1968 – Franco Zeffirelli – Considered by some the quintessential (film) version of Shakespeare's play. Shot on location in Verona with costumes which are replicas of clothing worn in the 14th century.
1996 – Baz Luhrman – A very stylized version set in 1990's “Verona Beach”.
Shakespeare wrote his plays as entertainment for the common man, not the elite. The Elizabethan audiences were enthralled by the use of language in the plays they watched and during that time great rivalry and competition existed among theatre companies and their resident playwrights. Many of the stories, Romeo and Juliet included, were taken from earlier stories familiar to the typical theatre-goer. Even though the story ideas were not always his, it was Shakespeare's use of language and depth of character that have carried his versions into the present.
Even today, many people consider themselves Shakespeare “purists” and don't believe that changes of any sort are acceptable, while others freely update, interpret and edit the plays in an effort to make them more accessible and thus, easier to understand for a modern audience.
Regarding the two versions Romeo and Juliet…
One is very “classical” in appearance while the other is highly stylized and yet both are melodramatic.
Which version might be more in keeping with Shakespeare's original vision? Which one do you think he might prefer? Which one, do you feel, is more accessible to a modern audience? Which is easier to follow and/or understand?
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