Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet Introducing the Capulets and Montagues 1. Describe the atmosphere at the beginning of the scene. How is this atmosphere created? 2. At what point does the atmosphere change? How is this change signalled to the viewer? 3. How are the differences between the Capulets and Montagues underlined? The ballroom scene Romeo and the other Montagues have managed to get invitations to the Capulet party through Mercutio. Romeo has had a premonition that something bad will happen if he goes to the party but Mercutio persuades him to go anyway. Romeo is under the influence of a hallucinogen at the beginning of the party. 1. Describe the first meeting between Romeo and Juliet. 2. Why do you think the director chose this particular setting for a meeting rather than the ballroom? Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet 3. What kind of costumes do the main characters wear? What information about the characters might the director wish to convey by means of the costumes? 4. Describe the atmosphere created as Romeo leaves the ball and Juliet watches him go. Explain how the atmosphere is created. Consider in particular the camera angles (low angleshot vs high-angle shot).
