Baz Luhrman: Romeo and Juliet Transformation

Baz Luhrmanns Romeo and Juliet Transformation A hugely successful transformation of the complex written version to the action packed movie took place when accredited writer Baz Luhrmann redefined the classic tale of Shakespeares Romeo And Juliet. Luhrmann and co-writer Craig Pearce were tenacious in deciding to stick absolutely to the Shakespearean text, to keep as rough(prenominal) of the Elizabethan customs as possible, such as a highly evolved code of etiquette and honor, even in the use of violence in the context of a created world, based on twentieth century icon.They discovered that one of this centurys most powerful and effective icons, the movies, best exemplify the nonion. There are textual situations in Romeo and Juliet, having to do with Elizabethan society, which exist in Mexico, Luhrmann explains. For instance, during Shakespeares time religion was very involved in politics there was a very sm every last(predicate) persona of great wealth and a large population of poor it was violent and people were openly armed. Weve interpreted all of these Elizabethan things in the context of the modern, created world.In fact, lots of this occurs in modern-day Mexico, in varying degrees. You could actually set the piece in Mexico City itself and just play it. It has mysticism about it and, for me its exotic. It has a practice of medicine and magic to it. Its not Verona Beach, but it certainly had a lot of the elements to it. The costume party was a fabulous pretext for the romantic quality of the film Romeo existence the knight in shining armour, Juliet the angel that comes into his life, bangly absorbing him like some fantastical being, driving his obsession with love.There were likewise a few clever imageries Luhrmann use to further show exactly what the situation was-which, to be honest is challenging for many younger readers of the Shakespeare novel, both in terms of the language used and the fact that it somewhat lacks in the nature of usual en tertainment). These were the fish tank which was the barrier between the two lovers- just like the water and the beautiful picayune fish, so exciting, but there was the glass ( the family rivalry) that wouldnt budge and to break it (defy the rules) would only mean death.What was so clever was that one imagery summarized the main fact of the story of Romeo and Juliet- they are only truly free from their parents when theyve taken the poison. Imageries are only a part of the beauty of this transformation as Luhrmann relates, the way it sounds also has a huge effect on audiences. To me, the language in Leonardos mouth is a wonderful thing to hear because the words have resonance. He speaks them as if they really are his words, and thats something you dont always get in a Shakespearean performance. And its certainly something you dont get in his written plays For enhance comprehension of Shakespeares language, Luhrmann set the film in what he calls a created world, a collage of modern and classic images, portraying aspects of religion, theater, myths, technology and of course, pop culture. Basically, the created world is a universe that is recognizably modern but has a little distance, Pearce reveals. Its like a fairy tale world, a world of stories which really parallels the movies.The reality we see in the movies is always a bit magnified, even when it is supposedly realistic. Luhrmanns main focus was in getting the youth to appreciate as well as enjoy the purity and brilliance of Shakespearean literature, by appealing to their general love for all things action and romance. Perhaps also, to some extent, even connect with some of the incidents and characters, which is always a factor in movies.This is shown in one way by the characters The Lady Capulet, for instance, who is so incredibly self-absorbed that she doesnt see the activated gulf between herself and daughter Juliet. Everything about the transformation was trying to simplify the understanding of this, and give connections to contemporary society Lady was dropped to be replaced with the highly religious, particular(prenominal) (but well-known) name Gloria, which is a perfect choice.The simple but effective use of over-applied make-up and magnificent clothes illustrates the matter further, and anyone can relate to an egotistic peer. Furthermore, Juliets father, the alarming and unpredictable drunken monarch is portrayed using a bloated, somewhat hideous actor, which doubtless, reminds many youngsters of the Julius Caesars senate as well depicted in the popular Asterix comics.There is also the obvious approach of beginning the film with an attention- grabbing opening of headline articles thrown in a very in-your-face manner, followed by an loud (though not obnoxious) fast action scene, including the ever popular use of guns and impressive somersaulting, only to end in a very cliche CSI like discovery, where the whole affair, complete with police choppers, ends up on the news.Anot her obvious symbol was the huge statue of Christ which seemed to tower of everything, like some silent guardian watching over all the tragedies, doing nothing for the sufferers. Luhrmann envisions Fulgencio Capulet as the classic Godfather patriarch. , which shows quite clearly As for Romeo, in a way, he was the original rebel without a cause, the first James Dean. His is a non-politicized rebellion. He is a Byronesque rebel in love with the idea of love itself.