The Romeo and Juliet classic that remains unbeaten. The film that made Franco Zeffirelli an international cinema figure
Fans of romantic stories can all confirm that William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the greatest love epic of all time. Recounting the end of the war between the Montagues and Capulets following the tragic deaths of their youngest children. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet; who fell in love with each other and became husband-wife in secret. And it is the history of this romance that Shakespeare made us discover. From its adorable beginning to its heartbreaking finale. With scenes as popular as the balcony declaration between the two lovers, the various duels of the families, and the potion scene.
An event based on a true Italian incident which Shakespeare adapted to great success as a play. Making it a classic of theatre many would stage or film. Such as Baz Luhrmann, Kenneth Brannagh, and Gonzo Animation Studio. Though the most remarkable production remains Franco Zeffirelli’s. Filmed in 1968, with costumes, props, and locations that replicate the story’s time period, so no transposition into modern ages as it is the trend today. However, the most daring idea this director had was to have the film performed with teenagers. Which makes sense as before that, the play had been performed by professionals in their thirties, but also others in their seventies and eighties as Jean Cocteau once recounted in an interview about the reality of French Theatre in his youth. So it was quite refreshing to see Zeffirelli bring a layer of realism with this age concordance between the actors and their roles.
Ironically, as the film was shot in the rebellious 1968, where the youngsters of that generation were fighting against the authorities and establishment, and praising a freedom to love how they wished, the story’s relevancy with that period is probably part of that film’s success. Alongside the excellent actors cast for the main role. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting. Perfect as the two lovers, their chemistry is impeccable and we develop quick sympathy for them and their romance, and empathy/sadness for their turmoils and the tragic decisions they accomplish.
For the script, Franco Zeffirelli co-wrote it with Franco Brusati and Masolino D’Amico and all three respected William Shakespeare’s original text. Including the monologues actors had with themselves; which others might have transposed as character thoughts in their films. But here those monologues are kept as vocal dialogues the characters have with themselves. Respecting the original play’s expressiveness. Making the film a filmed rendition of the theatre production that uses Italy’s locations as the stage of its drama. Around Tuscany and Lazio. Around very sandy streets surrounded by ancient buildings. With individuals wearing medieval costumes and interacting with objects inside locations lit with traditional lighting (torches) that make us feel we are indeed in the medieval ages. That this film is a dive back into that historical time period. Which Zeffirelli did as well with Jesus of Nazareth and Jane Eyre.
Though what makes this motion picture much different from the theatre platform is how it was shot. With Arriflex cameras following the actors’ every move. Using close-ups, travellings, but also hand-held work as well. Therefore allowing the audience to connect more closely with the actors and their emotions like Lars von Trier did with Breaking the Waves. Although, as those cameras made a loud noise and as Italian movie sets back then could be noisy as well, the crew had to re-record the voices on a soundstage. For several months as Olivia Hussey explained in an interview with the Shakespeare Unlimited Podcast, which I have put down below and where you can hear her filming experience on that film.
Of the cinematography, the lighting remains quite naturalistic. Beautiful and realistic; both on the streets scenes and the dance moments. Making this film a much captivating spectacle from Pasqualino De Santis’s camera and light work. And for that, I am glad that he and Danilo Donati (Costumes) won their Oscars as these two have helped making the film a memorable and timeless classic.
Though the most captivating element in the film would be Nino Rota’s music. Moving and romantic, it is employed at the most adjust moments. Never becomes pleonastic. And its absence in the duel/comedy scenes is such a great choice from Zefirrelli as it makes their emotions rawer and more honest. For had there been soundtracks in them, then the scenes would have felt forced and they would lose their emotional impact.
In sum, anybody who is fond of Romeo and Juliet and William Shakespeare, but also of 1960s classics should check out this film as it is a great piece of film history. Of the international success for Franco Zeffirelli and for its actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting.
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