Two versions of Romeo and Juliet (Baz Luhrmann and Zeferelli versions) vary dramatically by how they were made and techniques that are used throughout the play.
One big difference between the two versions of the play is that Zeferelli’s version is set in Elizabethan times whereas Baz Luhrmann’s version is set in modern day America, which makes it easier for today youth to relate to due to the modern day clothes and the use of guns instead of swords for example.
In the Baz Luhrmann version, the party scene is set in such an extravagant house to show the Capulets’ importance. Gold is used a great deal throughout the scene to show their wealth. All of the gold shows us that money is an important factor to the Capulets. Also, with this film, it is almost like it could be set in any time as if it were a timeless story. We get this feeling due to the old fashioned speech in such modern/slightly futuristic surroundings with guns at the same time.
On the other hand, in the Zeferelli version, the party scene is set in a medieval surrounding. Although it is set such a long time ago, we can immediately tell that the Capulets have money due to their house being almost castle like in size and character. The servants walking around show the Capulets value.
Costumes are used a lot in the Baz Luhrmann’s version to portray the personalities of the characters. For example, Juliet wears white and is dressed as an angel to show her virginity and innocence. Romeo is dressed as a knight to signify that he is Juliet’s knight in shining armour.
Alternatively, the costumes are less obvious and don’t show the characters personalities as much in Zeferelli’s version. All of the Capulets wear red to show that they are very important and believe that they are almost royalty. In the party scene, Juliet wears red to show her passion and love for Romeo. This is a contrast from the Baz Luhrmann version wear Juliet is shown as being pure and white. As Romeo is dressed as a cat in this scene, we can see that he must be strong and forward like the cat.
In both of the versions of Romeo and Juliet, we get the feeling that there is a strange relationship between Tybalt and his Auntie (Lady Capulet.) This is obvious in Luhrman’s version when they kiss at the party but is also portrayed in Zeferelli’s version by the way that they talk to each other.
Both of the two versions make music an important part of the film. At the party scene in Luhrmann’s version, the scene starts with loud music to show that it is a joyous occasion and everyone is enjoying themselves. There is then a brief silence and slow music is used when Romeo and Juliet first see each other, which shows that they have both found their direction in life. At the end of the scene, slow, sad music is played when they find out which families each of them comes from.
Music also plays a big part in the party scene in Zeferelli’s version. Although the music is old fashioned and traditional, it is happy and jolly to show that people are having a good time. When Romeo and Juliet see each other, a slow ballad is sung to show them falling in love. This same song keeps on repeating throughout the course of the play to remind us, the audience of Romeo and Juliet’s love for each other.
Colour is used in both of the versions to show the feelings of the characters. In Luhrmann’s version, it is extremely bright and colourful at the start of the party scene. This is used to show that it is a lively atmosphere and that Romeo is drugged. As it is extremely bright and we see the scene through Romeo’s point of view, we can tell that Romeo doesn’t know his own state of mind and what he wants due to being drugged. When Romeo and Juliet meet in the bathroom, most of the colours are very white and pale to show that they both now know what they want in life and are not going to change their minds. At the end of the scene, darkness shows that Romeo and Juliet are quite sad when they find out which families each of them comes from.
In Zeferelli’s version, most of the scene is quite bright even though it is inside with no electric lights. This shows that it is a happy occasion. Most of the people at the party wear bright and colourful clothes. This shows that the Capulets and their acquaintances are rather wealthy as good clothes were expensive in them days. At the end of the scene, it also goes slightly duller to show Romeo and Juliet’s sadness and disappointment.
Both of the versions of Romeo and Juliet use props to get the meaning of the story across. In Luhrmann’s version, water is used in the bathroom to show that Romeo is washing away any past sins and is cleansing himself. The fish tank that Romeo and Juliet peer at each other through shows the war and barrier between the Montague’s and Capulet’s in such peaceful surroundings and that only Romeo and Juliet are able to see through it.
In Zeferelli’s version, props are used to also show the war and obstacles between the two families. As Romeo and Juliet look at each other through a barrier of people, it helps to establish that they will have to overcome a great deal if they are ever to be together. Also, as they talk to each other around a stone pillar, this shows the obstruction between them, which stops them from being together.
