Cally Hodgkinson 7th December 2001 Essay Example For Students

Cally Hodgkinson 7th December 2001Â   Essay The prologue and Act III, Scene I of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet are tackled in different ways by different directors. How does Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Lurhmann interpret these sections in order to bring the drama alive. William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is about Two star crossd lovers who take their lives. It is a famous tragic love story, which is as popular today as in Shakespeares time. Two film directors have produced the play but have interpreted it in different ways, in order to bring the drama alive. Franco Zeffirelli directed his film in the 1970s and produced a very traditional version. Where on Baz Lurhmanns 1998 adaption, set in modern America and is very new although he does use Shakespeares language. We will write a custom essay on Cally Hodgkinson 7th December 2001Â   specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Both directors retain the prologue as an introduction to their films. Shakespeares prologue, written in sonnet form, gives an overview of the play and Baz Lurhmann + Franco Zeffirelli use it for different purposes. Lurhmanns prologue gives a very dramatic opening to the film. It begins a blank cinema screen, in the centre a television screen appears. It is not switched onto a channel so all the audience can see is static. Gradually the television screen fills the cinema screen, a clever device for it makes the audience think they are watching a television news flash. The television shows a black female news presenter who reads twelve lines of the prologue, while shes doing this the TV fills our screen and we are able to see a ring which underneath says Star crossd lovers. Franco Zeffirelli introduces his version of Romeo and Juliet with a male narrator who speaks just eight lines of the prologue. Its set in a deserted square, which seems calm with soothing music playing in the background, which contrasts with the chaos that occurs in the first scene. Since Lurhmanns version of Romeo and Juliet is modern, people are wearing fashionable clothes, have modern cars and transport. Also to defend themselves they have guns. Zeffirellis version is very traditional. It was made nearly thirty years ago and sticks to the original very closely, much of the original is retained to provide authenticity. Unlike Lurhmann who made it more modern. Zeffirelli also used swords as weapons, unlike Lurhmann who used guns. Baz Lurhmanns Act III, Scene I opens with Mercutio shooting in the sea on the beach cleverly named Verona Beach. Benvolio Romeos cousin is with him, Mercutios bored so hes entertaining himself by prancing about in the water. When the Capulets appear, in the background you can hear western music. Which suggests theres going to be a duel. The Capulets have come to find Romeo because Tybalt had seen him at the Capulets party the night before. Juliets father had told him to leave Romeo alone and let him enjoy himself, so Tybalt, Perruchio and the others have come to confront Romeo. Mercutio is very camp in this scene emphasizing ways. He says And but one word with one of us? Couple it with something make it a word and a blow which is mocking Tybalts masculinity and his anger becomes greater. As Romeo appears Tybalt ignores Mercutio and says Peace be with you sir here comes my man. Romeo starts being serious and asks for peace, and puts his hand out. Tybalt hits his hand away and replies saying Peace? I hate the word. He then starts beating Romeo. Mercutio cant believe his eyes when he sees Romeo isnt defending himself. He drops his gun in the sand, picks up a piece of wood and starts hitting Tybalt. Who then throws Mercutio onto the glass, which breaks into pieces. .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f , .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .postImageUrl , .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f , .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f:hover , .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f:visited , .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f:active { border:0!important; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f:active , .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf6b97c70c35849b9eabae6b0167cef5f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Comparison Between the Characters EssayTybalt is so angry that he picks up a piece of glass and aims to stab Romeo but by accident he gets Mercutio, who is trying to protect Romeo. Mercutio doesnt realise how deep the cut is and just says its a scratch. He then makes a couple of jokes about it like Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man. Afterwards he lifts up his shirt and starts to panic, then shouts A plague on both your houses, you have made worms meat of me. To curse both their families, Montagues and Capulets for his death. It then starts to thunder and a storm begins. He says it three times before he finally falls down in the sand and Tybalt fleds . Romeo is really upset and wants revenge, so he chases after Tybalt in his car and crashes into it, it overturns and Tybalts gun falls out of his car and into the road. Whilst Tybalt is trying to reach for it Romeo tries to grab it, but doesnt succeed. Tybalt puts the gun to Romeos head but he is so angry, that he doesnt care and just keeps shouting at him. Romeo manages to knock the gun out of his hands and he takes it. Tybalt then runs up some steps trying to get away but then Romeo shoots Tybalt a few times and he falls into a fountain. Also when Romeo shoots Tybalt, a quick shot of Juliet appears on the screen. There is then silence and a thunderstorm begins. Romeo then realises what hes done, drops the gun and looks up at a statue of Jesus and shouts Oh Im fortunes fool! Franco Zeffirellis Act III, Scene I opens with the same text as Shakespeare. Benvolio and Mercutio are in the square, bored. Mercutio jumps into a water trough messing around. Benvolio warns Mercutio to get out of the public place, he says I pray thee, good Mercutio, lets retire. The day is hot, the Capels are abroad. And if we meet, we shall not escape a brawl, for now these hot days is the mad blood stirring. He knows the Capulets are likely to cause trouble but Mercutio isnt bothered and says, I will not move for no mans pleasure. When the Capulets came, Mercutio starts cracking jokes and winding Tybalt up and he gets quite angry with Tybalt when he says, Mercutio, thou consortest with Romeo. Mercutio answers Consort? What, dost thou make us minstrels? And thou minstrels of us, look to hear nothing but discords. Heres my fiddlestick, heres that shall make you dance. Zounds, consort! When Romeo comes onto the scene, hes very happy because hes married Juliet who hes in love with. However Tybalt now focuses all his attention on Romeo, Romeo however has no intention of fighting Tybalt ever. After Tybalt has insulted him, Romeo responds by saying Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting. Villain am I none. Therefore farewell. I see thou knowest me not. To all watching this seems like a huge joke to annoy Tybalt but when Romeo will not fight Mercutio does by saying O calm, dishonorable, vile submission. He thinks Romeo is a coward.