Both texts, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Baz Lurhman's film present the issue of social diversity. This essay will examine the issue of rich versus poor and race difference. The techniques of costumes, language and casting support these issues.
             First of all the costumes in Act 1: Scene 1 shows the social diversity by the Montagues and Capulets. The Montagues were dressed in casual clothes such as Hawaiian shirts that were unbuttoned. On the other hand the Capulets were dressed very formally and wearing vest and leather pants that fit them comfortably. This proves that the Capulets are wealthy, religious and it shows their powers and sophistication. Where as the Montagues are only wearing Hawaiian shirts that are very loose and unbuttoned and this shows that the Montagues are relaxed, casual and shows that they are not high class compared to the Capulets.
             While still on the same topic of costumes, in Act 1: Scene 5, it also shows the issue of social diversity. In Lurhman's film, Capulet and Lady Capulet are both dressed up as high rulers of great nations. Capulet was dressed up as Caesar who was the great emperor of Rome and Lady Capulet was dressed up as Cleopatra the great ruler of Egypt. This shows that they are high above everyone else and high up in class. Another example is Romeo and Juliet, who were dressed up as people from the high class as well. Romeo was dressed as I knight it his armor which shows that he is noble compared to his servants who were dressed up as Vikings who were not that noble. Also Juliet was dressed up as an angel which shows that she is also very special and that she is also noble as well, because angels are servants of God. Now this proves that the Capulets were very noble and belong in the high class of the way they dress in this scene. But also Romeo, a Montague is also dressed up and was know to be very noble as well. But then there is Paris, who was dressed up in an astronaut
             ...