In a post of about two hundred words, discuss the portrayal of Mercutio's dying scene in either Franco Zeffirelli or Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet. Focusing on events that lead up to the scene where Mercutio utters the infamous quote: “A plague on your houses” (3.1.91) in
Romeo and Juliet, do you prefer Zeffirelli or Luhrmann’s version? In your response, remember to use several specific examples from your favored version which should include a discussion of
setting, characterization, mood, theme, or even symbols and how what you saw made for an effective interpretation of Shakespeare's play.
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The following clips will help you in your task:
Clip 1: Zeffirelli's version
Clip 2: Luhrmann's version
I prefer the Luhrmann’s version of Romeo and Juliet to the Zeffirelli’s version.
ReplyDeleteThe setting of the Zeffirelli’s version is in the city of Verona, where the producers have designed it to be. However, the setting of the Luhrmann’s version is on a beach, where it portrays a modern version of Romeo and Juliet.
Both plays have the same characters, but the characters do not portray the same emotions in the two versions. The characters in the Luhrmann’s version has more realistic emotions and they express their feelings adequately, unlike the characters in the Zeffirelli’s version, where the characters sound like they are merely reading off the scripts without any feelings.
The mood in Zeffirelli’s version is more not as tensed as what is described in the play. The play builds up tension in towards the killing of Mercutio, but only the Luhrmann’s version depicted it well by having many sound effects to evoke tension in our mind. The Zeffirelli’s version is a little too long-winded.
Furthermore, the phrase “a plague of both your houses” sounds more significant in the Luhrmann’s version and it is all to the credit of Luhrmann for bringing that phrase out so that the audience would know that this phrase has a very ominous and foreshadowing effect to the events that happen later on. For example, when Mercutio utters that phrase, the grounds shake and everything falls apart and drops. This shows that the phrase is going to bring harm to later events. This phrase is one of the main quotes and encompasses events in the play. However, in Zeffirelli’s version, he did not bring out the quote well and therefore there is no suspense and lesser relevance to the play.
Thus, the Luhrmann’s version of Romeo and Juliet is much better than the Zeffirelli’s version.
Belicia Teo Yee Chen(23)
3Modesty
Goh Kher Liang(36) 3MD
ReplyDeleteRomeo And Juliet: Differentiated Task 1: Act 3 Scene 1
Both videos portray events that led up to Mercutio’s death, but in different setting and mood. Zeffirelli's version is one that appears close to the setting of that of Verona, filled with castles, but Luhrmann's version is more modern, like at a beach. Characters in both clips are dressed differently, and hence are portrayed differently as well. Zeffirelli's version shows where characters wear clothes worn in the past, and Tybalt is featured as a hero whom many follow. On the other hand, Luhrmann's version shows characters with stylish clothing, and Tybalt as a gangster with guards around him. Weapons used in both clips are different, as in the first version, swords were used while in the latter, guns were used. Moreover, Mercutio, in the first version, is portrayed as a funny character with his cloth and drinking water from the fountain. However, in the second version, he is seen as serious as he is practicing with his gun at the start. Also, the mood in Zeffirelli's version is more lively, as shown by the fighting between Mercutio and Tybalt as they shake hands during fights. However, in the latter, fighting is serious and there is no compromise. Hence, Tybalt’s and Mercutio’s relationship in the first version is probably more amicable. Also, the mood is very different. When Mercutio is killed in the first version, it was still quite lively. However, in the latter, Mercutio shouted out ‘’A plague on your houses”, the sky changed instantly, showing the mood change. Tybalt in the clips did not flee, but still stayed at the scene and watched Mercutio dying, and he looked guilty and concerned. Another point is that in the first version, Mercutio fought against Tybalt is because of his mischief, while in the latter, it is due to Romeo being beaten up by Tybalt. Lines used in both clips mostly follows the playbook, except for some minor exceptions. Personally, I prefer the second version as the mood is more serious and that the fighting is shorter, unlike the first whose fighting extended and became a bore. Although Romeo did not get hurt, the feelings expressed seems more realistic and it touches my heart. The modernization makes it look cooler and it gives a new impression. Hence, I prefer the second version.
JIAYEE 3MD
ReplyDeleteI prefer Luhrmann's version, because it is more similar to the original play, and is more extreme.
This version fits the theme of violence more than that of Zeffirelli's version. For example, during the fight between Mercutio & Tybalt, there was more bloodshed and words of resentment in Luhrmann's version than Zeffirelli's version, which shows more of a friendly match.
