The similarities and differences between the opening scenes of the Baz Lurhmann version and the Zefferelli version of Romeo and Juliet.

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John Mensah

10B21

The similarities and differences between the opening scenes of the Baz Lurhmann version and the Zefferelli version of Romeo and Juliet

In this media course work I was asked to compare the differences of the opening sequence between the Baz Lurhmann version made in 1997 and Zefferelli version of Romeo and Juliet made in 1968.

One of the main differences between the two versions of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was the opening. The Zefferelli movie had quite a slow opening, in contrast to fast and furious opening of Luhrmann’s version. Both films used Shakespeare’s play properly, but their outcomes were very, very different. Zeffirelli’s version of the opening was set in a market square, whereas Luhrmann’s opening was in a petrol station. When the Montagues and Capulets have a confrontation in Zeffirelli’s film, the argument is quite courteous, in a mocking way. But in Luhrmann’s version, everyone is frantic, especially the ‘Montague Boys, but they still manage to put a shouted ‘Sir!’ at the end of each sentence. Also, before the ‘Montague Boys’ were shown at a petrol station, a newsreader is saying the prologue of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The newsreader then fades out and the viewer is shown empires, belonging to the Capulets and Montagues. This is meant to show you that the reason for the Montagues and Capulets rivalry is down to the business empires, belonging to the two families. In Zeffirelli’s film, there was no reason for the bitter, prehistoric feud. The Prologue was used in the play as a way for people to know what was going to happen if they should miss sections and so they could get the general gist of it. In the modern film adaptation the Prologue plays a huge part at the beginning of the film. It is played 3 times over. Once by the news reporter on the television, again on signs around Verona City, and again as text flashing on the screen. In the film the prologue is used to wet peoples appetite and get them interested and exited- loud powerful music and action during the prologue do this effectively.

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The director has also done the clever thing of making each scene contrast from the previous and the next The opening sequence of the Baz Lurhmann version of Romeo and Juliet is very modern immediately because the prologue of the story is told by a news reporter on television this shows imagery and that the feud between the Montague’s and the Capulet’s has been going on for a long time. In this scene the music used is dramatic orchestral music that immediately sets the scene for action. When the newsreader is talking the camera is shooting her from a far ...

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