Baz Luhrmann's Appropriation Of Romeo And Juliet
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Baz Luhrmann’s film Romeo and Juliet is an appropriation of Romeo and Juliet. Both share similar ideas yet also reflect their different time and audiences. In light of this statement, choose at least one key scene in the story and compare and contrast the two scenes.
Baz Luhrmann’s “William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet” is a modern compliment to an old vision. In order to appreciate Baz Luhrmann’s appropriation of “Romeo and Juliet” we must first address the differing audiences to whom Shakespeare & Luhrmann were pitching their productions. Shakespeare enthralled audiences at the Globe, many of whom would be considered at the lower end of the economic spectrum. These spectators were riveted by tales of intrigue and bloodthirsty action. Despite the hundreds of years between them, Luhrmann also engaged his audience by presenting similar ideas in a way which reflected his contemporary society. At the heart of both productions are universal themes of cross-cultural clashes and the bitter and futile outcomes for lovers caught across the boundary. From …show more content…
For example, the costumes donned by Romeo and Juliet have heavy foreshadowing and irony. Romeo wore a knight costume – he is the night in shining armour, but it is ironic because he is not a violent, easily angered person. Juliet is wearing an angel costume – however beautiful, pure and holy angels are, they are indisputably linked to death. This foreshadows that even if they are together, violence, death and religion will be key players in their game of fate. Although the actors could have worn these costumes in the original play, the symbolism and irony would not have been as obvious. Therefore the appropriation of the original Shakespeare play relies heavily on cinematic symbolism. Luhrmann retells the story of Romeo and Juliet in a way that Shakespeare never could, by enhancing the irony and
Baz Luhrmann’s “William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet” is a modern compliment to an old vision. In order to appreciate Baz Luhrmann’s appropriation of “Romeo and Juliet” we must first address the differing audiences to whom Shakespeare & Luhrmann were pitching their productions. Shakespeare enthralled audiences at the Globe, many of whom would be considered at the lower end of the economic spectrum. These spectators were riveted by tales of intrigue and bloodthirsty action. Despite the hundreds of years between them, Luhrmann also engaged his audience by presenting similar ideas in a way which reflected his contemporary society. At the heart of both productions are universal themes of cross-cultural clashes and the bitter and futile outcomes for lovers caught across the boundary. From …show more content…
For example, the costumes donned by Romeo and Juliet have heavy foreshadowing and irony. Romeo wore a knight costume – he is the night in shining armour, but it is ironic because he is not a violent, easily angered person. Juliet is wearing an angel costume – however beautiful, pure and holy angels are, they are indisputably linked to death. This foreshadows that even if they are together, violence, death and religion will be key players in their game of fate. Although the actors could have worn these costumes in the original play, the symbolism and irony would not have been as obvious. Therefore the appropriation of the original Shakespeare play relies heavily on cinematic symbolism. Luhrmann retells the story of Romeo and Juliet in a way that Shakespeare never could, by enhancing the irony and