Romeo And Juliet 1968
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Olivia Hussey (Juliet) and Leonard Whiting (Romeo) in Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet (1968). Copyright © 1968 Paramount Pictures Corporation; photograph from a private collection Until this version of Shakespeare’s tragic romance, the actors who played the title lovers were often too old to plausibly portray the characters.
Refreshingly, Zeffirelli gave the roles to young, inexperienced actors and, who at the time of filming were ages 15 and 17, respectively. The acclaimed director provided his trademark sweeping production design, emulating the actual societal conditions in which the story takes place. His version with a realism that previous film versions lack.
Juliet, as portrayed by Olivia Hussey, in the film Romeo and Juliet, 1968. Paramount (Courtesy Kobal) The leading actors and the impressive supporting cast also overcame the common obstacle found in filming this tale: Shakespeare’s, which has been spoofed so often that it takes extraordinary skill to ensure that audiences do not feel the lines have a comic ring to them. The passion and sexual yearning that colour this version overcame any unintentional comedy. Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet remains the standard against which all other versions are compared.
Production notes and credits.
The classic story of Romeo and Juliet, set in a modern-day city of Verona Beach. The Montagues and Capulets are two feuding families, whose children meet and fall in love. They have to hide their love from the world because they know that their parents will not allow them to be together.
There are obstacles on the way, like Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, and Romeo's friend Mercutio, and many fights. But although it is set in modern times, it is still the same timeless story of the 'star crossed lovers'. Quotes first lines: Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene.
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life, whose misadventured piteous overthrows doth, with their death, bury their parents' strife.
The fearful passage of their death-marked love and the continuance of their parents' rage, which, but their children's end, naught could. I'm a sucker for William Shakespeare even though I like it done better in the theatre. This one however, kept my attention and seemed to do a great job with modernizing the whole quarreling families thing. The movie kicks off with a street brawl between the Montegues and Capulets. The Prince forewarns them that if they ever disturb the peace again their 'lives will pay the forfeit of the peace.' We are then introduced to the character Romeo who is played by Leonardo DeCaprio. Leo does a great job as Romeo, but that's because Leo is a good actor in this film.
Romeo And Juliet 1968 Movie
Soon after that we are introduced to Juliet who is played by the beautiful Claire Danes, someone I haven't seen in too many movies. Danes does a great job playing the flirty Juliet. The movie follows the original script very accurately. The symbolism is also used very well throughout the movie. If you look at the guns you'll notice that some say sword, some say rapier, and I believe some say dagger. The Montegues always wear a Hawaiian style shirt. The Capulets dress more like mobsters or thugs even though both sides could be viewed as thugs in some sort or another.
In either case each family wears a certain kind of clothing that makes it easy to tell who's who. One great part I absolutely love is the party.
Romeo And Juliet 1968 Song
Juliet wears angel wings and Romeo wears a knight outfit. Romeo's best friend (and I wish I could spell his name but I'd rather not butcher it) dresses up as a women. So to explain this form of symbolics, for those who aren't getting it, it's Romeo is the 'knight in shinning armor,' Juliet is the angel of Romeo's dreams, and Romeo's best friend is the comic relief.
There's other things you'll notice at the party also, like Tybalt wears devil horns(i.e. He's a villain). Both families you'll also notice are rich, which also follows the script accurately. Overall, if you're a Shakespeare fan, a fan of romantic movies, a fan of tragic movies, or a fan of artistic movies then make sure to look into this one.
It'll sweep you off you're feet, make you laugh, make you cry, and make you fall in love.