Romeo and Juliet Questions: I have two questions for Romeo and Juliet that I nee

Question

Romeo and Juliet Questions:

I have two questions for Romeo and Juliet that I need help with. Thanks!

1. How do you think the new 1996 version and old 1968 versions represent different aspects of their societies/times? What are the similarities and differences?

2. How does each version reflect the culture and time period in which they exist?

The video trailers for the 1968 and 1996 versions of Romeo and Juliet are below if you need them:

http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/189465/Romeo-and-Juliet-Wide-release-Trailer-.html

https://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi58720537

Thank you!

Explanation / Answer

1. The 1996 and the 1968 version of the Romeo and Juliet version, are different to a large extent. The 1968 version was much closer to the play written by Shakespeare, and was comparatively longer. On the other hand, many lines were cut in the 1996 movie, keeping in mind the modern audience. Also, the 1996 version is filled with more action, and focuses less on the language.

Both versions depict different aspects of their own time. For example, in the earlier version, King's men take over the city, while in the new one, Police takes over. Another instance of change is how Television Reporters take the place of narrators. The 1996 version is more dramatic and has violent fight scenes. There are also differences in cinematography, like the older version made use of extremely bright lights, whereas the new version had dim light almost throughout the movie.

2. Both these versions reflect the culture and time period in which the exist. For example, in the first part, the ladies are seen wearing traditional gowns. In the second version, women are seen wearing glitzy dresses. Also, in the last scene, where Romeo never gets the letter, Romeo leaves in Balthasar's car, whereas in the older version, he leaves on horses.

In the second version, guns are replaced by swords, that were used in the older version.

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