Baz Luhrmann directed a 1996 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet . As in some other adaptations the writers of the screenplay and director put a modern spin on this classic tale. Instead of our cast riding horseback yielding swords, they drive cars and carry guns. My favorite renovation to this timeless story is Luhrmann’s take on the narrator; the screen goes black, we see a television set with a news anchor who takes us through the “breaking news” story of “two star-crossed lovers…”.
Although many regard Romeo and Juliet as a timeless tale of true love, I see it a bit differently and I feel like this particular adaptation highlights my interpretation. As the movie begins Romeo is dealing with the loss of his most recent love affair, and he’s just sooo heartbroken. He is both angry and distraught with sadness and doesn’t know how he can bare to go on. (Keep in mind the entire movie takes place in the course of a few days.)
Trying to cheer up Romeo his friends take him out. Because they are young men and trying to really have a good time, they take him to a party at their foe’s house. Although, Romeo was just at his wits end with grief, he sees a good looking young woman and is instantly in love, ready to promise eternal devotion. Juliet is smitten by Romeo and immediately starts day dreaming of forever.
They of course do not deny their “love”, and sneak around until they are able to seemingly consummate that love. A little logical thinking about teenage behavior easily reveals my take on Romeo and Juliet’s love at first site. They get bored easy, and have raging hormones. Yes, I am saying that most people’s epitome of a love story, Romeo and Juliet, is actually a story of hormone ravaged teenagers.
This seems to fit Shakespeare’s dry, odd sense of humor more accurately anyways.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117509/
