Romeo and Juliet directed by Baz Lurhmann

Opening Sequence:

    The similarities between the film and the beginning pages of Prince Of Cats are that they take place in the city, it starts by introducing a group of boys, and differences in ethnicity between some of the characters. The differences between them are the division of land between both houses in the film, the film's plot is given as a general synopsis through the help of the media, and the introduction of characters are done in the beginning of the film rather than through separate acts like in the graphic novel.

    The rapid fire editing and sped-up action set the tone for a city highly dominated by scenes of chaotic violence. The opening shots of the division of city sets the scene for the upcoming action of the film. Media coverage of the civil unrest stresses how the feud between the families affects the entire city.

   The setting and culture of Lurhmann's film refers to the Italian city near water, Verona. It is a modern city near a beach and it shows civil unrest and violence, which also could be alluding to the similar civil unrest that took place in the riots in LA in 1992.

Costume Party:

   The similarities between Lurhmann's party scene and the costume party that takes place in Prince Of Cats are the scene where Tybalt expresses anger against Romeo's presence. Also, Romeo is dressed up as a clown in the graphic novel to show how he behaves in a really comical manner perhaps. While in the film he dresses up as a knight to show nobility and a person who's service is devoted to a woman or a cause. Juliet is dressed up as Wonder Woman in the graphic novel to reflect strength and an independent spirit. While in the film she was dressed as an angel to show purity and delicacy.


Father Lawrence v. The Apothecary:

   My interpretation of the presence of drugs in the play, film, and graphic novel is that it could symbolize a distortion of reality or as a source of entertainment like the drug Romeo took in the film and the drug taken by one of the Montague boys in the graphic novel. It could also symbolize something dangerous like the poison given to Romeo in the film and play as well as something medicinal like the sleeping drug, similar to anesthesia, given to Juliet.