Write An Analysis Of The Opening Sequence Of Baz Luhrman's Adaptation Of Romeo And Juliet.

During this whole part of the sequence, the shots are short, cleanly cut, and progress in no particular order. The main characters are pictured and the picture freezes as their name and character is displayed. This links closely to American soap operas and emphasizes, once again, the modern feeling. When the parents appear this time they are dressed up and look happier as if they are arriving at a special event. This also makes the sequence seem as if it is an advertising trailer for the film as it as if it gives a brief, snappy outline of the film’s content. The shots move faster and faster, especially before the change with snap shots from throughout the film. The words on the screen flash very fast through the prologue and are randomly mixed in with the images of the film as the music builds to a climax. Without warning the picture changes with a wipe signalling a complete change of scene.

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The plot of the play begins in the proceeding section. New music is introduced. It is being played from a car driven by Montague boys. The music is modern and loud. The following scene is important because it introduces the two rival groups; the Montagues and the Capulets. Visually a series of contrasts are drawn between the two groups.

The Montague boys arrive in a bright yellow convertible, dressed in lively clothes with loud rock music playing from their car stereo. They appear wacky and fun; not at all threatening.

However, the Capulets arrive in a blue car with tinted window. They are stern faced and dressed in black mature clothes. They have lots of religious symbols; crosses around their necks and shaved into their hair. The contrast between their appearances is clear and also the music sets up a successive contrast as it once again changes. When the Capulet boys get out of their car the rock is replaced with music which sounds as if it is from a cowboy film.

Abra is the first Capulet to emerge from the car and he is introduced in the same way, with his name and character appearing on the screen as the picture is frozen.

The Capulets appear much more threatening and the tension between the opposing sides becomes clear. Violence is suggested when both sides back their guns visible. The two family names are present on plaques on the end of the guns’ handles. The different names are referred to several times during this section as it is important that the audience are aware of the different sides as it had previously only been mentioned in none personal circumstances. The names also appear on the number plates of the cars which are shown later in the scene. Abra makes the first threat by showing his teeth to one of the Montague boys. The word “sin” appears across a gold plate, which is covering his teeth. The Montague boys are scared but this action provokes them to respond. Samson bites him thumb at Abra who appears very threatening as he skids the Capulets’ car around. The men spit words violently at each other. The insults and threats flow quickly but are unpredictable and tension can be seen between to the sides. Eventually the words are being screamed and both men are panting for breath. Baz Luhrman emphasizes the tension with very close up shots that capture only the characters eyes.

Tybalt is then introduced. He expresses his hate for peace and the Montagues. Just after a shot of a sign which mentions fire is shown, Tybalt strikes a match and lights a cigarette and drops the match. Suspense is formed as the audience think that the match will set fire to the petrol. Tybalt extinguishes the match with his foot and this image is symbolic of him extinguishing lives of Montagues.

Benvolio is the first to draw his gun. The scene is extremely tense as the first shot is awaited. Once the fight starts, another contrast is drawn between the two sides; The Montagues fail to hit a Capulet and shoot madly and without though. The Capulets fight gracefully and look experienced. The shots used here show the action close up and music once again adds to the affect of the scene. As the Montagues drive away a point of view shot through the site of a gun. This image hints strongly at war and everyone links the picture with violence.

Baz Luhrman cleverly uses fire to end this scene. As it is set at a petrol station when Tybalt drops his cigarette, the petrol that is spilt on the floor ignites. First the fire is pictured in slow motion. This helps exaggerate the danger that it creates, then it is speeded up and the fire seems uncontrollable. Shots of small areas being engulfed in flames are shown and soon the whole screen in covered in amber, angry flames.

This introductory sequence is a very important in the film. It sums up the film. At the end of the film the audience will realise the images of Romeo’s, and Juliet’s parents are flashbacks of them after the death of their children. The middle section, when the images flash and change very fast is very dramatic and is used to bring together all the themes of the film; modern, old fashioned, romance, war, violence, dispute, friendship and family.