Also, Luhrmann's version fits in more with the supposed mood of the scene than Zeffirelli's version. For example, when Mercutio shouts out, "A plague o' both houses", the echoes of his dying screams were followed by storms. The bad weather foreshadows the tragedy happening later in the play, and therefore fits the mood of the play better. However, Zeffirelli's version starts and ends (act3 scene1) happily and light-heartedly which is really uneventful and not miserable enough to bring out the mood of "mad blood stirring".
Therefore, I prefer Luhrmann's version to Zeffirelli's version. (:
Low Jia Yu 3FG
ReplyDeleteI prefer the Zeffirelli's version. This is because i felt that it is more alike to what is being written in the play. The Zeffirelli's version uses sword whereas the other uses gun. I feel that using sword is more true and made me understand the play better.
Zeffirelli's version costumes is also more towards the olden days compared to the other which are more modern. This shows more similiarities in Zeffirelli's version and the play compared to the other. The way they satrted to fight in Zeffirelli's version also caught more of my attention. Thus, i prefer the Zeffirelli's version more.
Name: Woo Hue Kyee (29)
ReplyDeleteClass: 3MD
I prefer Luhrmann’s version of the scene. Firstly, the setting of the scene was rather appropriate because there is no better place than a beach to show that the day was very hot which coincides with the playbook that state that it was a hot day. Although the actors are wearing modern costumes, I feel that it did not make a very big difference in what they wear. As for the interaction between each character, I find that I like this version more because each character was portrayed well by the actors. For example, Mercutio was described as a proud and quarrelsome man, and Luhrmann’s version had clearly depicted it out. Even though the other version too showed that Mercutio was angered by Tybalt’s comments, the effect of Mercutio and Tybalt fighting wasn’t really intense as it should have been since both men were insulted by one another, not forgetting the fact that they were supposed to be very proud and quarrelsome. Instead, it felt as if both of them were merely jesting around, while for Lurhmann’s version, the hatred for each other and the tension between each character could be felt through their facial expression and the tone of their speech. Finally, at the part where Mercutio was dying, the pain and shock on his face was clearly expressed, especially when he revealed his wound. Compared to the other version, I find it more realistic because the Mercutio in the other version still seemed to joke about when he said he was hurt. Then, the relationship between Romeo and Mercutio is also very well expressed. Mercutio was Romeo’s best friend, and through that scene, we can see how agonised Romeo was towards the death of his friend. Overall, I feel that the characters in Luhrmann’s version are more mature compared to Zeffirelli's version.
The foreshadowing was done well in Luhrmann’s version too. With Benvolio whispering silently to himself, ‘And if we meet, we shall not ‘scape a brawl, For now these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.’, it foreshadowed that something bad is going to happen to people who did not read the play. Then, with the help of background soundtracks, it brings out the mood and the different mood felt in the scene is intensified as the different music foreshadowed bad things were to happen. For example, the thunder rumbling tells us that the mood is sad, and it prepared us for the death of Mercutio.
Hsu Chun Kai (24)
ReplyDelete3 Forgiveness
I prefer Luhrmann's version of the scene as I think that it is more modern and more alike to what is happening to the real world. This is, however, not like Zeffirelli's version which is less modern. Both video have difference like in settings, where Luhrmann’s takes place beside a beach and Zeffirelli’s take place in a remote and church like place.
The way Mercutio and Tybalt fight are different as Zeffirelli’s seem like Mercutio is haing more fun than fighting Tybaly seriously. We can see this from the part where Mercutio is cornered and signals everyone and all of them starts laughing. Whereas Luhrmann’s seemed serious and both of them looked like they wanted to kill each other and we can see from the part where Tybalt becomes ferocious and wanted to kill Romeo and almost killed him.
In both videos, there is also a difference in weapons. In Luhrmann’s, a gun is more of the weapon that both sides use to kill. While in Zeffirelli’s, a long sword is used.
Teoh Yu Han_3MD_
ReplyDeleteI prefer Luhrmann's portrayal of Mercutio’s dying scene as it is the version that sticks closer to the original scene in the book. For instance, in Zeffirelli's version, Mercutio and Tybalt may appear to be just jesting and sparring with each other, and do not have the intention to wound the other, meaning that Mercutio’s death was an accident. However, in the original play itself, it is evident that Tybalt was fighting Mercutio not just in jest, but actually with the intention to hurt him. In Luhrmann’s portrayal, it demonstrated how Tybalt himself too was also looking for a fight by deliberately provoking Romeo and Mercutio – “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries”. We know that Tybalt was also seeking a fight in the play itself as in Act One Scene Five, Tybalt’s anger at being told off by Lord Capulet spills over into Act Three as Tybalt swears vengeance on Romeo – “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, now seeming sweet, convert to bitterest gall”.
