and that it can make Romeo no less beautiful to her as the lines,
“That which we call a rose by any other word, would smell as sweet" conveys.
Her touching soliloquy, and subsequent interaction with Romeo at this point in the play gives us hope that the young lovers will make their love last, for Romeo is watching and listening to Juliet all the time she is talking. He responds by declaring his love for her also and the two take a vow to marry.
Both videos artistically recreate the balcony scene (Act Two, Scene Two) Very effectively in their own way. As the traditional video reproduces the scene exactly as Shakespeare wrote it. It is played out in Elizabethan costumes, and the only two characters that are seen are Romeo and Juliet. The main stage of the scene consists of orchard surrounded by a large wall, a balcony a tall tree growing beside it as Romeo’s means of climbing up to Juliet's balcony. The scene opens here with Romeo proceeding from Capulet party. He walks down a dark stone path alone with his friends railing closely him. Romeo sees the light pouring from Juliet's window and continues towards it in curiosity. He walks slowly in the darkness until he clearly sees Juliet residing on her balcony wall. Juliet wears a white gown that makes her appear very angelic and virginal, a picture of innocence. Romeo moves slowly and quietly through the bushes trying to get a better looks at her, and, doubting his presence there at that time, he pauses and leans his head against a tree, trying to remain anonymous.
Juliet rests her cheek in her hand the moonshines down on her young face and she seems isolated. The house behind her appears dark and old, which represents her relationship with her parents. She speaks aloud of her love and adoration for Romeo not knowing that he hears every word. Unable to contain his joy about what he has just heard, Romeo leaps from the darkness below the balcony, abruptly startling Juliet. She retreats towards the doorway of her room, feeling violated and unsure about Romeo's presence, because of their families 'hatred towards each other. The interaction between them is forbidden, she turns to run inside until she halted by Romeo's confession. In that if given the opportunity, he would choose to deny the Monague name for her. Surprised and pleased on hearing this Juliet returns to Romeo.
As the scene continues, Juliet explains to Romeo the consequences that they would face if they were to be caught together. He hides behind the tree branches protecting himself a she sadly and amorously gazes at him. Romeo speaks of a lack of satisfaction and Juliet turns in shock, seeking the definition of his statement. Their palms touch, with their arms extended, then they embrace again, kissing passionately. As Romeo kisses Juliet's neck she professes her true love for him, only to be interrupted by the nurse’s call. She leaves telling him to wait at the end of the balcony, on returning they promptly discuss their plans for the next day, kiss palms and say goodnight. She extends her arms towards him and he impulsively climbs back up the tree to hold her and kiss her again. The camera moves to tree branches with the morning sky behind them, a rooster crows softly in the distance. It is morning, and Romeo again descends into the tree with Juliet holding onto his hand. Their hands remain extended toward one another as Romeo moves further into the darkness. They innocently blow each other one last kiss and Juliet returns into her home. Romeo is then shown racing down a hill, rejoicing , on his way to tell Friar Lawrence of the young lovers' secret plan.
The contemporary video (directed by Baz Luhrmann) offers an unconventional adaptation to this classic tale. He portrays how such a scene might be acted out if the young people involved lived in the present day urban backdrop. Luhrmann quite differently portrays this scene from the one above for in fact Juliet doesn’t even stand on the balcony at the opening of the scene. The orchard is replaced by a swimming pool, were most of the scene is carried out in. Romeo wears the suit of armor which he wore at the masque party earlier where he meet Juliet, and she was dressed as an angel suggesting angel-like qualities, as a silver cross hangs from her neck, symbolizing purity. Romeo climbs a ladder into the dark foliage and descends upon a pool deck. As he moves towards Juliet's window. Romeo is startled and fumbles around trying to find somewhere to hide himself before the elevator doors open and Juliet appears. She doesn’tt see Romeo there. The lights from within the pool shine highlighting Juliet's especially her face, Romeos face is well lit also. Juliet speaks of her love for Romeo, whilst she kneels by the pool gazing directly into the camera. (Her looking into the pool has been thought to be metaphorically thinking of the sky, perhaps speaking to God.
Still unaware of his presence, Juliet speaks of their families' animosity towards each other and casts those thoughts aside. Romeo unable to conceal his presence any loudly speaks to Juliet, startling her which causes her to scream and both fall into pool. On hearing the scream the security guards enter the scene to check on the young Capulet woman. As the guard stands at the near by gate, Romeo submerges himself below the surface of the water to remain hidden. The guard sees Juliet, alone in the pool, and they smile warmly at each other as he turns to leave. The scene goes on to Juliet having to leave Romeo as she is being called by her nurse. The nurse opens the door suddenly and Romeo jumps away in order to escape detection. When Juliet returns to the balcony he rushes to her, climbing back with his arm extended he reaches towards her as she drops her silver cross necklace into his awaiting hand. Romeo dashes across the pool area and climbs over the wall to leave as Juliet turn and says a final goodnight to her lover. Gazing Longley at the beautiful Juliet, Romeo waits until he is forced to exit by the nurse bellows .
The director introduces humor to the balcony scene as Romeo seeks Juliet at the wrong window and is more than shocked to find that in fact that it is her nurses window. Romeo's fears of being caught are heightened by the fact that security guards and video cameras survey the Capulet estate. Tension is emphasized here as security is seen through out the scene. With the characters acting under these conditions, Luhrmann s repeatedly interrupt the scene showing the guard watching the security monitors creating an air of suspense as we the viewers question weather or not Romeo will be found. This is very much felt who one of the guards enters the pool grounds. However here the director also introduces some humor, as only Juliet can be seen by the guard for is Romeo having to remain out of sight under the water on two occasions which is quite amusing to watch . Although humor and a touch more of suspense s added to the scene, it doesn't take any of the romantic and poetic feel away. I feel more passion is felt in Luhrmann interpretation of the scene as the characters are seen to be constantly embracing. When both of the young lovers fall into the pool they stare deeply into each other's eyes and the camera remains in a close-up to capture their expressions. Juliet looks down upon Romeo as he gently touches her cheek, then kisses he passionately, I think the water creates a more sensual scene.
Although there are parallels related in these films ( i.e. Juliet wears white in both films) it is apparent that the are very different interpretations of this Shakespearean scene. When it comes down to which version is more audience friendly, it is simply a matter of opinion. The first direction would appeal more to the traditionalist because it is done in the typical Elizabethan style expected by Shakespeare readers. The actors in his film were predominantly British and spoke the Elizabethan dialect flawlessly. Baz Luhrmann's direction would more than likely appeal to the modernist because of the comtemporly themes. I enjoyed both the contemporary mordon version and the more traditional film, but the one that most appealed to me most would have been Baz Luhrmanns version. I felt it being set in modern time, gave the characters more realism as I could relate with the characters environment. I personally felt that Luhrmanns film bought the two crossed lovers of the past to life. Lurmaann captures the passion and emotions of youth by giving an old story a new look.
