Fight Clip Club: Romeo + Juliet

Fetch me my longsword, ho!

Yes, yes, I’m still on a Romeo & Juliet kick. Dig it. 

But I didn’t want to leave our R & J binge without talking about Baz Luhrman’s lurid and indulgent 1996 adaptation, Romeo + Juliet. I first saw this movie when it came out in the theatres, and, though an enormous Shakespeare nerd, I completely fell in love with its bold readings of such a classic text.

In particular, I recall some purists (read: snobs) turned their nose up at the vibrant modern LA setting against the old original Shakespearean language. I couldn’t disagree more–modern (or, at least, mid-’90s) LA is the perfect backdrop for this tale* of an affair that goes too far, too soon, of passion that marks the operatic downfall of young lovers and their attached gangs. Why do you think it worked so well as a musical (in modern 1960s NYC, no less)? It’s a heightened, hot background for a heightened, hot situation.

And I actually loved the… well I was going to say, the juxtaposition of the old language with the new setting, but I don’t think it’s a juxtaposition at all; I think it’s a well-done match.

*I know I keep saying LA, when it’s actually technically set at a fictional place called Verona Beach, to fit with the Shakespeare. But c’mon. It’s LA. Right?

But don’t take my word for it: let’s watch the famous opening scene and see how Luhrman treats it. This clip starts a couple lines in, having skipped the brilliant opening Chorus monologue, delivered by a news anchor on a TV. Just: chef’s kiss.