Also, in Luhrmann's portrayal of Mercutio’s dying scene, it ties in with the play with regards to the fact that Mercutio was not just a hot headed fool who wanted to fight Tybalt, but instead, fought Tybalt for Romeo’s honour as Romeo, being related to Tybalt through his marriage to Juliet, was unwilling to fight Tybalt – “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting”.
Therefore as Luhrmann’s version is closer to that of the original scene in the play itself, I prefer Luhrmann’s version over Zeffirelli's version. :)
Teoh Yu Han_3MD_
ReplyDeleteI prefer Luhrmann's portrayal of Mercutio’s dying scene as it is the version that sticks closer to the original scene in the book. For instance, in Zeffirelli's version, Mercutio and Tybalt may appear to be just jesting and sparring with each other, and do not have the intention to wound the other, meaning that Mercutio’s death was an accident. However, in the original play itself, it is evident that Tybalt was fighting Mercutio not just in jest, but actually with the intention to hurt him. In Luhrmann’s portrayal, it demonstrated how Tybalt himself too was also looking for a fight by deliberately provoking Romeo and Mercutio – “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries”. We know that Tybalt was also seeking a fight in the play itself as in Act One Scene Five, Tybalt’s anger at being told off by Lord Capulet spills over into Act Three as Tybalt swears vengeance on Romeo – “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, now seeming sweet, convert to bitterest gall”.
Also, in Luhrmann's portrayal of Mercutio’s dying scene, it ties in with the play with regards to the fact that Mercutio was not just a hot headed fool who wanted to fight Tybalt, but instead, fought Tybalt for Romeo’s honour as Romeo, being related to Tybalt through his marriage to Juliet, was unwilling to fight Tybalt – “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting”.
Therefore as Luhrmann’s version is closer to that of the original scene in the play itself, I prefer Luhrmann’s version over Zeffirelli's version. :)
LinJingkai_3MD_
ReplyDeleteI preferred Luhrmann’s adaptation in depicting Mercutio’s death as it is more straightforward and direct. There is less beating about the bush, unlike Zeffirelli’s version, which had a lot of dialogue during Mercutio’s death. The costumes used by both houses in the Zeffirelli version are worlds apart; Capulets with the bright colours while the Montagues wore fairly dark, rugged clothing in that scene. For Luhrmann’s version, their identities are a little confusing as there is only minimal differentiation between the Capulets and Montagues, other than their characteristics. As for the portrayal of Mercutio himself, Luhrmann’s adaptation proved to be more effectual in my opinion, because it fits Mercutio’s “loud” nature. Zeffirelli does not emphasise on the infamous quote: “A plague on your houses”, while Luhrmann does, and not at any expense too. Luhrmann has omitted many lines in his adaptation as it is not feasible to place too much dialogue in an action scene, as the dialogue kills the intensity and climax of the action. Thus there were paragraphs of speech that were omitted during Mercutio’s fall. This applies to Zeffirelli’s version, however there were less omission of lines for the scene, and the action takes place at a much slower pace, with Mercutio even joking with Tybalt when they fight.
I felt that Zeffirelli's version is the better one of both choices as Zeffirelli's version is more similar to Shakespeare's play. It is an effective interpretation compared to Lurhmann's version as the setting,mood and symbols suits Shakespeare's play better.
ReplyDeleteZeffirelli's version has the setting of a large open are surrounded by ancient buildings, which suggests the time or rather the century of the play. The buildings suggest that it is about the 17th century, which is near to the time of Shakespeare's play. Also, the clothes are similar to, with the actors wearing clothes from the Elizabethan era. Therefore, Zeffirelli's version's settings better interpret Shakespeare's play. On the other end, Lurhmann's version's setting is on a beach, and the props suggest that that the setting is more of a modern context and the clothes suggest it too. Also, instead of swords like stated in Shakespeare's play, it is replaced by guns. Though they may have similar properties, yet if a gun is used, it cannot represent certain sexual puns which concerns the sword in Shakespeare's play. Therefore, Zeffirelli's version is a better choice.
The characterization and the theme are the same.
The mood is also different in both versions. In Zeffirelli's version, the mood is of a more irritated, annoyed and it can be described as a match waited to be ignited. Also, there are also strong sun rays which states that the weather is hot. ALso, Mercutio also bathes himself in the public which suggests it's really hot. He also constantly cuts Benvolio's words with "Blah,blah", a rude manner too. However, in Luhrmann's version, the scene at the beginning is near a beach which in a way contradict "hot days" as it is cool near the beach. Also, the actors seems relaxed and having fun unlike the ones in Zeffirelli which seemed tense and ineasy. Therefore, Zeffirelli is better.
