Allison Cummings March 11th, 2013

Block: 2-1

Comparing Romeo and Juliet Prologues

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been retold countless times in many

different ways. It is a story that people are familiar with and people find synonymous with love.

Two interpretations of this story are the 1967 film by Franco Zeffirelli and the 1996 film by Baz

Luhrmann. The two films are very different in the way that the story is portrayed but there are

many similarities as well. The Zeffirelli film is a traditional version of the story whereas

Luhrmann’s approach puts a spin on the original story and presents it in an avant-garde, innova-

tive way through the setting, the tone, the costumes, and the way that it is shot.

Both of the stories follow the dialogue of the original prologue. The Zeffirelli film is set

in Verona, Italy in the Italian countryside during the 16th century. The prologue of the film is

very hazy and dreamlike. The lighting is soft and gives a peaceful feel. The music that is used is

mellow, soft, and melodious. The colours are warm, soft and inviting. The mood of the prologue

is serene, peaceful and calm. The setting seems undisturbed and tranquil during the prologue

which is a contrast from the chaos and turmoil that precedes it.

The Lurhmann film’s prologue is a stark contrast to the Zeffirelli film. It is set in fictional

Verona beach and takes place during contemporary times. The setting is an urban environment,

and has a Miami feel. The prologue is shown two times, first as a news broadcast, and second as

a theatrical trailer. It creates the feeling of suspense and establishes the conflict between the two

families. The mood of the prologue is strained and raw. The lighting is dark and cold. The char-

acters and buildings are outlined very clearly which creates the feeling of a cold reality. The mu-

sic is powerful and dramatic, which generates tension. The colours used are on the cold side of

the spectrum which gives a cruel and unforgiving feel.

The two prologues show very different perspectives of Romeo and Juliet. They show

how each director thought that Romeo and Juliet should be portrayed, Zeffirelli in a tradi-

tional Italian setting, and Luhrmann in a cold, urban, and stark setting. Through the setting, cos-

tumes, lighting, and music, Zeffirelli and Luhrmann brought the story of Romeo and Juliet to

life.