What are film techniques used for aesthetic effects? Which techniques were used in Romeo and Juliet, Act I? LA.9.ELA9LSV2.1.g - Identifies the aesthetic effects of a media presentation (i.e., layout, lighting, color, camera angles, background, etc.).

Zeffirelli and Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet Zeffirelli's setting of Romeo and Juliet in Verona accepts the historical and geographic locations provided by the play text. As a result, we expect Shakespearean language and, where it is not made redundant by visual access to costume, properties and scenery, Elizabethan manners and conventions. In stark contrast, Luhrmann has reinterpreted both time and place while maintaining the language of the play text. The resulting film provides us with access to modern day characters speaking in a rather strange dialect of English. For some viewers this tends to create a tension between audience and production that forces a concentration on listening for meaning rather than watching for action.

Prologue and Opening Credits Despite their vastly different approaches to film making and to their interpretation of the play script, both Zeffirelli and Luhrmann open their films with the prologue from the original play as a voice over. 1. The Luhrmann title sequence introduces the characters in a mixture of media 'hype' and more subtle information giving. The characters are named in identifiable and contemporary terms as their roles are established. How does Zeffirelli open his film? 2. Discuss the effectiveness of Luhrmann's title sequence in providing an understanding of the setting, the plot and the key players. 3. Compare the effectiveness of Luhrmann's title sequence with that of Zeffirelli. What has Zeffirelli gained and what has he lost from using a more conventional film opening? 4. The Shakespearean audience was used to listening rather than viewing. In fact, before the audience settled, many may not have been able to see the chorus delivering the prologue. What information is provided by Zeffirelli's title sequence which is not available in the prologue of the play? 5. By comparison of the opening sequences of Luhrmann and Zeffirelli, discuss the differences between the worlds the two Romeos are about to enter.

Act I Scene V – Love at First Sight Look closely at key scenes in the play and compare how they have been treated by the film versions. Here is an example relating to Act I, Scene V: 1. Do you agree with the way Zeffirelli and Luhrmann stages the scene where Romeo and Juliet meet? Why or why not? 2. What do you think of the costuming? Does this give you a better idea of the characters? 3. Why does Zeffirelli include the long love-song segment? Does this work for you? Explain. What does Luhrmann include? 4. Look at how Zeffirelli and Luhrmann uses the camera in the 'kissing scene'. Describe shot by shot what they do. 5. Do you find Zeffirelli and Luhrmann's film version convincing in terms of Romeo and Juliet's attraction to one another? Explain. 6. How does Zeffirelli's treatment of this scene compare with Luhrmann's? Which do you find the most effective?

Film Technique Video