Ng Jia Yu 3MD (16)
Beverly Lee Si Xuan(11) 3MD
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would prefer Zeffirelli's version. This is primarily so as the portrayal of the scene in Zeffirelli's version where Mercutio fights Tybalt and eventually succumbs to death provides a closer interpretation to the playbook rather than Luhrmann's version. The costumes used in Zeffirelli’s version provide a closer re-enactment of the actual play as compared to Luhrmann’s modern version of Romeo and Juliet. In Zeffirelli’s version, actors don on costumes that are very identical to clothes worn during the Elizabethan period, for instance, male characters wear tight-fitting stockings. Conversely, characters in Luhrmann’s version are clothed in contemporary attire, such as T-shirts and shorts. Zeffirelli’s version thus would give readers a greater insight towards the culture of the Elizabethan era and help readers to further understand the play. The main dynamics between the characters in both versions also differ greatly. In Zeffirelli’s version, Tybalt seems to be merely taunting and bantering with Mercutio and that it was Romeo’s untimely intervention into the seemingly light-hearted brawl between the two that had caused Mercutio’s unfortunate death. However, in Luhrmann’s version, the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio seem to be engulfed in abhorrence and hate and that Tybalt had the intention of ending Mercutio’s life. Both versions provide different insights to the actual way that Mercutio was killed by Tybalt. In Zeffirelli’s version, the lines delivered by the actors are very similar if not exactly the same when compared to the playbook. On the other hand, Luhrmann’s version did not include all of the lines in the playbook, for instance, the entire excerpt “Nay and there were two such…yet thou wilt tutor me from quarrelling” was being removed. The elimination of these lines in the portrayal of the scene does not provide an accurate analysis of this scene and it does create as much tension as well as suspense building up to the climax scene where Mercutio was killed.
Lauw Wei Zhong_3FG_
ReplyDeleteDifferentiated Task 1:
I prefer the version done by Luhrmann. This version provides much more humour and makes me want to know about the plot better. Although the version by Zeffirelli is a much more realistic one and provides better information, however I think for me it is much duller. In terms of setting, the Luhrmann setting is much more modern. In terms of characterization, the characters speak in a tone with more humour. The mood in Luhrmann’s version seem to be more lively, however sad when Mercutio was being killed.
Yu Ke Ling(20)(3BN)
ReplyDeleteZeffirelli's version is a much better one. It relates more to the play with real props and scenes which bring out the ancient feel of the Romeo and Juliet in the past. More fighting and actions were shown in the Zeffirelli’s version which made it more interesting than the other. In this version, Mercutio is portrayed to be really provoking Tybalt on purpose and makes fun of Tybalt. Tybalt also proves to be more of a bully in this scene which really shows his hate for the Montagues. Teh feelings portrayed really bring out the play, Tybalts’s feeling of guilt for unintentionally hurting Mercutio, Romeo’s feelings of not being aware that his friend is really in pain, and Mercutio’s feeling of provoking Tybalt until he is satisfied through his actions, they are all portrayed in this scene a lot better. The part where Mercutio is hurt, in this version a lot of people thought of him as a very strong person, when he said it was just a scratch, they really thought he meant it and instead of worrying for him, they still joked around
Vernessa Kwa (28)
ReplyDelete3CR
Act 3 scene 1
Mercutio’s death
After watching the videos, I prefer the Zeffirelli’s version over the Luhrmann’s version.
The choices of colours in Zeffirelli’s version has a contrast. The Montagues, namely Romeo, Benvolio and Mercutio , wears dark and dull colours. On the other hand, the arrival of the Capulets brings in the bright colours of orange, yellow, red and the like. The costumes are formal for people like Tybalt, Romeo and Benvolio, probably to highlight the fact that they are of the 2 noble houses. The props used are swords, same as in the actual play. In Luhrmann’s version, it is set in a modern day beach and the characters wear casual clothing and use guns to replace the traditional swords.
In Zeffirelli’s version, Mercutio, from the start, is depicted as a stubborn and irritating character. This adds up to the fight between him and Tybalt. There is a huge amount of provoking each other before they start to actually fight. In Luhrmann’s version, it is pretty much the same except Tybalt is depicted as a fiercer and fierier person. Between Mercutio and Romeo, there is the depiction of a close relationship whether in Zeffirelli’s version or Luhrmann’s version.
