Romeo and Juliet is a play written by William Shakespeare. It was made into many films. Franco Zeffirelli made a traditional version in 1968. This was followed by Baz Luhrmann’s ‘modern’ 1997 version, but with many differences. An example of this is the “Death Scene” starring Mercutio, Tybalt and Romeo.

The representation of Mercutio differs greatly in both films. Zeffirelli’s depiction of Mercutio is of a laid-back and rather arrogant man. This is emphasised at the beginning of the scene when Tybalt is taunting him and forcing him to fight. “By my heel, I care not… I will not budge for no man’s pleasure, I!” (Act III, Scene 1) His posture is hunched over and this becomes especially visible as he walks. Even as he bathes in the fountain, his hunch is visible. As Tybalt jeers at Romeo, he becomes easily agitated and yells furiously. This is when the fights begins, however it turns into a non-competitive fight, just fighting for each man’s pleasure. Luhrmann’s version of Mercutio is sassy, feminine, loud and determined. This is shown in the beginning, when he shouts “And but one word with one of us? Couple it with something; make it a word and a blow!... Could you not take some occasion without giving?!” (Act III, Scene I) He thrusts his arms into the air and the look in his eyes says that he’s determined not to be pushed around by the Capulet’s. After this, he storms after Tybalt, yelling at him, showing his strength. This shows that the difference between the two films is so great that the two representations make Mercutio seem like two completely different characters.

Similarly, Tybalt is also represented very differently in each film. In Zeffirelli’s 1968 version, he is portrayed as cunning, smart and villain-like. An example of this is when they both are fighting and he has a chance to kill Mercutio; he gives Mercutio a look of mischief, as if he is saying ‘I could end your life right now’ however he doesn’t kill him. In Baz Luhrmann’s version, he is portrayed as a stereotypical villain; mean and no sympathy for the poor. During the street brawl, when he makes his first appearance, he says “…talk of peace! I hate the word, as I hate hell...” Previously mentioned, he is portrayed as an average villain. Again, in the Luhrmann portrayal, he shows how powerful he thinks he is, in the death scene when Abra (Abraham) loads his gun. He stands with his legs at should width apart, and spreads his arms out slightly, showing his dominance against Mercutio and Romeo. These small differences in each film show the variance in characterisation.

Music plays an important role in these films too. In the Luhrmann version, there is an electric guitar strumming the background as they stand off at the beginning, as if it is a typical “Western” movie. This fades out as Mercutio starts to make fun of Tybalt. Trumpets play as Romeo runs out of the car, but quickly finishes as soon as it starts. A soft flute melody tunes in as Romeo makes his speech. The music picks up as Tybalt starts to beat him up, and as more people arrive to watch. When Tybalt slams into the glass door, the cymbals clash and the music stops. This continues as they fight, then an organ begins to play while as Mercutio is slowly passes away. However, there is very little music in the Zeffirelli version. The only