Parting “totally sucks” : Filming Romeo and Juliet for Generation X
Part of : Γράμμα : περιοδικό θεωρίας και κριτικής ; Vol.15, No.1, 2007, pages 211-226
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211-226
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Abstract:
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a play about a pair of young lovers,yet it hasn’t always been popular among young people. In 1996 twofilm-makers created modern versions of the play, obviously aiming atthe young generation of their time. Baz Luhrmann’s William Shakespeare’sRomeo and Juliet and Lloyd Kaufman’s Tromeo and Juliet share alot; however, it has been argued that the philosophy behind the twomovies is diametrically opposite: if Luhrmann attempts to prove thecompatibility of Shakespeare’s high culture with the youth culture ofthe nineties, Kaufman seems to insist upon the Bard’s mismatch with anassumed low teen culture. But how close do the two directors approachwhat we call “youth culture”? Does Luhrmann provide a full account ofmodern youth? And how lowly does Kaufman’s youth stand after all?Also, which of the two films is closer to a young audience and, finally,what audiences do the two directors address? This essay will attempt toanswer these questions by examining the two directors’ use of youthculture elements and by taking into consideration the place of the twofilms in the film industry.
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Keywords:
Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, movie, youth culture, film
