Which version of Romeo and Juliet represented the themes in the play more effectively?

Answer 1

There will be many different opinions about which version of Romeo and Juliet is best, and many valid arguments in support of them. Some people will prefer film or TV adaptations, others will be attracted most to live theatre.

It is difficult to compare live theatre productions, since they are transient. Among film versions Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 Romeo and Juliet has good standing. Zeffirelli substantially altered the story, and even included a line from the play Coriolanus; but he captures the heroic cruelty of Verona society admirably, and the location shooting is memorable.

Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film of the story takes even greater liberties with the story (it is relocated to contemporary America), but again all the essential plotlines are maintained. Claire Danes is a much more arch and less virginal Juliet than Olivia de Havilland, but both interpretations can be defended from the text. Zeffirelli concentrates more on the timelessness of the text, Luhrmann foregrounds its contemporary relevance.

The BBC Television Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet (1978) uses an almost complete text. This makes it far longer than most treatments, and also allows it to develop the relentless violence of Verona society - which in the original play is almost as pervasive as the love story. Of serious claimants for the 'best' version it is the least immediately attractive. But it is my personal favourite.

The 1976 Thames Television Romeo and Juliet took the rather daring step of casting a Juliet who was neither an especially talented actress, nor particularly pretty. Its Mercutio - Robin Nedwell - was also rather fond of shouting. I don't think I would start with that one.

There was a 1954 film version of the play with Laurence Harvey as Romeo which camps the action up like a Carry On film.

Some teachers favour the 1936 film, because it is played very slowly so that even the least attentive student can keep up with the plot. But Leslie Howard, playing Romeo, is 42 (and looks it); Juliet (Norma Shearer) is 34. This play makes no sense unless it is about teenagers.

At the end of the day, your own taste will tell you which version of the play works best for you. But some of these film versions are easier to watch than others.

Answer 2

Either the 1623 Folio version or the 1599 Quarto, rather than the 1597 Quarto. That is why the 1597 version is called the "bad quarto". These are essentially the only "versions" of Romeo and Juliet. If you want to compare performances of the play, it would help if you could specify which two you are talking about.