Today we viewed the beginning of two different versions of Romeo and Juliet. One was the 1968 version, directed by Franco Zefferilli. The second, which I feel had a larger impact on me, is a 1996 film by Baz Luhrmann. This film made a bigger impression on me because of the means in which it was done intrigues me. I enjoyed the way in which Luhrmann made it a modern-day film, but still used Shakespeare's speech. This film also conveyed the themes of the play better. One such reason is that the theme of fire was not noticeably demonstrated in the previous movie. In the modern-day film, the theme is undoubtedly made known on several occasions. One is the sign at the gas station that reads, "Add fire to your fuel." As well as when Tybalt drops his cigarette in the gasoline puddle setting off a fire. Furthermore the initial film was grueling to watch. During the initial fight scene, you could scarcely decipher what was happening. Since it is a lot older, I suppose that the new one would have to look better. Additionally, I think that the newer film has more of a comedic viewpoint. I always believe that a little bit of comedy can really improve a movie. It is just so unique in the way that it is using the way Shakespeare speaks, but using a modern-day setting. The modern day setting thoroughly makes it easier to understand for me. I'm not used to guys running around in tights and getting into sword fights, but gun fights and crime families are something that is simple for kids comparable to me to understand because they are all over the movies in this day and age. Basically, Baz Luhrmann's film benefited me in comprehending the beginning of the play a lot better.
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