1. Standard Grade Media Study Unit

2. Director:Baz Luhrmann Mission:To create an up-to-date version of Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Themes:Conflict, the generation gap, love, vengeance,destiny, death Language:Shakespeare’s English (400 years old) 15971997

3. Plot / narrative The main events of any film (what happens) can usually be summed up in 10-12 points. After viewing the entire film once, write down your 10 point plot summary in your jotter. The Montagues and Capulets fight Romeo and Juliet fall in love at the Capulet ball They get married Tybalt kills Mercutio Romeo kills Tybalt Juliet’s dad orders her to marry Paris Juliet fakes her death Romeo kills himself Juliet kills herself Which of the themes can you see here?

4. Summary part 2 There is short-lived happiness when Romeo Juliet in a ---------- ceremony. At the beach Tybalt kills -----------. To avenge his friend’s death, -----------kills Tybalt in a blind rage and is ------ --from Verona as his punishment. Meanwhile, Juliet angers her father by -----------to marry Paris. Assisted by the Priest, she plans to fake her own ------then escape but a message fails to reach Romeo and when he hears she is dead he returns to Verona. He kills himself by drinking----------. In turn Juliet commits--------. In this way the warring families are -------for their continued hatred. poison Mercutio suicide banished death secret Romeo Punished refusing marries

5. Our objectives: Develop an understanding of the role of these techniques in creating meaning in film: mise-en-scene montage camera work set props costume and make-up lighting sound

6. Task 1How do we read a film? Here is a jumbled list of film techniques which let you ‘read’ the film. Divide them into three categories. Zoomsactors + actressesstationary camerasilence accentsExpressionscostume/clothing editing dialoguelightingColourscenerysets movementPositioningcuttingmusical score fading computer graphicsAngle shotspropsclose-ups Soundtrackmoving camerasound effectsgestures What you seeCamera workWhat you hear

7. What you seeCamera workWhat you hear... Actors + actresses expressions gestures props costume/clothing Lighting Colour sets / scenery positioning movement Editing zooms fading Cutting Computer graphics high angle shots low angle shots wide angle shots close-ups moving camera stationary camera Soundtrack sound effects Dialogue Accents musical score silences!

8. THE PROLOGUE Objectives: 1. To understand the media technique mise- en- scene. 2. To analyse how Luhrmann employs mise- en-scene to aid our understanding of Shakepeare’s language and introduce the idea of destiny’s role in bringing about the tragedy.

9. Mise-en-scene: Everything you can SEE within the frame, including set, props, costume, make-up, lighting and camera work and the positioning and facial expressions of the characters. The director of any film uses combinations of film techniques to create meaning. This is particularly important for Baz Luhrmann. Shakespeare’s words are difficult for his audience to understand so everything he chooses to put into a frame takes on great significance. This aspect of film study is called mise- en-scene.

10. Analyse how mise en scene helps us understand the words of the prologue. Two households both alike in dignity In fair Verona where we lay our scene

11. T w o h o u s e h o l d s b o t h a l i k e i n d i g n i t y I n f a i r V e r o n a w h e r e w e l a y o u r s c e n e F r o m a n c i e n t g r u d g e, b r e a k t o n e w m u t i n y W h e r e c i v i l b l o o d m a k e s c i v i l h a n d s u n c l e a n F r o m f o r t h t h e f a t a l l o i n s o f t h e s e t w o f o e s A p a i r o f s t a r - c r o s s ’ d l o v e r s t a k e t h e i r l i f e W h o s e m i s a d v e n t u r ’ d p i t e o u s o v e r t h r o w s D o t h w i t h t h e i r d e a t h b u r y t h e i r p a r e n t s ’ s t r i f e. T h e f e a r f u l p a s s a g e o f t h e i r d e a t h m a r k e d l o v e A n d t h e c o n t i n u a n c e o f t h e i r p a r e n t s ’ r a g e W h i c h, b u t t h e i r c h i l d r e n ’ s e n d, n o t c o u l d r e m o v e, I s n o w t h e t w o h o u r s t r a f f i c o f o u r s t a g e

12. Luhrmann allows you to hear the prologue twice. During the second time (spoken by the priest) he uses images to help you to understand the words. Task 1: Write down everything you can remember about the mise-en-scene during the two readings of the prologue. Task 2: In particular, what do you see when you hear these words? “Break to new mutiny” “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes a pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life” Remember: everything you SEE on screen creates meaning.

13. The Prologue sequence What do we see- techniques What message/impact is created?

14. Remember: everything you SEE on screen creates meaning. The Prologue sequence What do we see- techniques What message/impact is created?

15. Remember: everything you SEE on screen creates meaning. The Prologue sequence What do we hear - techniques What message/impact is created?

16. The Prologue sequence We might not understand the words of the prologue but in this opening sequence of the film the techniques used -both the mise-en scene and the soundtrack- help us understand the violence and conflict the film will deal with. We understand that the setting of the film is a modern one. We are given help with recognising the characters when they are introduced to us using captions. The fast moving camera work, images from a modern city and dramatic music preview the film as action packed and appealing for a young audience.