For most of the party scene in Luhrman’s version, we see it through Romeo’s point of view. This is to show Romeo’s inadequateness and that he is not secure. It also shows that Romeo is drastically confused when he’s spinning around when he’s drugged and that he doesn’t know what he wants. At the beginning of the scene, there is quite a lot of quick camera cuts to show a lot of the action. When Romeo and Juliet see each other for the first time, the cuts slow down to show that each of them is deep in love and now know what the want. There are also quick cuts between Tybalt and Capulet to show their opposing views and feelings. Tybalt comes across as if he wants to stir up trouble and start a fight.
In zeferelli’s version, there is also quite a bit of camera shooting with Romeo’s point of view to show his thoughts and feelings. Part of the scene is shot with people dancing and showing you them spinning around. There are quick cuts between Romeo and Juliet to show that Romeo is falling deeply in love. The close up shots of his face show us his expression to help us understand his feelings. In the party scene, there are lots of shots of people dancing. This is a way to show how people flirted in medieval times. This was an excuse to dance with partners and look at each other. During the scene, there is a shot of Tybalt watching Romeo and Juliet. This foreshadows what happens later on in the play. During this scene, Tybalt is portrayed as being more caring (looking out for his cousin, Juliet) unlike Luhrmann’s version where we get the impression that he is a troublemaker trying to pick fights.
Special effects are used in Baz Luhrmann’s version to help make the scene more interesting. When the Montague’s are driving to the party, a lot of fireworks are used to show excitement and the build up of the atmosphere. The swirly patters and spinning that is used shows that Romeo is drugged and has no direction in life.
In Zeferelli’s version, the spinning around shows that Romeo is deeply in love and has eventually found meaning and direction.
During the party scene of Luhrmann’s version, there are repetitions of hearts throughout the scene. This is to remind us, the audience, of Romeo and Juliet’s undying love for each other. This motif is used so that we never forget the true meaning of the story throughout it.
Contrastingly, one of the motifs that is used in Zeferelli’s version is that all of the Capulets wear red to show to everyone that they are very important and wealthy.
One thing that contrasts dramatically between the two versions of Romeo and Juliet is that Unlike Luhrmann’s version; Zefereli used a lot more of the original Shakespearean text in his play. Although this made his film version of the play more boring than Luhrmann’s, it definitely helped for people to understand the story plot more due to its slower pace.
If I were to direct the play of Romeo and Juliet, I would set it in modern day England so that today’s youth could relate to the plot. However, I would set the party scene in a big house to show that the Montague’s and the Capulet’s were still wealthy and important in my updated version of the Shakespearean classic. I would set the party as a fancy dress hosted by the Capulets.
Romeo would be dressed as superman to show that he is there to rescue Juliet. Also, Juliet would be dressed as a butterfly to show her gracefulness and pureness. The actor/actress that I would chose to play Romeo and Juliet would be quite young (16 or 17) so that teenagers could relate to the play easily. As I wrote the script for the play, I would make sure that I didn’t use too much of the original Shakespearean language but I would use some to keep the plays authenticity.
I would begin the party scene on stage with four servants on the stage. A spotlight will be shining onto them while they are hurriedly scurrying around removing chairs and tables getting ready for the party. They should be talking quickly and be moving briskly but cherry at the same time to show people that they are in a hurry for such a happy occasion. They will be dressed smartly in shirts and ties. The servants will leave after clearing the stage and then the stage will fall into darkness.
Next, I would play lively, up to date music to show that the party will soon begin.
Capulet will than walk across the stage with a spotlight following him. He will be dressed as King Arthur to show that he believes that he himself is very important. When he reaches the far side of the stage, the stage lights will be turned on to reveal a brightly decorated disco, party scene. Capulet will then greet the party comers as they walk on to the stage from the back. Their looks should show their pleasure at how much effort had been put into the party.
I would miss out the part of the play where Capulet And Cousin Capulet talks, as I believe that it wouldn’t really fit in with my updated version and with it not being an important part of the play, it would add unnecessary length.
