How Effectively Does Baz Luhrmann’s Version of Romeo and Juliet Interpret the Theme of Conflict in the Play?

628 Words3 Pages
How effectively does Baz Luhrmann’s version of Romeo and Juliet interpret the theme of conflict in the play? Baz Luhrmann’s version of Romeo and Juliet uses modern film techniques to bring the original script to life to the 21st century audience. In my essay I’m going to show some of these techniques by looking at two types of conflict in the play. The first conflict on the film is a physical fight between the two gangs of boys. It takes place at a gas station. The Montague boys arrive first to fill their bright yellow convertible’s tank up, dresses as cool beach lads, shouting along to get as much attention as they can. The Capulet boys follow shortly after them. They arrive in style; the car is dark blue, tinted windows, dressed mainly in black with religious symbols. When they notice each other they just mock about till Abram says: “Will bite my thumb at them...” which is disgrace to the Capulets. The fight breaks out when Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin hurries out of the toilet, draws his gun out and shouts: “Put up your swords!” The Montagues look scared, hesitating what to do, don’t really want to fight. Then Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, Prince of Cats escalates the violence. He seems very confident, ready to fight and don’t want to let the enemy get away. They start shooting; Montagues trying to flee, firing their guns at anything like cans, signs but people. The Capulets are more violent, aim at their rivals, even shoot one of them. As the yellow convertible zooms out of the gas station with its panicking passengers, the gas pump falls on the ground... Benvolio is left behind. Tybalt drops his cigar onto the leaking fuel which causes the gas station explode. The fire and the music is very dramatic, makes the audience think that the fight is over but instead it carries on between two sides on Verona’s streets till the police ends it from the helicopter. Later on

More about How Effectively Does Baz Luhrmann’s Version of Romeo and Juliet Interpret the Theme of Conflict in the Play?

Open Document