In Baz Luhrman's production of Romeo and Juliet many filming style techniques have been used. Luhrman has definitely used a modern style of filming but particular interpretation has been used in places; the costume, the props, the environment and the music have all been updated so that younger generations can understand the film more clearly, and relate to the film a whole lot more. The only major thing that has been left the wait it was when Shakespeare wrote the play is the language. This is a very important factor. By leaving the language as it was originally written, Luhrman gives a huge contrast between modern and the old. But, the audiences may or may not be able to relate to this. In my opinion it would be hard for viewers that had not studied Shakespeare before, to understand the dialogue.
MTV style editing is mainly used through the opening scene. Images and caption are seen flashing across the screen. I think the style is used to give the film a more modern feel, so the audience finds it easier to take in the rest of the films content.
The film as Shakespeare intended, starts with the Prologue. This is a very important part of the film, not only because it gives a brief of what goes on throughout the movie, but also how it is actually presented. The prologue is done very simply. A black void in the background and a television that is growing larger and larger, is all you are shown. Yet how the prologue is presented is what is significant; being shown on the television as a news report. An ordinary woman, a typical newscaster, is reading. Everything in the prologue is done like a report.
The news report is then followed by something similar to a documentary. It has been produced on a factual basis describing the past and present of what has been happening between the two families, the Montague and Capulets. The "documentary" begins with dramatic music and clips of the city of Verona.