How has context influenced the presentation of some of the main Themes and issues in Baz Luhrmann’s modern film version of “Romeo + Juliet”? Baz Luhrmann’s contemporary film interpretation of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy Romeo and Juliet, explores the resonating social and religious values inherent in both the Elizabethan era and the 20th century, allowing us to understand the significance of contextual differences in influencing the presentation of universal issues. Film techniques are utilised to emphasise the modernisation incorporated in Luhrmann’s re-exploration of the Shakespeare’s play, and enhances the audience’s understanding of religion in the texts as well as the conflict between love and hate amid social chaos, that presides within the 16th and 20th centuries. Baz Luhrmann establishes the 20th century context as a world of moral corruption that echoes the social disorder in Shakespeare's play, in which the feud between the rich and powerful Capulet and Montague families embodies a hate that fuels the ongoing social chaos within the appropriated contemporary setting, “Verona beach”. Influenced by the modern day context, Luhrmann adopts the indiscriminate usage of guns in place of sword fighting to depict violence and lack of social order caused by an “ancient grudge”.
There are also economic and legal factors: Shakespeare is helpfully outside copyright law as well as interesting to adapt. Shakespeare on screen gradually became part of the establishment, reflecting its growing academic respectability. Shakespeare on screen is now in its second century and the reasons why Shakespeare has so long been considered adaptable have been variously discussed. According to Robert Hamilton Ball, Shakespeare’s dramas were considered ideal material for cinema in the early 20th century because the presence of Shakespeare on film raised the contemporary estimation of film. A successful adaptation of Shakespeare must then convey an anxiety of influence (Adaptation form Text to Screen, Screen to Text) P 31) an awareness that the reproduction is both dependent on and
Romeo and Juliet What is the difference in Luhrmann’s and Zefferelli’s movie? In Luhrmann’s movie his version is more modern, dramatic, and uses visual thoughts. Zefferelli’s has more of Shakespeare’s vision. This gives it more of a classic feel to it. For fans of Shakespeare, Zefferelli’s should be the one to watch, but for a more action filled modern Romeo and Juliet then Luhrmann’s is the best.
How does Shakespeare use representation of speech and other dramatic techniques to convey Iago’s feelings towards Othello in the extract and in one other episode elsewhere in the play? Question 08 June 2010 Shakespeare presents Iago’s feelings towards `Othello in the play, through numerous images and explicit lexical choices. In addition to the printed extract, I will look at the last part of Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act 1. In this text, Iago recounts a story as to why he detests Othello. He recalls when Othello passed him over promotion for the position of lieutenant.
Andrew Davies purposely used that technique to mirror Shakespeare’s thematic technique to create similar effect. I also noticed that the positioning of the character is quite interesting, in every conversation between Jago and Othello, Jago is always the one in higher position. This aims to symbolise Jago’s power, control and manipulation over Othello. This also gives an imagery of Jago being the puppet master who controls everything behind the scene. Shakespeare’s Othello is a tragedy so it is most crucial that the adaptation keeps the important aspects which make the play what it is.
Q:How are the soliloquies an insight to Macbeth’s character? A. soliloquy is somewhat of a device often used in drama whereby a character relates his or her thoughts and feelings to his/her self and to the audience without addressing any of the other characters, and is delivered often when they are alone or think they are alone. Shakespeare has often used soliloquies and monologues in his plays to bring about complex characterizations. Macbeth’s soliloquies in the play Macbeth map the moral transgression that transforms the tragic hero from ‘Bellona’s bridegroom’ to ‘fiend of Scotland’. At the time of the first soliloquy (I.Vll), Macbeth has already been convinced of the potential of the witches’ prophecies.
Original Novels and Film Adaptions As an avid fan of both movies and books, I often find myself wondering whether or not to buy the book after I’ve seen the movie, or vice versa. I’ve seen some terrible film adaptations and some really good ones, and some that have nothing in common except the characters’ names and the titles, but are both enjoyable in their own way. On the whole, I think I like reading an original novel better than watching its film adaption because the original novels were created by the person who knows them best. The personalities of characters may be changed and become different between the novels and the movies. The movies don’t even come close to how the books portray the characters vividly.
However, the Roman plebeians are significant in the decision over who is going to rule over Rome, Portia is significant in helping the reader understand Brutus’s character better, and Calpurnia is significant in discovering the man that Caesar really is. The minor characters in Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, are not that significant to the advancement of the plot, but rather contribute to the development of the main characters. The Roman plebeians play a large part in the changes of the leadership in Rome, both directly and indirectly. This is seen as the Roman plebeians enjoy Caesars rein as the head of Rome, celebrating after he defeats Pompey. The Cobbler explains to Flavius, “But indeed, sir, we make holiday to see / Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph.
Roderigo discloses his trust for Iago in the opening lines of the play. In addition, Iago tells several things about himself to Roderigo, including the fact that he trusts Roderigo with the knowledge that he serves Othello, only to further his intentions. However, I am sure that Shakespeare’s use of Iago as a confidante to Roderigo was not to show the same kind of friendship that Roderigo has for Iago, but to disclose his deceit - to use Roderigo. Iago summed this up himself, “I am not what I am”. (Act 1, Scene 1, line 65).
The above blank verse is an insightful soliloquy of Hamlet displaying struggle and disillusionment. Explain how Shakespeare Hamlet continues to engage audiences through it dramatic treatment of soliloquies and asides. In the light of your critical study, does this statement resonate with you own perspective and voice in the ‘tone’ of Hamlet. In your response, make detailed references to the play. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1599-1601) has successfully continued to engage audiences through its dramatic treatments of soliloquies and asides.