Romeo + Juliet

 

Dir: Baz Luhrmann | C12 | Running time 120 mins The film ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is set in the created world of Verona Beach – a violent, other world set neither in the future nor in the past where the Montagues and Capulets share an enmity that has become the birthright of their offspring. These wealthy, selfish, ruthless and powerful parents rule this created and frequently corrupt world of businessmen and politicians against which unfolds the well-known love story.

As part of our Shakespeare on Screen Season, in conjunction with the BFI, we’re going to be exhibiting one of the most popular, critically acclaimed, modern reincarnations of the Bards classic love story – Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. 

EVENT DETAILS Carn Marth details Saturday 17th September Show Start 8.15 – 8.30 (Sundown 7:29 PM) End 11.00  Romeo + Juliet Dir: Baz Luhrmann | USA | 1996 | Running time 120 mins | 12 Baz Luhrmann’s now-iconic 1996 adaptation of the classic, Romeo and Juliet, starring Oscar-Winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the tragic couple. The film is set in the created world of Verona Beach – a violent, other world set neither in the future nor in the past where the Montagues and Capulets share an enmity that has become the birthright of their offspring. These wealthy, selfish, ruthless and powerful parents rule this created and frequently corrupt world of businessmen and politicians against which unfolds the well-known love story together with St Day community choir performing some of the classic tracks. + Silent Shakespeare shorts – a unique collection of early Shakespeare adaptations made between 1899 and 1911 remastered from the only known surviving materials of the originals accompanied by a specially commissioned score by award-winning young composer Laura Rossi Carn Marth Direction link  Gates open an hour before the show You’re welcome to bring a picnic but there will also be refreshments available. Disabled access If you need disabled access, please let us know when you book your tickets so that we can inform the stewards to assist you and arrange closer parking. TICKETS Advance Tickets Adults £10 (cons £8 ) Under 16 £5 On the Door Adults £12 cons £10 Under 16 £ 7 The gate opens 60 minutes before the scheduled start time. Please bring whatever you need for a comfy and cosy experience: warm clothes, waterproofs, blankets, cushions, rugs etc but no umbrellas, please, use coats with hoods for damp weather No Smoking – the Amphitheatre’s Seated area is a No Smoking Zone Refunds are only given if a show is cancelled: performances will go ahead except in the worst of weather. Dogs – Quiet dogs on leads are allowed NB Car Parking is limited – please arrange car sharing, cycle or walk if you can.

 

Behind the Scenes

It’s important not to simply see Romeo + Juliet simply as an exhibit of stunning cinematography, though it certainly is that – it’s vital to consider the work that went on behind the camera to deliver some of the film’s most poignant scenes. One of Luhrmann’s most beautifully shot scenes, that has contributed to making the film so iconic is ‘The Elevator Scene’, in which Romeo and Juliet share their first kiss. And while on the screen Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes passionately convey the overwhelming desire that Shakespeare’s play intended, behind the scenes something equally as interesting was playing out. In order to meet Luhrmann’s vision and pay-off the growing anticipation of Romeo and Juliet’s lust, an intricate and very unique set had to be built:

‘Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged!’

For the film’s fatal finale it was vital to generate an appropriately chilling scene while still in-keeping with Romeo + Juliet’s vivid neon aesthetic. The set built for this scene is yet an another which can be held responsible for Luhrmann’s adaptation of the tragedy becoming one of, if not the most iconic, of all of Shakespearean filmic reincarnations.

‘Thus with a kiss I die.’

To get a further glimpse into how the film was made, check out the B-roll to see all of the behind the scenes footage.

Education

Teaching about Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet? – Below you can read and download GCSE Film Theory Teacher Education notes on Shakespeare’s original play and how it relates to one of its most famous filmic adaptations.