17. Objectives: 1.To revise the term GENRE 2.To analyse the markers of different film genres 3.To analyse Luhrmann’s inclusion of various genres in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ 4.To understand WHY Luhrmann has borrowed from other film genres. What was his purpose?

18. Genre Luhrmann knows that his audience may not be keen fans of Shakespeare – in fact they may never have seen a Shakespearean play before, but he knows they will have seen action movies, comedies, cowboy films, horrors and so on. Cleverly he borrows from all these genres (types) of films when he is making Romeo and Juliet because he knows these scenes will keep our attention. Task: Think about the markers of a genre of film that you particularly like: Western, comedy, musical, romance, action, thriller, science fiction etc. e.g. Horror markers would be blood and gore, masks, cloaks, monsters, murderers, ghosts, demons, darkness, teenagers, knives, saws, dungeons and so on.

19. ActionWesternComedy Costume Make-up tattoos, crosses shaved into headpink hair Set Props Action nuns disgusted at Montague’s rude gesture, handbag bashing’ Tybalt pretends to shoot the kid: “BANG!” Camera work speed close-ups zooms slow motion = close-ups = fast speed various incidents close-up on panicked expression of Montague (pink hair) Soundtrack blasts of opera add to sense of exaggeration Dolce & Gabanna suits, gangster style Petrol station Fast cars, guns, petrol pumps, Shoot out, explosion, car chase, riot helicopters Slow motion / match falling Sword 9mm + coat of arms Nine Inch Nails ‘Pretty Piece of Flesh’ Steel heeled boots Tin cans, tin sign, dust, guns Shoot-out, gun twirling, bullet hitting sign, cans Grinding out cigarette Eyes of Tybalt & Bevolio like a duel Guitar, pipes, recognisable cowboy score Watch the scene at the petrol station. Try to pick out the markers of the three different genres outlined below. Complete the table for the action and western genre.

20. Baz Luhrmann uses familiar film genres to help us with the unfamiliar dialogue. We may not understand the Shakespearean dialogue but we easily realise from our knowledge of action and western film genres that the two gangs – Montague and Capulet - are in conflict. To sum up….

21. Romeo – the hopeless romantic Romeo must of course be young and extremely attractive. Leonardo de Caprio is right for the part. However, more importantly, Romeo must be portrayed as a hopeless romantic, someone who could fall so deeply in love that an ancient feud and deep-seated hatred is rendered meaningless. How does our first view of Romeo help us form this impression? www.stpauls.it

22. APPEARANCE-smart suit, but shirt undone, hair tousled ACTIONS-writing poetry in a journal, smoking SETTING-beach, crashing waves, dilapidated stage LIGHTING-luminous sky at dawn, soft pastels – romantic CAMERA WORK-slow motion again romanticises him SOUNDTRACK - Above makes him seem deep, moody, a loner in the style of James Dean or similar.

23. Set apart by his disapproval of violence and belief in love. We find out that all this moping is over a woman named Rosaline who has spurned his advances. Note that his use of poetic language is so over the top that it makes Benvolio snigger. The impression from the start is that Romeo is a fool for love.

24. Objectives: 1.Understand the meaning of fate and destiny. 2.Think about how this theme is explored in the film. 3.Explore how lighting affects atmosphere. 4.Understand what montage is. 5.Explore how montage contributes towards our understanding of destiny.

25. Fate and destiny Romeo and Juliet are called “star- crossed lovers” by Shakespeare. 1. Look up the words fate and destiny and write down their meanings. 2. Do you read your horoscope? Do you believe your future is mapped out in the stars? Do you believe God or the heavens decide your path in life? worksheet

26. Listen to Romeo’s speech just before the Capulet ball. Benvolio complains that they will be late. Romeo replies: Romeo’s speech Act 1 Scene iv I fear too early; for my mind misgives Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, Shall bitterly begin his fearful date With this night’s revels and expire the term Of a despised life clos’d within my breast, By some vile forfeit of untimely death. But He that hath the steerage of my course Direct my sail! Copy down this definition: MONTAGE- the way shots are linked together in sequence using cutting, fading or dissolves. Worksheet- sheet 5 Complete the

27. Mise-en-scene: Everything you can SEE within the frame, including set, props, costume, make-up, lighting and camera work and the positioning and facial expressions of the characters. The Capulet Ball 1.Analyse how costume and make-up contribute towards the creation of character. 2.Analyse how set, colour and lighting affect meaning. 3.Analyse how camera work highlights the significance of Romeo and Juliet’s encounter. 4.The soundtrack-explain what this adds.

28. “ The ballroom set was a way of contrasting the simplicity of Romeo and Juliet and their love to the harshness of the world that surrounds them – a world that is more concerned with appearances. It also makes it very clear that there is a reason they are together. They are both outsiders in the extra-ordinary over-the-top place.” Kym Barrett, costume designer.

