Showing posts with label Shakespeare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shakespeare. Show all posts

Sunday, March 25, 2012

A Note of Love: Zeffirelli's "Romeo & Juliet"

This isn't going to be much of a post, but more of a note for love for Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 production. I watched it because my English class is covering the play, and I'm grateful I checked it out. This is a great example of how stunning Shakespeare can be when performed.

The movie is by no means perfect; after all, it was made in the '60s, which implies at least a few bad shots and effects. (R&J's fight scenes can be a tad horrible.) However, the performances of Leonard Whiting (Romeo) and Olivia Hussey (Juliet) are gorgeous. The pair were 17 and 15 at the time of filming, respectively, but did brilliantly. In fact, Hussey's performance as Juliet is often cited as one of, if not the, very best. (John McEnery was also great as Mercutio.)

To let you understand my enthusiasm, I'll show you what is probably the very best scene (featuring a song that's become classic itself):


What are your favorite play- or novel-to-film adaptions?
Know any other Zac Efron look-a-likes?