Comparing Opening Sequences of Romeo and Juliet

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Comparing Opening Sequences of Romeo and Juliet

In my essay I am going to compare the opening scenes the two

versions of Romeo & Juliet. One is by Franco Zeffirelli, which was

made in the late 1970’s. The other one is by Baz Luhrmann and was made

in 1996. The Zeffirelli version stars Leonardo Whiting as Romeo and

Olivia Hussey as Juliet. This version was more authentic and

traditional. It was filmed more in a way Shakespeare would have

illusory it. It was set in Italy in fair Verona and was aimed at the

older generation.

The complete contrast of this is the Luhrmann’s version. It is a

modern day film set in Los Angeles. This film starred Leonardo Di

Caprio as Romeo and Clare Danes as Juliet. This version was much more

vibrant and attractive to the audience. The modern version was more

aimed at the younger generation.

The opening scenes of the film are very vital because they give the

first impression of the film. It will illustrate the storyline of the

film to the audience which will either make them fascinated or

uninterested in the film.

The traditional version starts with a landscape shot while the

prologue is being spoken in the background. It first shows the Capulet

boys walking down the vegetable market itching for trouble. Their

attention is drawn to the Montague boys who are also in the same

market. One of the Capulet dares to bite his thumb at a Montague

knowing that this will lead to a major fight. When the fight first

starts off, Benvolio tries to stop and warns everyone, that the king

will get angry. However, despite his effort, Tybalt comes from behind

and starts the fight again. Eventually, the whole town...

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... overall I would prefer to watch the modern version.

In my essay, I am going to compare the opening scenes of romantic

play, Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. The opening scenes of the play

are vital for the movie. They have to be eye catching and entertaining

in order to get the maximum attention of the audience towards the

film. It should illustrate the basic storyline of the story in a very

absorbing way to make the audience attracted to the film in the very

beginning.

Franco Zeffirelli made the traditional version of the play in 1970s.

It starred Leonardo Whiting as Romeo and Olivia Hussey as Juliet. The

version was traditional and authentic showing that it was similar to

the way Shakespeare might have originally illusory it. The film is set

in Italy in fair Verona where Shakespeare had originally set the play.

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