The period of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign is often regarded as the golden age of English history. This Elizabethan renaissance led to much development in literature and theater, including the emergence of playwright William Shakespeare, whose works continue to be analyzed in the twenty-first century. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a timeless tale of lust, love, and heartbreak, taking place in Verona, Italy during the Elizabethan era. Though arguably unrealistic, the play’s depiction of the power of love, through both life and death, has captivated readers for centuries. The eloquence of the Montagues and Capulets’ strife is taught in classrooms around the world. Shakespeare’s concept of star crossed lovers has inspired many adaptations: movies, novels, songs, and even cartoons. The two most
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Starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, the film was popular among teenagers, as it casted actors close to the original characters’ actual age. Taking place in late 1500s Verona, director Franco Zeffirelli stayed true to the play. The speech, costumes, music, and dances all accurately represented the period. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, the film’s lush technicolor emphasized Whiting and Hussey’s youthful looks. The film also won the Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. Zeffirelli was especially praised for his portrayal of Mercutio’s death scene and the concept of male bravado getting out of hand. Though receiving much praise, the film has also been regarded as not epic and tragic enough. Whiting and Hussey, who were unknown before, have been criticized for their acting, though Zeffirelli trimmed long speeches in an attempt to hide their weaknesses as actors. As a whole, the 1968 adaptation stayed almost completely true to Shakespeare’s original Romeo and Juliet, which contrasts starkly with the MTV-style 1996
Starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, the film was popular among teenagers, as it casted actors close to the original characters’ actual age. Taking place in late 1500s Verona, director Franco Zeffirelli stayed true to the play. The speech, costumes, music, and dances all accurately represented the period. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, the film’s lush technicolor emphasized Whiting and Hussey’s youthful looks. The film also won the Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. Zeffirelli was especially praised for his portrayal of Mercutio’s death scene and the concept of male bravado getting out of hand. Though receiving much praise, the film has also been regarded as not epic and tragic enough. Whiting and Hussey, who were unknown before, have been criticized for their acting, though Zeffirelli trimmed long speeches in an attempt to hide their weaknesses as actors. As a whole, the 1968 adaptation stayed almost completely true to Shakespeare’s original Romeo and Juliet, which contrasts starkly with the MTV-style 1996