Extended Film Review - Baz Lurhmann's Romeo + Juliet

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet - Film Review

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo+Juliet is a revamped, trendier, modernised appropriation of the romance classic written by William Shakespeare. Luhrmann has commented on many cultural issues in society at the time, by using many cinematic techniques.

Luhrmann explores the affect of media on our lives in this day and age, constantly throughout the film. The prologue is shown as a news report, immediately introducing the modern day appropriation, just as the epilogue is also a news report. This is done to give the story more authenticity, and give it a more factual background, but also to show the impact, or influence that media has on our lives. A recurring image of tabloid headlines such as "New Mutiny", and "Civil Hands Unclean", also remind us of the scandal of the media in the 20th century

Luhrmann is continually using imagery to create meaning in his film.

Mass-produced colour photolithography on paper for...

Something for Everybody (album)

Joel Edgerton, Baz Luhrmann, Elizabeth Debicki, Ca...

Because he has chosen to keep the Elizabethan language, Luhrmann uses very strong imagery in order to decode the Shakespearean language for the viewer, and put it into a modern context. He uses the technique of pastiche in the prologue to give a quick understanding of the time and place, and a quick preview at the issues surrounding this society. The words "In Fair Verona" ironically reappear again and again in this quick montage, as the word 'fair' contrasts with the chaotic flashing of the images.

Luhrmann comments on the issue of religion in a 20th century society, and what value is placed on religion. The recurring images such as the sacred heart, the Virgin Mary, and religious statues comment on the importance of religion in a society that is otherwise corrupted by violence, politics, drugs, and lust. The cleverly integrated techniques of including religious symbols include...