Similarities Between Romeo And Juliet And Baz Luhrmann

William Shakespeare, the renowned English poet, playwright and actor created the eminence of all literature; a piece of literature that still hasn’t escaped the clutches of society due its profound effect, that piece of literature is indeed Romeo and Juliet. The storey of star-cross lovers who come from feuding families, Montagues and the Capulets, who ultimately take their life. Almost four-hundred years later, directors Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann have both produced popular film versions protraying very different styles and techniques of the one play, using setting, editing and colour and costume to appeal to their chosen target audience. The Baz Luhrman edition is aiming towards a modern teenage audience who might not know Shakespeare but like action. While Franco Zeffirelli is more steered towards Shakespeare fans.
Zeffirelli decided to set his film in Renaissance Verona to stay true with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Whereas Luhrmann version is set in ‘Verona Beach’ which incorporated a L A style cityscape, modern-day city gang culture and gun crime with two separate skyscrapers bearing the name Montague and Capulet. The skyscrapers are both equal in size which is referring to the families being ‘both alike in dignity’. Similarly, both directors did include religious aspects; but Baz luhrmann is to religious symbolism as Michael bay is to explosions though. The authenticity of Renaissance Verona by Zeffirelli and Luhrmann modern day chic setting helped both directors at appealing to their target