Introduction
The 1996 version of Romeo and Juliet is one of the best as it proves that Shakespeare can be updated no matter year or century. It is a modern version and a bit easier to understand than the book since it has been translated to modern English. However, one still needs to read the book in order to know the plot and the characters. The image photo is of Romeo and Juliet, who loved each other deeply and no they believed that no man could put them asunder.
The two lovers, Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague love each other secretly. It would bring shame to both families if they were to see each other on a daily basis. Only friar Lawrence and Juliet’s nurse know of the relationship. They both promise to keep it secret. Juliet and Romeo marry. The parents should not know that Juliet is married because she was supposed to marry another man of their choice (Wannadies 2007). Juliet finds herself in a dilemma as she is not allowed to admit the truth. Otherwise, this could get worse for both Montague and Capulet. Unfortunately, the two lovers finally meet an untimely death.
The image shows Romeo and Juliet when they first met in Capulet’s party. Romeo is dressed in blue attire while Juliet’s is red. They both appear to be doubtful and sexually attracted to each other.
When Romeo first meets Juliet, he looks her with a romantic eye sending the message that he loved her. Juliet responds by a similar look and they become secret admirers. The image shows how facial expressions can be used to express feelings such as those of love. The image also makes viewers to formulate images of what will happen in their mind. It shows how feelings can lead an individual to fantasize. Romeo sees Juliet and immediately admires her. He wishes he could kiss her. They exchange vows of love and agree to marry the following day. Their accidental meeting further strengthens the point that their destiny shall be determined by fate.
Both Romeo and Juliet appear hiding their identities using masks. These shows that they were engaging in an act that is forbidden. That is why they did not want to be identified at first. They later realized that they belong to the two opposing families of Capulet and Montague (Gillies 2001). They were not supposed to engage and that’s why their love finally leads them to their deaths. The mask was therefore symbolic symbolizing that a secret deal is bound to fail.
In regard to what finally happened to the couple, one wonders if personal decisions should prevail over those of others or not. Light and dark images scenes are used by Shakespeare to describe the blossoming of Juliet and Romeo’s romance. The image clearly represents the affection that props up the first time secret lovers meet. It also points out to the theme of love which is the major theme of the movie.
The image gives viewers the idea of the setting of the movie. It presents a picture of the environment surrounding the play. From the image, viewers can be able to identify not only the setting of the book but also the overriding theme of the movie. The doubting looks of Romeo and Juliet were a clear symbolism of a doubtful romantic relationship which was never to succeed.
References
Minami, R., Carruthers, I., & Gillies, J. (2001). Performing Shakespeare in Japan. Cambridge, U.K: Cambridge University Press.
Wannadies (Musical group). (2007). William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet: Music from the motion picture. Hollywood, Calif: Capitol.