The body language of Mercutio in Zeffirelli’s version seems to show him as a person looking for a fight, which in facts really happens. He uses big gestures to show how annoyed he is by Tybalt and he constantly provokes him. Tybalt uses his expressions to show how he is holding his anger in and how he is itching to just take out his sword and fight Mercutio. In Luhrmann’s version, Tybalt and Mercutio are both more easily provoked to anger and they use their eyes to glare at the other party more often before getting into a fist fight and then the guns comes out.
I prefer Zeffirelli’s version as he sticked to the props in the play which was them using swrods to fight while in Luhrmann’s version, they used guns instead. In zeffirelli’s version I was able to visualize the actual scene better as of how it would have looked like in the past, during Shakespearean time. Zeffirelli’s version had costumes that allowed me to visualize what the people in that time were wearing. And their costumes also somewhat portray their personality The interaction between Tybalt and Mercutio was also more specific instead of Lurhmann’s version. Benvolio’s body language also seems very awkward as he tries to stop mercutio from fighting with Tybalt and did not know how to stop the fight. Mercutio’s actions and facial expressions also seemed very care-free as he was drunk, for example, when he was fighting with Tybalt, he was laughing. As a result, Tybalt was angered by him being carefree. Zeffirelli’s portrayal also allowed me to further understand the play and the life of the people at that time deeper. The crowd were also cheering and encouraging the both of them to fight. And some were trying to get involved in the fight too. Therefore, I would prefer Zeffirelli’s version
ReplyDeletemalcolm lee 3cr
Vonisa Tang (25)
ReplyDelete3 Courage
Act 3 Scene 1
I prefer Zeffirelli's version.
The costumes used has a contrast. In Zeffirelli's version, the costumes used are what we would expect of the olden times usually more conservative, while Luhrmann uses mordern clothes, which is more open. Romeo and tybalt are dressed more formally in Zeffirelli’s version, which emphasizes on the fact that they come from rich families as compared to the rest. In this scene, the props used were also different. In Zeffirelli’s version, swords were their weapons, while Luhrmann used guns to replace the swords.This shows the contrast betwwen the modern times and the olden times. In Zeffirelli’s version, the colours are more dull while Luhrmann uses more vibrant colourssuch as yellow and orange. Due to these factors, this made Zefirelli’s version more practical and suitable to occur in the Elizabethan times.
When the Capulets arrived, the provoking was started through some misunderstanding. Perhaps Tybalts did not mean to insult Mercutio, but instead Mercutio misunderstood him, which led himself to be offended by Tybalt. Just a little misunderstanding caused the two to start the provocation and quarrelling before they fought. Romeo tried to stop the two from their heated argument but to no avail. In Luhrmann’s version, Mercutio and the other men stood and watch as tybalt beat Romeo up. Upon seeing this, mercutio was provoked to start fighting against Tybalt. This version is mush more exaggerated as compared to Zeffirelli’s. Its is also musch mmore violent.
The body language in Zeffirelli’s version were more obvious. We can see from there that Tybalt and Mercutio were each provoked although they were laughing at what they each said. Their fight was much more gentle. In Luhrmann’s version, Tybalt was more rash and attacked Romeo almost instantly when provoked. This scene is also exaggerated by Luhrmann, where it is very violent, with blood shown.
Don Seah_3BN
ReplyDeleteI prefer Franco Zeffirelli’s version of adaptation of the play. The adaptation is set in a more accurate era, closer to the actual play. The costumes they wear therefore, more accurately portrays the people of the time of the play. The setting of which the scene is set also reflects more on the original play. This allows the audience to be comfortable with the movie as they roughly know the scene. In the other video however, the setting and costume both deviates very far off the original text. This causes the adaptation to lose some of the objectives that the original play hopes to convey.
The Franco Zeffirelli adaptation portrays the fight scene appropriately. The emphasis of the scene was the scene and the video was able to bring out the emphasis o the fight. In contrast, the Baz Luhrmann adaptation did not place the emphasis on the fight. Instead, the emphasis was put on the taunting of Romeo by Tybalt to try and entice him into a fight.
The script used by the characters in the Franco Zeffirelli adaptation was largely identical to the script used by the actors of the actual play. In the Baz Luhrmann adaptation however, the movie actually cut out many parts of the actual dialogue. Therefore this once again makes some of the lines lose their meanings.
Gladys Ng (12), 3BN
ReplyDeleteI feel that the Zeffirelli’s version is a more effective interpretation of Shakespeare’s play.
