1. Modernising through cinematography

2. Modernising R&J through cinematography In order for us to understand the Elizabethan dialect, the focus on visual imagery in the film had to be very strong. Luhrmann masterfully utilises a number of production techniques to create the heightened, yet identifiable world of Verona Beach. Mise en Scene Costume Props Lighting and colour Fast paced editing Music Religious iconography Recurring motif ~ Media

3. Mise en Scene Arrangement of everything that appears before the camera to create a particular idea or effect: Setting and props Costume, hair, make-up Facial expressions and body language Lighting and colour Position of characters and objects within a frame Let’s take a look… The next shot is from the party at the Capulets.

4. Character positioning: Mercutio is centre of the shot, those in the audience face him so we know he is the centre of attention. The staircase is used to help position Mercutio as central. The railings on either side create an arrow like effect directing our attention to the centre (Mercutio). Brightly lit, vibrant colours used – particularly the red drapery along the staircase. Creates sense of vibrancy, energy and fun. Religious imagery – Madonna and child. Even within the festivities, religion is a central focus. Mercutio’s costume – dressed as drag queen. Silver sequinned. Contributes to festivity.

5. Costume Costumes help to modernise the characters. As we discuss these images, jot down some notes. Capulets: Bullet proof vests Religious imagery on clothing Suit jackets and dress pants Cowboy boots Chains, crucifixes Sophisticated style Montagues: Open Hawaiian shirts Aviators ‘Punk’ style hair-dos Chains, crucifixes Casual style

7. Costume Juliet is almost always dressed in white. Why? What do the costumes of Mr and Mrs Capulet at the party suggest about their characters? What different examples of religious iconology in costuming can you identify?

8. Props Guns to replace swords (but guns are named after different types of swords…clever!) Cars Drugs – pill Romeo takes before party, vials of poison both Juliet (fake) and Romeo (real) take at the end of the film Lots of props are also part of the religious iconography that constantly remind us of the dominance religion holds in this society Some props are used to cleverly cross reference to either modern imagery or other Shakespearean texts…

9. Lighting and colour Much of the film uses bright lighting and vibrant colours. Where scenes use darker colours it is usually to reflect a change in tone or to show a more sombre mood. Soft, warm lighting is used in love scenes to reflect the warmth and happiness the young lovers experience:

10. Dark and shadowy tones are used in sombre, dramatic scenes. Often harsh, fake lighting will also add a further sense of drama to such scenes.

11. Dark does not necessarily denote negative action. In scenes that are dark, but not negative, look for the type of lighting that is used. How is the scene lit? What are the effects of this on the characters, setting or action?

12. Lots of neon lights are used which certainly gives the setting a modern feel.

13. Colour Much of the film uses bright, vibrant colours that can at times become garish (too much: brash, showy, gaudy.) However, in romantic scenes, Luhrmann often cools the colours to muted blues or creams

14. Fast paced editing The dialogue of Romeo and Juliet has the potential to make viewers, especially teenage audiences, bored. Fast cuts between shots creates a quick pace and a sense of action. With lots happening visually, the chances of the audience becoming bored are reduced. Each shot generally only lasts on the screen for a maximum of three seconds – and for those really action packed scenes shots sometimes only stay on our screens for one second! There are some scenes where Luhrmann intentionally slows the pace down to much longer shots – sometimes becoming as long as 20 seconds. Which scenes do you think these might be and what would be the purpose of slowing these down?

15. Handheld camera Adding to the sense of action and urgency, a handheld camera can be used for filming. The result is a bumpier, more active presentation of the scene that makes us feel like we are part of it. Not many scenes in the film use the handheld camera, most of the filming is stylised and use dollies to set up the perfect shot.

16. Music Luhrmann uses an eclectic soundtrack, ranging from pop songs to instrumental overtures. While some criticised the choice of loud, in your face music choices, Luhrmann comments that Shakespeare himself used whatever he could to engage his extremely diverse audience, including popular music within his plays. There is, of course, a theme song that is used to link key romantic scenes in the film – can you identify what this song is? Also, the music, no matter whether it is rock, pop or classical, is carefully chosen to match the action of the scene it accompanies.

17. Religious iconography Tattoos – religious Crucifix necklaces Jesus state Statue on top of church (Virgin Mary?) Crucifix statues Paintings of the ‘Madonna and Child’ (no, not the pop-star.) Graffiti of religious imagery Virgin Mary statues (esp. Juliet’s room) What is the significance of linking Virgin Mary with Juliet? Symbol of purity – why is this significant in this society? This story? Angel and cherub statues