Zeffirelli and Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet (Comparative Essay)
Shakespeare's work is widely renowned and has been reenacted many times. Zeffirelli and Luhrmann both have took different angles in their role of directing Romeo and Juliet. Outcomes, such as contrasts of characters and settings, can be compared to each other and respectively to the original works of Shakespeare.
Zeffirelli's version of the story (1968) is a cinematic representation of the actual historic period and whereabouts in which the drama was written (Italy). On the other hand, Luhrmann attempted the fiction (1996) to appeal to a contemporary audience. This adaption involved a current setting and featured various car chasing, explosion and shooting scenes. The typical individual would suggest that Zeffirelli stayed true to Shakespeare's vision of his production, unlike Luhrmann.
The use costumes and props seen throughout Zefirelli's movie clearly show the traditional direction he undertook. His costumes were the customary attire for that time period and his utilization of swords kept it true to Shakespeare's work. Luhrmann updated this by using guns in the place of swords; he did this comically by showing the guns being labeled as "swords". Luhrmann again strived to make his film relatable to a modern audience by making his costumes up-to-date and, in some cases, punk like.
Although the thugs with American accents overshadow Luhrmann's screen, multiple characters are portrayed similar in both versions. The wise and caring Friar Lawrence is alike in both interpretations (and relate to Shakespeare's text). The nurse, along with her inappropriate jokes, is always shown silly and Romeo is shown spontaneous and reckless during both styles. Two specific characters that were represented very contrarily were Tybalt and Mercutio. In Zefirelli's movie, Mercutio was angrier and at times it seemed that he was even unstable. The contrasting Mercutio was far more extreme, with amusing and comical qualities. Tybalt is another example for the divergent characters. Tybalt receives the title "Price of Cats," in Zeffirelli's version. He is civil and well-mannered. Luhrmann's Tybalt is quick tempered and always looking for a fight. However, it is important to note that, in both of the films Tybalt is prepared to do anything to uphold his honor and that of his family's.
Luhrmann changes the conclusion of Romeo and Juliet substantially. In the original script, Shakespeare has Romeo drink the poison (after believing Juliet was dead) and die thinking he was about to join his love in heaven. Then after Juliet wakes, she stabs herself in her heart using Romeo's phallic device, thinking the same thing. But when Luhrmann has Romeo take the poison, Juliet awakens and guises into his eyes as he is about to die. This gave viewers an execrated feeling of guilt and easily stirs their emotions. To top it off, Juliet blows her brain out… HER BRAIN?! This ruins the symbol and metaphor of Juliet's heart which Shakespeare included so beautifully.
Zeffirelli's work was produced similar to Shakespear's vision of his drama, he incorporated accurate costumes, props and setting. Luhrmann's version was the opposite, his work aimed to please modern audiences. Contrasts involving characters and especially the conclusion of the play are perceived. Both works successfully continue the traditions of Shakespeare but in different lights.
(525 words)
The nurse has told Juliet that she should just shut up and marry Paris. Juliet knows that if she confides her plan to feign death to the nurse, the nurse will likely tell her mother. Shakespeare shows us the moment when Juliet realises she can no longer trust her nurse, at the end of 3.5. Juliet asks the nurse if she really means that it is better to forget Romeo and marry Paris. The nurse answers: 'Yes, or may I burn in Hell' [the actual words are:'And from my soul too, Or else beshrew them both'] Juliet answers 'Amen' ['I hope you do']. A good director - like Franco Zeffirelli can make this one of the most chilling moments in the play. .
The nurse feels that Juliet is too young and innocent to marry Romeo. She feels he may not be marrying Juliet for the right reasons.
Romeo thinks death would be better because he believes he cannot live with Juliet.
He is banished from Verona, meaning he cannot see Juliet. He thinks it would be better to be dead than not to see his wife, Juliet.
friar Laurence
Because you think so. It is really impossible to say objectively that one production of R&J is "better than" any other, but if the production struck a chord with you then you can say subjectively that it is better.Strangely, a lot of younger people seem to prefer Zeffirelli's film because they find the Luhrmann film has not aged particularly well.
The Luhrmann version of "Romeo and Juliet" is considered better by some because of its modern and visually stunning interpretation that resonates with younger audiences. The Carlei version, on the other hand, is more traditionally faithful to the original text but may lack the same energy and impact of the Luhrmann adaptation for contemporary viewers.
The nurse has told Juliet that she should just shut up and marry Paris. Juliet knows that if she confides her plan to feign death to the nurse, the nurse will likely tell her mother. Shakespeare shows us the moment when Juliet realises she can no longer trust her nurse, at the end of 3.5. Juliet asks the nurse if she really means that it is better to forget Romeo and marry Paris. The nurse answers: 'Yes, or may I burn in Hell' [the actual words are:'And from my soul too, Or else beshrew them both'] Juliet answers 'Amen' ['I hope you do']. A good director - like Franco Zeffirelli can make this one of the most chilling moments in the play. .
in my opinion Romeo and Juliet
She tells him not to mess with Juliet, that he had better be sincere in his wooing.
They are better parents because they know and understand Romeo and Juliet better and they don't protest Romeo and Juliets love.
The correct phrasing is "than that of Juliet and her Romeo" as it compares two things, indicating that one thing is superior or better than the other.
they were never together. he went to juliets fathers masqerade to see rosaline and saw Juliet and thought she was better looking and would make a better love.
In my opinion, Antigone. Far more meaningful to me.
The nurse feels that Juliet is too young and innocent to marry Romeo. She feels he may not be marrying Juliet for the right reasons.
The words "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." are spoken by Romeo in the play "Romeo and Juliet".
Shakespeare did use the word "confuse" but he liked the word "confound" better. Friar Lawrence uses it when Romeo and Juliet meet to be married.