When Baz Luhrmann’s modern version of Romeo & Juliet was released in 1996, there were a few dark grumblings of Shakespeare rolling in his grave. To which end I say, “you don’t know Shakespeare.” Old Billy Wobbledagger would have loved this version, because Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be performed, not merely read. And this film performs on every level, creating an endless array of indelible images while staying true to the thing which mattered most: the words.
Luhrmann has an ingenious ability of choosing one element in his films to heighten the whole story and its world. In Strictly Ballroom it was dance, in Romeo & Juliet it is language and five years later he would do it through song in Moulin Rouge. The paradox of using Shakespeare’s English in a modern setting heightened the story, creating a unique and beautiful movie; but it also made it accessible in schoolrooms where students were tiring of his work.
Ben Jonson wrote that Shakespeare “was not a man of an age, but for all time,” and this movie lends credence to the statement. Sword fights in the streets are deftly replaced by car chases and shootouts; while spectacular costumes and sets reveal the sumptuous glamour of the wealthy rivals, as well as hinting at the melodrama of the Elizabethan stage. These elements are creatively and smoothly interchanged, and it is the story which remains timeless – even if Shakespeare drew inspiration from many sources and, arguably, didn’t even write the work.
Conspiracy theories aside, Shakespeare understood drama, romance and entertainment. Luhrmann taps into this understanding in every way from the incredible soundtrack, the unexpected comedy, the dark recesses of emotion and the indescribable magic of romantic love. Pulling it all together is the outstanding cast, from the delightful Miriam Margolyes as the Nurse and Paul Rudd as the bumbling Paris to John Leguizamo as the hot-tempered Tybalt and the late Pete Postlethwaite as Father Laurence.
And of course, if you’ll excuse the horrid pun, the heart of the film: Romeo and Juliet. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes garnered high acclaim for their performances. Critics said they would go far, and today we see how right they were. Although I’m always open to creative adaptations, Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet set the bar high. In 1996 my mother may have grumbled that Zeffirelli’s version was the only one worth watching, but in the wake of the 2013 version I find myself muttering that Luhrmann’s version is the best and Leonardo DiCaprio will always be my Romeo.
Originally published on Amazing Picture Box.
Image source.