A “Romeo and Juliet” by Any Other Name…
It’s no secret that Shakespeare’s play about star-cross’d lovers has become a popular source of inspiration for countless generations of artists, writers, filmmakers, and musicians. The number of movies alone that are based on it is staggering. But are all adaptations alike in dignity? Check out these popular versions and decide for yourself.
West Side Story (1961)
If you prefer your Shakespeare with musical interludes, you’re probably familiar with Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins’s West Side Story. It depicts the romance between Tony and Maria, who are on different sides of a conflict between two New York City gangs: the Jets and the Sharks. This modern retelling was hugely successful when it was first released. It was nominated for eleven Oscars, of which it won ten, and the soundtrack from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is still extremely well-loved. Here’s some good news for fans of this franchise: Stephen Spielberg’s new movie version of the musical hits theaters later this year.
Romeo and Juliet (1968)
This is the classic adaptation, and it’s probably the one you watched in high school. (This Romeo is a Zac Efron-doppelganger, remember?) Director Franco Zeffirelli’s vision for this film has received high praise for the accuracy with which it translated the original work. The costumes, music, and set design effectively transport audiences back to Renaissance-era Verona. It’s definitely on the more-serious side of the films in this list, but the sincerity with which it approaches the story of two kids in love is what has made it a fan favorite for over fifty years.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet is another popular adaptation, starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the lead roles. The film is very funky, preserving a lot of the “extreme” aesthetic of the late nineties in saturated visuals, sounds, and action. It takes place not in Verona, Italy, but in Verona Beach, amidst a feud between rival business families. Though the location and time period were both modernized in the film, it retains the dialogue from the original play, adding to the bizarre intrigue of the world Luhrmann created. Featuring several fan favorite actors, this has become the ultimate version of Romeo and Juliet to many viewers.
Romeo Must Die (2000)
This is another contemporary take on the original play, but with a new twist: martial arts. The movie features Jet Li as Han Sing and Aaliyah as Trish O’Day, who are (you guessed it) on opposite sides of a turf war in Oakland, California. The onscreen chemistry between the actors is great and there are many fun, fast-paced action scenes set to a groovy hip-hop soundtrack. While the movie is a little dated at this point, it almost feels like a late 90s/early 00s time capsule at some moments, which makes it an enjoyable watch overall.
Gnomeo and Juliet (2011)
Here’s a silly one. It’s the same Romeo and Juliet plot we know and love, but this time, the characters are not human. As the title suggests, they are animated garden gnomes from different lawns, who have clandestine meetings in a nearby garden. With a soundtrack heavy on Elton John hits (he also produced the film!) and a cast that includes the talents of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Dolly Parton, Jim Cummings, and more, Gnomeo and Juliet delivers a lot of absurdity and laughs in its less than ninety minute run time.
Warm Bodies (2013)
At the height of the 2010’s dystopian YA trend, we saw a lot of takes on the post-apocalyptic survival story, but few were as memorable and unique as Warm Bodies. Why? Well, how often have you seen a zombie apocalypse movie from the perspective of the zombie? This strange romcom follows the relationship development between a zombie named R (Nicholas Hoult) and a human named Julie (Teresa Palmer), which slowly turns R back into a human. It’s a cute, charming movie with a paranormal spin that breathes new life into a very old story.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to seeing Romeo and Juliet on the silver screen. Whether you’re a Shakespeare in the Park regular or “The Bard” makes you want to cry, you’ll definitely find something you like when it comes to these adaptations. Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. The ASLC is screening Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (1996) on July 8th, which is a perfect introduction for new fans and a great rewatch for old ones. Though the tale ends in tragedy, you’re sure to have lots of fun!
Written by: Cassidy Elibol
Art by: Mikael Byrd | Instagram
