Download Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet: Love, Hatred, and Cinematic Techniques and more Quizzes Political Science in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 #1 DEFINITION 1 Baz Luhrmann is the director of the modernised film Romeo and Juliet written by Shakespeare in the 1700s. The movie expresses the enduring and ageless subjects of hatred and love. Luhrmann also applies cinematic techniques to help make Shakespearian dialogue appropriate for a modern audience. He uses techniques such as camera work, appearance and props to convey the idea of a higher power creating an unchangeable destiny for Romeo and Juliet which in turn allures a younger demographic. TERM 2 #2 DEFINITION 2 Love is prevalent in almost everyone of our lives, and the concept of becoming so infatuated at first sight that you find yourself in love can significantly change a persons life. In the adaptation, Luhrmann diversifies this theme through a generous use of techniques. TERM 3 #3 DEFINITION 3 Throughout the entirety of the movie water is frequent. In using the symbol of water (which is representative of purity), Luhrmann elevates the idealism of Romeo and Juliets infatuation in a manner which would be much appreciated by both Elizabethan and modern audiences. An example would be the balcony scene enacted in the Capulet swimming pool with the two encapsulated in water, thereby isolating them from the hatred and violence. TERM 4 #4 DEFINITION 4 The movie also adhered to the majority of the original script wavering some lines to modernise it which gives off authenticity. The reservation of the original lines is seen in Leonardo Dicaprios heart-wrenching cry, I am fortunes fool! as violence clinches his fate. However his delivery of Shakespeares verse was pronounced without the rounding of vowels, making the dialogue sound less forced. TERM 5 #5 DEFINITION 5 In Act One, Scene 5 Romeo and Juliets first glimpse each other through a glass aquarium, with blue lighting and the camera zooming in on swimming fish creating a cinematic effect which is symbolic to the plot and how their love would be blockaded. TERM 6 #6 DEFINITION 6 The themes of love and hatred are greatly propelled in Luhrmanns interpretation, and unlike in Shakespeares original play, there is a greater emphasis on human flaw rather than fate as the main cause of the tragedy and hatred. TERM 7 #7 DEFINITION 7 Hatred is often associated with feelings of disgust, anger and a disposition towards the source of hostility. Luhrmann successfully exhibits the hatred and rivalry between the two houses through the adoption of literary, camera, and dramatic techniques. TERM 8 #8 DEFINITION 8 A crucial point that sparks this anger is finding out of the secret marriage. This is soon found out by Tybalt looks for Romeo but is only met by a fight with Mercutio. He gets the audiences attention through uses of fast moving cameras, low angle shots, special effects, close-ups, slow motion camera shots, music and pathetic fallacy to make his audience feel a sense of suspense and thrill from the action scenes. TERM 9 #9 DEFINITION 9 Tybalt disliked Romeo and takes his rage out through violence. At the crucial point of engagement he is confronted by Mercutio. Luhrmann chooses to have the camera move quickly between the two foes to create almost a blurred vision effect. This gives the audience confusion amongst the scuffle to mimic the experience the characters feel. TERM 10 #10 DEFINITION 10 Just before Tybalt is shot, the camera's zoom onto the gun to highlight its importance in the fight. Baz Luhrmann opens this scene with a setting in dark streets with fast music to set the pace of the fight between Romeo and Tybalt.
