Romeo and Juliet/West Side Story Comparison
Due June 8th, 2010
STEP ONE
Divide the paper into two columns. On one side put the heading ROMEO AND JULIET
at the top. One the other side put the heading WEST SIDE STORY. Then compare the
characters from each. Next compare scenes from each movie, telling how they are similar
and how they are different.
Examples:
ROMEO AND JULIET
WEST SIDE STORY
Romeo
Tony
Friar Laurence
Doc
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Balcony of Capulets
Fire escape in New York
Harass Nurse in Verona
Attack Anita at candy store
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------STEP TWO
Write a description of each song in WEST SIDE STORY (there are 15). Try to describe
it visually and musically. You may mention the choreography, the camera shots, the
songs, the lyrics, and the orchestrations.
STEP THREE
Make a list of all of the special lighting, colors, effects, and camera shots/angles that you
noticed in WEST SIDE STORY. Be as specific and descriptive as possible.
STEP FOUR
Write an essay comparing the two movies.
Your essay will include:
Notes: Include the notes taken while watching the movie.
Rough Draft
1. Visible changes in editing and revision.
2. Provide handwritten copy or print a first draft copy.
Final Draft
1. Double spaced
2. Times New Roman 12 point font
3. Carefully proofread (not just a quick Spell Check)
What to Include
1. Specific comparisons between Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. Be
as specific as possible and give many details.
2. Discuss the musical numbers from West Side Story and how the use of these songs
helps the story.
3. Discuss the various special effects, lighting, camera shots, etc. that were
used in WEST SIDE STORY.
4. Discuss the acting in the WEST SIDE STORY.
5. Discuss how well or poorly WEST SIDE STORY has held up in the nearly 40 years
since it was made.
6. Give your personal reactions to WEST SIDE STORY beyond what you may have
already mentioned.
Your essay will be AT LEAST 6-7 paragraphs.
ROMEO AND JULIET/WEST SIDE STORY PROJECT
Rubric (how you will be graded)
CHARACTERS/SCENES [50 PTS]
MOVIE VIEWING NOTES [50 PTS] _____
MUSICAL NUMBERS FROM MOVIE (step 2) [100 PTS] _____
SPECIAL EFFECTS, LIGHTING, CAMERA SHOTS, ETC (step 3) [50 PTS]
ROUGH DRAFT WITH CHANGES SHOWN [50 PTS] _____
FINAL DRAFT(INCLUDES ITEMS 1-6 IN DIRECTIONS [200 PTS] _____
Total [500 points]