What are the intended effects of the opening of Baz Luhrmann's 'William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet'?

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What are the intended effects of the opening of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet’?

        The opening of Baz Luhrmann’s film ‘William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet’, intends to show a modern interpretation of the original play. He uses cars, guns and modern music to appeal to a younger audience.

        The first film technique used in the opening credits is zoom in. It begins with a black background which makes a distant speck stand out. We hear a woman’s voice uttering the Prologue, as the camera zooms in, we see that it is a television set with a female newsreader. The television and newsreader make the audience instantly recognise that it is a different, modern adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. I think this is successful because the audience know from the beginning what Luhrmann’s vision is.

        When the woman finishes speaking the Prologue, it is repeated over a montage. The screen is interspersed with words of the Prologue and establishing shots of Luhrmann’s Verona beach. There are also freeze frames of some of the main characters in dramatic poses. As the music speeds up, there are close-ups of the main character’s faces. The Prologue is repeated so the audience can relate the Prologue to the images of Verona. This presentation of the Prologue makes the audience realise that the film is thoroughly modern, full of drama and exciting. It keeps the audience in anticipation. I think this is successful because it builds up tension.  

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         As the montage is flashing on the screen, the music that Luhrmann uses is powerful and orchestral. The music is timed to fit in with the shots. As the shots get faster, the music gets faster and louder. I think this is successful because it adds to the tension which has already been built up.

        After the montage, the opening scene starts with modern music and the Montague boys in their car. The film freezes on a long shot of them and says ‘The Montague boys’ next to them. Throughout the scene, Luhrmann uses this technique to introduce the two ...

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