Johanna Rehnstr�m
(Reviews Cambridge Advanced English Writers Autumn 2001)
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"In fair Verona
where we lay our scene,
ancient grudge
makes civil hands unclean."
Those are the words of Shakespeare spoken in the opening scene of in the film �Romeo and Juliet�, directed by Brian Dennehy (1997).
The plot is, in this version of �the most beautiful love story of them all� the very same of that in the play, written by Shakespeare; the family feud between the Capulets and the Montagues is he great barrier keeping the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet, apart.
Despite this they decide to get married, but when Romeo kills one of Juliet�s cousins, Cobalt, the conflict intensifies and forces them to make lethal moves.
The creation of Romeo by the young Leonardo DiCaprio is lots of things, but perhaps not what one would wish for. The sometimes dark and depressed sides of the character get lost in DiCaprio�s easy acting. The role can not be played by someone unable to get at least some depth and greater sense into his creation, leaving only a shallow and empty impression of the character when failing to do so.
DiCaprio�s co-star, Claire Danes, is, on the other hand brilliant in her role as Juliet. She not only manages to get her authentic feel of the old play across, but also helps repair the damage done by her fellow actor. Her way of getting into her role by is done in a skilful and unexpected way. She has let herself free in her acting in a way that makes her part as Juliet believable and authentic. It never feels forced and pretence - on the contrary; it enriches the play.
With the beautiful, dreamy, floating, mesmerizing and enchanting lyrics of Shakespeare in combination with contemporary surroundings, actors and most important of all � a contemporary conflict, all help make this film feel up-to-date, despite the age of the script on which it is based. In fact the 400 year old play has never felt more modern.
The surrealistic sort of experience that the movie will leave you with when combining the old with the new is something I have never seen done as well as here. This new version has fully managed to capture the spirit of Shakespeare. As I was watching it I thought of what Shakespeare himself would consider of it. In my opinion there is something similar to this contemporary film and Shakespeare�s own writing. It feels as this was exactly what he wanted to do: throw light upon and accentuate the issues and the complexity of the human being in a new way, get across to the audience with the aid of dramatic scenes, genuine feelings and thoughts conveyed in lovely lyrics. It feels as if this is the film, had he been alive, he would have made.
Although �Romeo and Juliet� is one of the most popular plays to film, this particular, very innovative and sparkling remake will not make you feel like you are watching just one of the lot. With scenes that leave you smiling and nodding in recognition and others that leave you thoughtful and puzzled this is guaranteed to be the one that will leave you shaken.
So despite some bad acting done by DiCaprio, I would recommend everyone to see this film. Even those who think Shakespeare�s works are the most boring ever written. I can guarantee that this film will not make you feel disappointed weather you are into action or love movies as it reaches new dimensions of drama, tragedy, romance and action.
If it is true that �every generation has their own interpretation�, this would be it