As the scene was set during the Elizabethan times, it’s easier to relate or appreciate to how the people were feeling or acting then as it is more realistic. However for Luhrmann’s version, the setting was in the 20th century and as it is not conventional for people to talk or act like how the characters did in Lurhamann’s version during the 20th century, it’s harder to relate to or appreciate it as it is not as realistic.
Mercutio is being portrayed as a whimsical and hot-headed man in the playbook. However, in Luhrmann’s version of Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio is being portrayed as less capricious. Zeffirelli’s version portrayed Mercutio more accurately as he is as witty as how he is in the book as in the movie.
The start of Zeffirelli’s scene also showed Mercutio talking nonsense and kept chanting the word “blah”, even when Benvolio warned him that they may get into a fight with the Capulets, like he doesn’t give a care about anything. This further accentuates Mercutio’s character of having a lot of wit. It also showed Mercutio washing and cooling himself off in a fountain in public. This shows how he doesn’t care about what others think and gives one of his quotes “Men’s eyes were made to look and let them gaze. I will not budge for no man’s pleasure, I.” more meaning. However, in Luhrmann’s version, it didn’t show much of Mercutio behaving in a shameless manner, therefore his quote will not really reach out to the audience and let the audience feel that he doesn’t give a care about the world.
DIFFERENTIATIATED TASK 1 ( WEEK 6)
ReplyDeletePersonally I preferred Zeffirelli's version .
The adaptation of the play in the video was kept to the minimum, such as the clothings of characters and setting of the video is quite similar to the described environment in the playbook, giving us an idea of how the people in that era looked like, which allows us to visualize the activities that were happening at that time.
In Zeffirell’s adaptation of the play, the characters are also portrayed appropriately.
For example Mercutio, he is portrayed as rash and one who seeks conflicts, which is similar to the how the playbook described him as. The fight scene was also similar, Mercutio and Tybalt fought using swords , just like what the people at that era used in fights.
Overall Zeffirell’s adaptation of the play was better portrayed than Luhrmann's version, which is much of a modernised version, fighting using guns and modern clothings. Therefore i prefer Zeffirell's version of the scene which gives us a better understanding of the whole incident.
Ng Boon Tao (31) 3BN
Nicole Yang (17) 3 Benevolence
ReplyDeleteI would personally prefer Zeffirelli's version because the colors and setting of the video is true to the actual play. The Luhrmann's version pales in comparison. The Luhrmann's version they used gun instead of swords as weapons to fight against each other. The gun is too modern for the setting on the play. The setting of the Zeffirelli's version is in the middle of a public place wheres the setting of the Luhrmann's version is at the beach. It does not fit the setting that was describe in the play. For the Zeffirelli's version the dynamics and emotions are very clear and well acted, the costumes were similar to those that were described in the play. The speech acted out by the actors were very clear and the feeling of each line was brought out perfectly compared to the Luhrmann's version. Mercutio's speech towards Tybalt was very dramatic and the feelings showed was full of emotions which portray different expressions in every line of his speech. The costumes worn in Luhrmann's version is too casual, in the past, people do not dress in that way.
Megan Griffin_3Bn
ReplyDeleteRomeo and Juliet differentiated Task 1
I prefer Zeffirelli’s version of the play. In Zeffirelli’s version, the costumes are more realistic. The costumes seem similar to the ones that would be expected in the play. But, in Zeffirelli’s play, Mercutio kept going “blah blah blah” it didn’t contribute to the play and it was really annoying. In Luhrmann’s version, no such speech was added so in that context, Luhrmann’s version followed the play more closely. However, in Zeffirelli’s version Mercutio was killed with a sword just like in the play therefore that area of Zeffirelli’s version was more similar to the play unlike Luhrmann’s which was really modern and had guns involved, it kind of created a different feeling to it as in the old times, there was no such thing as guns so it became very unrealistic in that aspect. The setting of Luhrmann’s play does not tally with the one in the play because it was at the beach however in the play mercutio was killed in the streets, hence in Zeffirelli’s play the fight that occurred at the town square is more realistic.
All in all, considering the setting, the costumes the speech and the use of weapons, I prefer Zeffirelli’s version as it follows the play more closely compared to Luhrmann’s.
I prefer BBC production to Luhrmann’s version. This is because the BBC production is more similar to the one in the playbook. BBC production shows exactly what is happening in the play while Luhrmann’s version is the edited modern version that omitted many lines of the play.
ReplyDeleteIn the BBC production, it shows Juliet frantically pacing up and down her garden. The setting is an old building with tall walls that exactly depict the houses that rich families live in during that time. Juliet’s attire is a long dress that is the fashion during that time.
