Romeo and Juliet Film Analysis Essay Example

The film ‘Romeo and Juliet' begins with a news report which summarizes the story. The director does this to show the seriousness of the plot. When we think of news reports we envision serious, real life events and by using this, the director shows how serious the film is going to be. The opening sequence shows all different sides of Verona. It shows churches and statues of Christ which symbolize the importance of religion in the city. This scene also shows the Montague and Capulet buildings, which signify the wealth and importance of these two families within the town. The city of Verona is divided in two and this sequence shows this by showing all the rioting and violence in the town. The gas station scene parodies Western movies in many ways:
- The dramatic way the scene is acted out.
- The way things are slowed down or sped up.
- Western style music is played.
- Close ups of faces and weapons are used a lot in this scene.
- Total silence to hear sign creak and wind blow.
- Fleeing by-standers in background.
- Dramatic "gun play".
- Cowboy boots, smoking and matches are also used in this scene and are common in westerns. Many visual motifs are used in the ‘gas station scene'. For example guns are called "swords" as in the original play where real swords were used. This becomes known through a close up on one of the guns where ‘sword' is engraved on the side. Religious symbols are also used a lot, but not so much representing faith in the Lord, but faith and an allegiance in their family. Camera movement and editing are very important tools, used when Romeo and Juliet are together to emphasize peacefulness and tranquility. An example of this is when Romeo and Juliet meet, they are in the bathroom looking at each other through a fish tank. The music is almost non-existent, camera movement is slowed right down and long shots are used. This makes the viewer focus and it seems that nothing else is happening in the world. Mercutio sings "Young hearts