Essay: Comparative essay of Romeo and Juliet’s death scene in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Introduction
For this essay, I have selected the final scene between Romeo and Juliet in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet (1996) in which both characters die. I decided to choose this scene as I felt there was a lot of analysis that could be taken from things like the lighting, decorations/ props, and the costumes.
Lighting
Luhrmann
Within Baz Luhrmann’s representation of Romeo and Juliet, the death scene he creates is arguably more – one may say – gentle than Shakespeare’s original depiction. For example, Luhrmann uses dozens of candles, creating a soft golden glow that lights the room well.
Shakespeare
However, in Shakespeare’s script, he mentions just two torches that Paris and Romeo bring to the place of Juliet’s burial. Luhrmann’s use of candles also adds an element of romance to the scene, which is fitting for a moment between the two lovers.
On the other hand, Shakespeare’s use of the single torches immediately concocts the image of a dark, dim tomb. This use of lighting however, may be more effective as it draws attention to the main focus: the death of two star-crossed lovers.
Decorations/props
Luhrmann
As well as the use of candles in lighting, they also can be included in decorations/props. The candles are a lot less aggressive than if regular lighting was used. Furthermore, the use of candles, as mentioned previously, adds an aspect of romance to the scene. This adds to the atmosphere of a sensitive, personal moment between the two lovers. At the edge of the image, there is a religious figure dressed in blue and holding a candle stick. The use of a religious figure immediately brings religion to main focal point to the film. The audience watching Luhrmann’s interpretation may assume that this figure is the Virgin Mary. This is because in previous scenes in Juliet’s bedroom, Mary is a highly pronounced symbol. As the figure is repeated many times during the film, this could be interpreted as Luhrmann perhaps highlighting the importance of a mother figure, as well as other notions such as purity, and innocence.
Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s original text, much like the lighting, leaves a lot of room for the reader/audience to create their own perspective of how Juliet’s place of burial looks. The beginning stage directions describe Paris and an attendant bringing flowers and a torch to her grave. Romeo then brings another torch, and a tool that he can use to break into the tomb. However, these are the only props that are described to be in this scene. A lack of props, as with the lighting, means that the focus is on the characters and the action, rather than a lot extra decoration. This therefore could have been Shakespeare wanting to ensure that the audience’s focus would remain on the words and the story.
Costumes
Luhrmann
Another aspect of this scene that can be analysed closely is the use of wardrobe for both Romeo and Juliet. In this scene, Romeo is dressed completely in dark colours, with the only brightness coming from the pattern on his shirt. By using dark colours, Luhrmann may be alluding to the idea that Romeo isn’t the best character and has a lot of moral faults. Furthermore, the use of colour in the pattern of his shirt may show that although he can be viewed as a morally bad character, he does have some redeeming qualities. Juliet’s costume in this scene is an entirely white dress. The use of white connotes ideas surrounding purity and innocence, perhaps two of the largest motifs for Juliet’s character. Luhrmann’s use of white also projects an image of cleanliness, which is later destroyed when Juliet shoots herself, staining her dress with blood. This truly highlights the drama contained with the two lovers dying in order to be together forever.
Shakespeare
Unfortunately, Shakespeare’s script does not offer any description of what Romeo and Juliet are wearing. This leaves it open for interpretation by both performers of his time and future directors and readers.
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