After the guests enter the stage, I will show how much action is happening at once with spotlights shining onto different parts of the stage. Some people will be dancing whereas others will be eating at a table, drinking or talking to each other.
After a minute or so when the dancers have been dancing for a while, the attention switches to Romeo. He is a latecomer to the party although the audience immediately notices him due to a spotlight following him to the front of the stage.
When Romeo catches sight of Juliet (who shall be sitting at a table by herself,) a spotlight shines on her to show both of their importance. Romeo will then ask a servant loudly if he knows the name of the beautiful girl he has just seen. His expression and his gazing should show the audience that he has instantaneously fell in love. The servant who will be holding a tray of drinks will briefly answer “no, sir” and then walk off around the stage.
The spotlights will remain shining on Romeo and Juliet as Romeo walks slowly along the stage staring at Juliet and reciting her beauty.
After he has finished, Romeo should join in with the dancing as he is obviously too scared to approach Juliet. The spotlight shall remain shining on Romeo but not on Juliet.
Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin will then walk onto the stage from the left hand side. He will then move to the front of the stage and mingle with a group of people standing. There will be a spotlight shining down on him to emphasise that he is watching Romeo. The look on his face should show anger but the audience should also be able to see through the anger to distinguish his caring side and that he is trying to look out for Juliet. As Tybalt will be dressed as a soldier, it shows that although he is a fighter, he also tries his utmost to try and keep things right.
After that, Tybalt should walk to his uncle Capulet who will be sitting down with a group of people at the right hand side of the stage. Spotlights should shine down on both of them to show that it is an important part of the play to give people the impression of what will happen later on. Capulet should talk strongly to Tybalt, almost shouting when he tells Tybalt to ignore Romeo. The look on Tybalt’s face should show his fury and resentment towards Romeo as he threatens revenge and storms of the stage.
The stage lights will now dim and slow music will play as partners begin to dance slowly on the stage. Romeo will then make his way over to Juliet who will still be sitting down on a table and he will sit down on the other side. The audience will have to be able to see both Romeo and Juliet clearly. The table between them will be used to show the hatred that the two families have for one another and that only Romeo and Juliet are capable to see through the anger and turmoil. Romeo should begin to talk soothingly to Juliet although there should also be a slight sense of nervousness to his voice for fear of rejection. Juliet should appear to be friendly but not too forward. Two spotlights should move separately and slowly across the stage until they meet on Romeo and Juliet to signify them falling into love and joining together.
The second the spotlights reach them, the music shall stop and the guests should then leave by the sides of the stage. Romeo and Juliet should then be alone for a couple of seconds until Juliet’s godmother comes to her. She will walk up to Juliet and tell her that her mother wants to talk to her. Juliet will then leave the stage with her godmother behind her. Romeo will then quickly ask Juliet’s godmother for Juliet’s name. He will be told that Juliet is a Capulet and that they could never be happy if they were together. Strong sad music will then be played as Romeo exclaims his disappointment when he is the only person on the stage. He will then saunter slowly off the stage by the left just before Juliet walks happily onto the stage by the right slowly followed by her godmother running after her. She will be told that Romeo is a Montague and that her father would never allow the couple to be. Juliet will fall to her knees and shout her sadness. The lights will then fade and the curtains will close to show the immense sadness. Juliet’s godmother will be dressed as an angel to show that even though she was the barer of bad news, she was only trying to protect and look out for Juliet.
To conclude, in this essay I have done my best to analyse Act 1, scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet. I have explained what makes the scene so important and how it affects the rest of the plot. I have described two different versions of Romeo and Juliet in quite a lot of detail and have compared them both. By doing this, I was able to find out how the two different directors, Zeferelli and Luhrmann used their own techniques to make the play of Romeo and Juliet interesting and easy to understand. I then described how I would direct the play of Romeo and Juliet on stage if I were given the chance. By doing this essay, I was able to understand the story of Romeo and Juliet in greater depth. I recognize how both of them must have felt trapped and unable to breath without being prosecuted. I now appreciate more the society that we live in today and the freedom that we have to live our lives in the way that we feel right. I also understand the immense love that both Romeo and Juliet must have shared and that war and hatred can do so much evil and that people need a wakeup cal to be prepared to change their ways.
