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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.

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Q: Why is the zeffirelli verzion of Romeo and Juliet better than the Luhrmann?
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