Baz R+j

The Baz Luhrmann version believe that Baz Luhrmann has created a very effective prologue and version of Act 1 Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, using visual images and landmarks along with the language to aid the audience in understanding the story. Using the media throughout, Luhrmann makes the situations easier for the audience to grasp, and in turn, relate to. The film begins with the camera zooming in on a television. The prologue is spoken by a black female news reporter. Using a coloured female reporter is effective as it shows how universally important the story is. This indicates the importance of the Montagues and the Capulets for their frays and fights to shown on national television. Using the media makes the situation seem more real, and makes it easier for the audience to relate to as the media is where we find out most of our news in a modern day world. In the background of the news studio the image of a broken ring appears along with a caption saying star-crossed lovers. This indicates to the audience how their love and unity will be broken during the story. A caption then appears reading in Fair Verona. This is telling the audience that Verona should be a nice, peaceful place to live, but the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets is ruining everything for all the citizens of Verona. This gives an indication to the audience of how long the fighting has been going on, and how much it affects everyone. Baz Luhrmann has created a film that applies to the modern audience through this updating. Luhrmann modernizes "Romeo and Juliet," through constant alterations which entice the audience into genuinely feeling the spirit

of Shakespeare. The film opens with a dynamic beginning which engages a modern audience by providing rock music to open the film. The music begins with a strong base guitar and some heavy drums. The music builds to include guitars and a whole band and establishes a foot hold in the soundtrack of the film. This creates an adrenaline rush for the audience. This use of music introduces a new younger audience to Romeo and Juliet and aims to make it relevant to a new generation. The use of current music creates an interest from those who relate to and enjoy rock music. There is always the concern that the use of contemporary music may possibly distance the older audience more familiar with a classical presentation.

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