Romeo and Juliet by Baz Luhrmann: Forbidden Love

Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The works of William Shakespeare have lived through centuries in order to be awarded the title of unprecedented classics. However, with the major change in the overall perception of society and its behavioral patterns, many creators felt the urge to interpret this classic to mitigate the gap between the author and the recipient.

Main body

Hence, one of the most notorious Shakespeares works, Romeo and Juliet, found its echo in an eponymous movie directed by Baz Luhrmann in 1996.

With a difference of almost half a century, the stories bear a striking resemblance in terms of the plot despite some modifications introduced by the director. One of the scenes significant to the overall story is the one with famous Juliet lines:

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name, or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and Ill no longer be a Capulet (Shakespeare 16)

These lines from the original play displayed word-for-word in the interpretation serve as a reference to a classic frame narrative, displaying a story within the story, as the movies plot is completely modified according to late-20th-century society. The words, however, are known even to those who are not familiar with the play itself. Another important scene is, by all means, the storys ending, modified by Luhrmann. The last timid kiss before the death was made to create a notorious Hollywood effect that drags the recipients into the story despite the fact that it is so well-known for people.

Conclusion

Considering these facts, it may be concluded that Romeo and Juliet will always be the major frame of reference when dealing with a theme of forbidden love. With a constantly changing social background, the basis of Shakespeares narrative will familiarize people regardless of their cultural or social affiliation. The aforementioned adaptation of the movie serves as a prime example of how different sets of characters made recipients relate to the story on a whole different level.