29. “Speak again bright angel” Romeo is dressed as a Knight in Shining armour – romance and chivalry are personified. It is significant that he removes his mask as Juliet enters. Why? Juliet is an angel – purity and innocence. Capulet is Caesar/Greek God Lady Capulet -Cleopatra – wealth power Tybalt – Satan(evil) Paris – Astronaut(US Hero) Mercutio- in white again to suggest innocence Montagues – Vikings raiding the ball

30. Massive mansion, marble staircase. Capulet family crest is evident everywhere. Expensive furniture. Wealth Vibrant, deep reds, garish colours. Setting is ostentatious and excessive. Dim and dark, suggests a sinister atmosphere, moral corruption. Close ups, spinning cameras, blurred focus, speeded up and slowed down. Romeo’s point of view. Impression that he is drugged.

31. The bathroom away from the other characters – sets them apart. Water is a recurring symbol. When else do you see it? Light, pastels, pinks, blues – romantic colours Lighter, but soft - again suggesting a romantic atmosphere Point of view shots from R + J perspective/ We see them through each others eyes. Close-ups show love.

32. What fate has in store for Romeo becomes clear in this scene. The happy mood from the wedding is short-lived, and is brought to an end with the violent death of Mercutio at the hands of Tybalt. Vengeance is the major theme here. Why does Tybalt challenge Romeo? What is Romeo’s response? Does he want to fight?

33. TechniqueWhat you seePurpose fast moving camera blurred focus close-up slow motion low angle high angle speeded up special effects & lighting fighting between Romeo, Tybalt and Mercutio facial expressions of Romeo and Tybalt close-up on Romeo’s hand Tybalt stabs Mercutio looking up at Mercutio “A plague on both your houses.” looking down at Tybalt thunder, lightning and wind as Mercutio curses the families sky darkens and finally the set (a stage!) goes dark effect of confusion in the scuffle as the characters are experiencing it creates tension, shows Tybalt’s hatred and Romeo’s reluctance to fight shows his wish to make peace dramatic, emphasizes seriousness of this action underlines significance of Mercutio’s words as if god is judging him pathetic fallacy suggests role of destiny / heaven’s displeasure recalls Romeo’s words: “Let he who hath the steerage of my course direct my sail.” His fate is sealed.

34. This scene takes place on the beach and we see the build up to the murder of Mercutio. The us of a fast moving camera is found when…

35. The director uses various techniques to convey rage, madness and confusion.

36. Before he shoots. SOUND LIGHTING. CAMERA After he shoots SOUND CAMERA WORK SPECIAL EFFECTS

37. Before he shoots. SOUNDA deafening sound screeching tyres and roaring car engines can be heard. LIGHTINGIt is pitch black. Associations of horror and a sense of foreboding go along with this. Light from street lamps and car headlamps is blue, cold and frightening. CAMERASlow motion and fast moving in places, blurred focus, and different viewpoints all convey a sense of everything going out of control. Close –ups on Romeo’s face show him screaming deliriously, the whites of his eyes the only clear image in the dark frame. After he shoots Silence and slow motion heighten the drama as Romeo and the viewers realise what he has done. A high angle shot looks down on him from above as he throws his arms backwards in the wind and rain and screams at the heavens: “I am fortune’s fool.”

38. In the final scene of the movie, Luhrmann uses several cinematic techniques to highlight the sacrifice these two have made for each other. However the scene also reminds us of the role of destiny in bringing about the tragedy. Captain Prince says: “See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love.” 1.Comment on how the set,props and costume reinforce the idea of sacrifice. 2.How do camera angles relate to the role of destiny? 3.Study the close-ups of Juliet just before Romeo drinks the poison. Why does Luhrmann have her wake up before he is dead – unlike the original play. 4.How does montage increase the audience’s sympathy for the characters? 5.Comment on the effectiveness of the use of sound

39. factevidence technique There is a sense of doom. We feel the end is inevitable. The audience is kept hoping that she might just wake up in time. Heaven/destiny is responsible for this. They were very much in love. We feel Romeo and Juliet are innocents who have been sacrificed.

41. factevidence technique There is a sense of doom. We feel the end is inevitable. The audience is kept hoping that she might just wake up in time. Heaven/destiny is responsible for this. They were very much in love. We feel Romeo and Juliet are innocents who have been sacrificed. It is dark. We have already seen this scene as Romeo predicted it before the ball. We see her fingers move and her eyelids flicker. We look down on Juliet’s suicide and the bodies. We see clips of their happiest moments. Aisle and tomb make a cross shape. Final tableau with clusters of candles looks like head of statue of Christ. Neon crosses, candles and statues of angels. White gown and lily lighting cutting (montage) close-ups & extreme close-ups high-angle shot cutting (montage) set props Costume

43. www.kakiseni.com Yahoo images