Juliet is complaining about how slow the nurse is and this shows how close they are. If they are not close, Juliet would not dare to complain about how slow she is.
Finally when the nurse arrived, Juliet immediately ran to the nurse and holds the nurse’s elbow. This shows that they are very familiar with each other and do not feel uneasy with physical touches. The actions between them are very natural.
When Juliet is chasing the nurse for news, it sets a tense mood as we do not know what Romeo says. The nurse did not say the results immediately but complains about her body aches which builds up the tension as we are all kept in suspense.
The nurse’s complaints also shows her jealous character. She might be feeling jealous as Juliet seems to be more concerned about Romeo than her now. The nurse might be feeling neglected as she took care of Juliet since Juliet was a baby. Now that Juliet has grown up and has found her other half, the nurse might be feeling jealous. This shows that the relationship between Juliet and the nurse is like mother and daughter.
Juliet’s bugging shows her anxious character. The nurse just came back and she immediately ran to the nurse and asks her for the result. Juliet do not seem to love the nurse as much as the nurse loves her.
The nurse has a bawdy personality. This can be seen from the choice of words she use. “But you shall bear the burden soon at night.” The nurse uses words that have sexual meaning even to a young girl like Juliet who is barely fourteen years old. The nurse is very straightforward and direct to Juliet who she treats like her daughter.
Leong Mei Ting Emily (8) 3BN
DIFFERENTIATED TASK 1 (WEEK 6)
ReplyDeleteIn the portrayal of mercutio’s death, I prefer Zeffirelli’s version compared to Luhrmann’s version of the play. In Zeffirelli’s version the movie is played in the setting of the medieval times, where people used swords to fight, mush similar to shakespear’s play. However, Luhrmann’s version was illustrated in a modern time where guns were sused in place for swords. This gives the impression of fantasy and is misleading compared to shakespear’s play.
Characteriszation also helps to differentiate the two adaptations of shakespear’s play. Zeffirelli’s version portrays mertucio as a daring and righteous man with big pride. It also potrays benvolio and romeo to be passive and peaceful. Luhrmann’s version on the other hand introduces mercutio as a playboy who “plays around” and offending people just because he is the relative of the prince.
Mood in the play plays a big role as well. In Zeffirelli’s version when mercutio and tybalt were sparing, there was a croud cheering and jeering, portraying happiness and no intent to kill. Mercutio also had no intention to harm tybalt as they joked through the fight. However in Luhrmann’s version the mood is portrayed in a violent and moody tone, with watchers sitting by and waiting for a kill. Mercutio in this situatin was portrayed with the intention to avenge Romeo by fighting fiercely with Tybalt.
Therefore I prefer Zeffirelli’s version compared to Luhrmann’s version of the play.
Kwek Jia Rui (28)
3BN
Task 1:
ReplyDeleteI prefer the Zeffirelli's version to the Luhrmann's version in terms of setting, characterization, mood, theme and the symbols. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy love story based on Shakespeare’s time and in Luhrmann’s version, the fighting begins on a beach with a lot of people from the beach club. I think that this version, compared to Zeffirelli’s version, it is better because there is no beach club, even cars at Shakespeare’s time. The characters are shown to be very sensitive in both clips. In clip 1, Zeffirelli portrays Romeo as a peace loving person because he is now cousin with Tybalt. In Luhrmann’s clip, he portrays Romeo as a person who is very weak willed and repenting. He apologises to Tybalt for marrying Juliet secretly and in the play, Romeo did not regret marrying Juliet. Zeffirelli’s version gives the audience a kind of delighted mood to keep them from thinking that someone would actually die from the movie while Luhrmann gives the audience to think that Tybalt is very angry that Romeo is married to Juliet and audiences would get excited to see the result of the fight. Therefore, I prefer Zeffirelli’s version to Luhrmann’s version of clips.
Kwang Yu Xiang_3Grace_(18)
Zeffirelli’s version had a sunny city, with a fountain. The sunniness of the city was in contrast to the events ahead: It gave a much lighter mood and tone. Mercutio’s hotheadedness was also portrayed on a much lighter note, laughing, perhaps sarcastically at everything. He is also seen imitating Benvolio childishly at the start of the video, seemingly finding Benvolio’s words to have no meaning at all. Mercutio here also seems far more of a joker than a hotheaded person. Even the arrival of Tybalt did not cause Mercutio to jump up in rage immediately. He was seen laughing at the confrontation of Romeo and Tybalt. Luhrmann’s version saw a more modern portrayal of the scene. The scene, instead of taking place in Verona, takes place on a sunny beach. Mercutio here is seen again as more of a joker, taunting Tybalt the moment he sees him. However, he flares up far quicker than Zeffirelli’s Mercutio, rushing at Tybalt even before Romeo arrives. The use of guns instead of swords gives a more modern feel to the duel. The atmosphere changes, and in contrast to Zeffirelli’s Mercutio, who laughs even after getting injured in the duel, Luhrmann’s Mercutio seems to take a much more solemn and grave stand to his injury and coming death.
