Romeo and Juliet Film Review (900 words).
Due: Monday 5th June
A= Ananya N= Nishita
A: Good morrow ladies and gentlemen. Shakespeare t’was a great man whom hath put thy pen to thy paper and given birth to many a story. One of which tis Romeo and Juliet.
N: Two household both alike in dignity. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal lions of these two foes a pair of star crossed lovers take their life.
A: Today’s show is on the 1996 remake of the famous Shakespearian play, Romeo and Juliet by Baz Luhrmann. We’ll be discussing everything from plots themes actors to special effects.
N: Romeo is part of the noble Montague family and Juliet from the powerful Capulets. The families hold an ancient grudge against each other. Romeo and Juliet meet at a Capulet party and no prizes for guessing what happens next.
A: Yep, the rest is history. You know Nishita, I was watching this movie last night and I realized that it teaches valuable life lessons.
N: So true Anna, For example love. Shakespeare explores different types of love. Like infatuation. Romeo thinks he’s in love and moans over Rosaline. And I quote. “Well armed from love’s weak childish bow, she lives uncharmed. Honestly, Anna, how many people can relate to that?
A: Lots. What about 100% true love. For example when Romeo first meets Juliet. It shows that pure love can change people. Romeo became more passionate and Juliet more independent.
N: Most importantly, love is something someone is willing to do for someone. In the extreme cases of Romeo and Juliet they were willing to die for each other.
A: But don’t rush out and marry some guy/girl that you meet at a party. Romeo and Juliet is a story. However, the lessons of love do hold true.
N: Also, the hatred between the Montague’s and Capulets ends up killing their only children.
A: And what this hatred for? Nothing. Just a feud that no one bothered ending. It is senseless to fight for the sake of fighting.
N: Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers. In that time, if two people’s stars were crossed they would never remain together.
A: Yep! From the start fate was not on their side. For example when Friar Lawrence gives Juliet a drug to make her appear dead for 42 hours he sends a letter to Romeo but fate intervenes and the letter fails to reach Romeo. The Friar arrives too late to stop Romeo from ultimately killing himself. (pause) Luhrmann takes this play and deposits it into a modern Verona beach.
N: Didn’t Clair Danes make a breathtaking Juliet? She merged strength and fragility into one. Leonardo DiCaprio on the other hand isn’t quiet as successful as Romeo. There are times when his delivery of Shakespeare’s dialogue goes over the top, for example when he finds out of Juliet’s death at the end of the film.
A: John Leguizamo makes a particularly effective Tybalt. Despite a terrible accent, Mariam Margoyles makes a delightful interpretation of Juliet’s nurse. In a daring move that works, Mercutio is presented as a high-energy drag queen.
N: Less successful are the pair of characters Paul Rudd’s Paris and Jessie Bradford’s Balthasar. They are so ineffective that they’re virtually invisible.
A: Now onto film techniques. You know Nishita, I reckon this version is really modern and supported by a great soundtrack. Luhermann injects contemporary life into Shakespeare’s play by weaving the media, guns, drugs, cars and incest.
N: Yet he still retains the heart of Shakespeare’s verse and delivers it in a snappy and comprehensive manner. But I noticed Anna…that the camera is restless as in always moving. There were times in the film when rapid cuts and raging atmosphere caused understandable confusion between a movie and a rock video. Sometimes you tend to loose the story in the style.
A: But I doubt it was Luhrman’s intent, as you say, to drown Shakespeare’s dialogue in technique.
N: Maybe not, but there are many other film techniques used throughout like foreshadowing.
A: Yeah, you’re right. There are many indirect clues that confirm Romeo and Juliet’s fate. Any person can figure out what’s going to happen to them.
N: Oh yeah, I remember one clue at Act 3 scene 5, when Juliet was looking down on Romeo in Capulet’s orchard. And I quote “Methinks I see thee, now thou art below as one dead in the bottom of the tomb.”
A: So what do you think Nisha? Is it a successful adaptation of the play?
N: Well I think when considering any adaptation success rests on how the new medium uses it strengths and minimizes its weaknesses with respect to the original. I think Luhrman understands the distinctive limitations of film in comparison with theatre. What do you think Anna?
A: Ultimately the success of any adaptation of a Shakespearean play is determined by two factors according to me: the competence of the director and the ability of the main cast members. Maybe such an outward and loud interpretation isn’t exactly what people are looking for but hopefully it’ll open some eyes and widen the audience willing to venture into any movie bearing the credit “ based on the play by William Shakespeare”.
N: I think Luhrmann has clearly given the viewer a new insight into this play. He’s emphasized contextual differences and his ability as a director allows him to appropriate the play accordingly and transfer Romeo and Juliet from the stage to the silver screen. I’ll give it 4 out of 5.
A: Well as for me I think this film sort of fails in satisfying it’s own internal demands. The emphasis on its status as a work of translation causes it carry too much baggage from the 16th century. Luhrmann was faced with the task of translating not only a century’s dead culture but also translating it into a new medium. However the performances were overall charming so I give it a 3 out of 5.
N: Well that’s all for tonight. This movie is coming out next Friday catch it at your closest cinema.
A: Hope all you Shakespeare lovers enjoyed the show and hopefully you’ll enjoy the film too.
N: See you next week. Same time, same place. Watch us. This is Nisha.
A: And this is Anna. Signing off from….
A & N: SEE FOR CINEMA!
