2. Why
I will be investigating the adaptation of the Shakespearean play Romeo &
Juliet to the film created by Baz Luhrmann. I have studied this play and
film in English and feel I have a good knowledge of it. I enjoyed both the
film more than the play due to it being adapted in a very different ay
compared to the original but it still follows the storyline well.
3. The Original
The original format of Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy play written by
William Shakespeare, it was published around 1597. It was written and
intended for the stage as this was a popular form of entertainment
during this era. The play covers a young couple who Shakespeare
classically described as ‘star crossed lovers’ who’s relationship ends in
death due the pairs long standing family feud. It is one of Shakespeare's
most popular plays.
It has since been adapted into various different formats such as film, TV
and into a video game.
4. The Adaptation
The Baz Luhrmann film adaptation ‘Romeo + Juliet’ was released in 1996
who co produced and wrote along with Gabriella Martinelli and Craig
Pearce. It stars Leonardo Dicaprio as Romeo Montague and Claire Danes
who plays Juliet Capulet. The couple were 21 and 17 at the time of
filming.
In this adaptation the two fall in love when they see each other at a
party. As it was inspired by MTV and to further add to the modernisation
of the film, a soundtrack, that reached number No.2 on Billboard 200
Albums was included in the film. It featured various artists such as
Des’ree and Quindon Tarver who covered a song by Prince.
The overall story is changed in order for it to have a more modern and
relatable feel. It makes some changes to the storyline but mainly to the
characters and I personally prefer this adaptation due to the concept of
modernising a classic romance story.
5. Comparison
Scene Play Film Effect
Opening
Scene
Verbal argument
between Sampson and
Gregory, they are armed
with swords and
bucklers.
They have have a
fight with guns at a
petrol station.
This is because this would be more
realistic and entertaining for a
modern audience.
Setting Originally it is set in
Verona Italy.
This is set on
Verona Beach,
Florida
This is a more modern setting and
it appeals to the young target
audience of the film.
Feud Two Italian families who
have had a long lasting
feud with each other.
Two successful
family corporations
that are
competing.
Lurhmann makes the feud more
relatable by having the families
have a current reason to be
Plot Romeo cannot enter
Juliet's house due to
security
Romeo secretly
visits Juliet nightly
This develops their relationship It
adds a sense of intimacy, which a
lot of viewers would want to see
from the characters.
and adds romance.
6. Reception
The budget for adaptation was $14.5 million and the film then grossed over
$147.5 million, worldwide. The film was also nominated and received awards
for the film. Baz Luhrmann was awarded with a BAFTA for the ‘Best
Direction’, ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’, ‘Best Film Music’ and ‘Best Production
Design’.
The film received positive reviews from 72% of 53 critics by Rotten
Tomatoes, with them describing the film as ‘fresh’.
The soundtrack of the film was also very popular and achieved No.2 on
Billboard 200 albums and in the US it made triple platinum sales. Songs
made for the film have since been used in other media.
I feel the film was entertaining and adapted well considering the initial play’s
era and the, what would now be considered overwhelming tragedy aspect. It
has been turned round into a dramatic, up to date romance film. It has been
adapted into an enjoyable movie for people of all ages due to the collection
of references throughout the play.
7. Legal + ethical
In the original Juliet is said to have been around 13 and Romeo was 16.
This would be both a legal and ethical issue as this would have been
acceptable in the 16th century when the play was written but would not
be allowed now. Having young actors/actresses casted for this role at an
appropriate age could be illegal. As the film is a more modern version
this would not be socially accepted so the ages of the two are unknown.
As there have been many adaptations of the film, Luhrmann would have
to ensure his version did not have any copyright issues by making sure
the film had originality and was not too similar to some of the versions
already out.