ReplyDeletePersonally I prefer Luhrmann’s version. Despite the more modern setting, the emotions are clearly captured, and we can see from Mercutio’s behavior that he is a hotheaded person. Mercutio here is also seen to be much less of a joking man than in Zeffirelli’s version, which captured more of Mercutio’s childish side. Luhrmann’s version also gave a much darker perspective to Mercutio’s death, in contrast to Zeffirelli’s version which set everything in a lighthearted mood. Although Zeffirellli’s version did capture the setting much more accurately and portrayed the characters with respect to the characters’ physical being, Luhrmann captured much stronger emotions than the former.
Ho Jing Jing 7 3GR
tan yee teck 3GR
ReplyDeletei personally preferred Franco Zeffirli adaption of romeo and Juliet as it portrayed mercutio as a person who liked to get into a fight .Despite benvolio constantly trying to persuade mercutio to stay away from trouble, he turns a deaf to what he says. This can seen from the scene where he pushes away benvolio when he tries to intervene the fight between him and tybalt.The most effective way that they portrayed was at the front where they replaced mercutio speech with " bla bla".This shows that mercutio did not think through the things he said therefore the bla bla was an apt use to replace his speech as it was rubbish. Following that he even bathes in the the water fountain, this shows that he does not even respects himself, doing things that embarrasses himself. He also purposely antagonizes tybalt when tybalt has done nothing to him. This portrays mercutio as an antagonist who likes to get into trouble despite knowing well what the consequences of his actions. However, there was also the playful side that was portrayed by the video even when tybalt points the sword at him he shrugged it off by whistling.
Favoured Version: Shakespeare Play Adaptation First Version
ReplyDeleteThe portrayal of the relationship between Juliet and the Nurse is achieved in this scene. Juliet and the Nurse seem to be very close just like the relationship of a mother and daughter and the Nurse appears to be like Juliet’s close friend and confidante as interpreted from the praises Juliet sings of her to make her happy so that she will convey Romeo’s words to her. The Nurse makes excuses of being fatigue and out of breath as she wants Juliet to pay more attention to her and not only to Romeo, this can be interpreted in a way that the Nurse may actually be lonely after the departing of her late husband and she feels that Juliet actually has the responsibility to accompany her as the Nurse brought her up. The setting of this scene is in the Capulet’s Orchard, which is the also the exact place where the love confessions between Romeo and Juliet take place. This may be a symbol of the upcoming good news Juliet is going to receive from Nurse.
In this scene, Nurse’s character is in a contrast with Juliet’s as her view of love is earthy and sexual, whereas Juliet is idealistic and passionate. The Nurse believes in love and wants Juliet to have a nice-looking husband, but the idea that Juliet would want to sacrifice herself for love is incomprehensible to her.
Done by: Kong Yen Ting (07)
Class: 3Harmony
Vivyan Yeo JIng Wen, 3Benevolence:
ReplyDeleteI prefer Zeffirelli’s version, as it is more faithful to the dynamics of the original script. Similarly to how I imagined the play to be, the setting and costumes are very detailed and follows closely to the design of buildings in the olden times. The day is hot. This sets the enchanting atmostphere which automatically adds to the mood of the scene. I feel that Mercutio’s arrogant, stubborn character is better portrayed in Zeffirelli’s version, as his actions are far bolder. For example, the way he slaps a cloth onto his face while speaking gibberish to Benvolio shows how cocky he is. His strong-headed tone and each of the impatient steps he takes is absolutely stunning. I like how Romeo and Benvolio desperately and repeatedly attempt to stop the brawl from happening in contrast to Tybalt and Mercutio disregarding their efforts by overlapping their voices with scornful laughter. This oblivious, immature negligence for peace despite warnings overshadows the tragedy that comes after –Mercutio’s death. The flare of this version, I think, are the distinct characters. Unfortunately, the action scene where Mercutio and Tybalt fight, is dour and unexciting compared to Luhrmann's version. Perhaps it is because of the lack of music. Still, I like how the characters’ nature can even gleam during the brawl! For example, when Mercutio whistles despite the fact that Tybalt cornered him. It is spectacularly intelligent.