Promptbook+Comparison+Act+II+Scene+2+YJ+(Jenny)+J.



Assignment: Discuss the similarities and differences between the different movie versions and your own versions of the balcony scene. (1 page single-spaced)


 * Note) my version: the one I did alone; pages 7, 9, and 10

Despite the fact that all three versions of the balcony scene (Act II, Scene 2) are based on the same work/portion, the varying interpretations create very different depictions of the event. The overall plotline remains the same; however, the manipulation and rearrangement of text, music, setting, and characterization of the scene change the general tone and atmosphere.

In characterization and delivery of certain phrases, all three versions overlap in expression. For instance, we all direct Romeo to be whispering as he says, “but, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?” and make him sustain that tone of suppressed excitement throughout the entire portion where he looks up at Juliet secretly. All three versions have Romeo look up at Juliet (or at least the balcony) while speaking his lines, and ask him to do so with passion and love flashing in his eyes. Throughout all three pages, we make sure that Romeo sustains the amorous facial expression and voice.

Juliet, also, recites her lines similarly in certain places. For example, when she says “Ay me!” during her secret confession, we all make her sigh and sound depressed. Afterwards, we give emphasis to phrases such as “My true love’s passion,” “O, swear not by the moon,” “Dost thou love me?” “What’s Montague?” and “O, be some other name!” and have Juliet pause in between certain important words such as “marriage,” “wherefore,” and “name.” Along with this, we put pauses between phrases such as “nor hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face” to let Juliet clearly pronounce each part of the sentence and include a subtle crescendo of excitement as she speaks them.

Although specific portions of the scenes resemble each other, the general character traits and feelings differ in the three versions. In the first version (1968), Juliet is very lively and bright, and she pronounces her words with clarity and accent. Romeo, also, is very hyper and jovial throughout the scene. In the second version, however, Juliet is much quieter and calmer. She acts more like an adult than a teenager, and her lines are spoken very quickly and with less vividness. Romeo, too, is more mature and gentle, and speaks much softer and quieter. Finally, in my version, Juliet is depicted as a shy character who speaks what she wants but does not act as lively; she is a medium between the Juliets of the two aforementioned versions. On the other hand, Romeo of my prompt is very lively and expressive, just as the Romeo of the 1968 film.

Along with characterization, setting and music further differentiate the three versions. The first film actually makes Romeo walk through a very woody setting before entering the Capulets’ courtyard and seeing Juliet looking up by the balcony. The entire scene takes place by the balcony, in which Romeo approaches by climbing up the tree branches. In the middle of the scene, he also hangs on one of the branches while exclaiming his enthusiasm. The second director, however, chooses a more modern setting of a mansion with a swimming pool. This creates a much more contemporary atmosphere, and the use of CCTV and guardians that stay in front of gates add on to this feeling. A majority of the scene takes place not by the balcony itself, but in the swimming pool. The visuals are thus very different compared to the woody background of the first film. The setting of my version, although not specified, would be more similar to that of the first version, mostly because I haven’t thought of any modern interpretations; I simply wished to adhere to what Shakespeare might have pictured at his time period. Perhaps my depiction could have been the most ancient, had I actually filmed the play.

Media, such as background music, also contribute to determining the overall tone of the scene. The first film, by including very exciting and lively music, intensified the feeling of restlessness and happiness that flow between Romeo and Juliet. In between the scenes, romantic music is also played to emphasize the two’s amour. The modern film has a more calm and gentle background music, although it barely has any. In my version, I did not even consider what types of music I should put in; I have not thought of it as an essential factor until I watched the clips. If I were to put in music, though, it would be a mixture of gentle and lively music, and I would put more emphasis in romantic music than either of the two films.

Finally, the cuts greatly affect the pace of the three versions. The 1968 version of the movie excludes lines about Juliet in comparison with the sun, the brightness of her cheek, the angelic features of Juliet, Romeo’s explanation of how he found the mansion, and Juliet’s remark about the rashness of the decision. By taking such big portions out of the scene, the scene has fewer lines; however, the director has included additional scenes like kissing scenes to emphasize the love between the two main characters. Such action-based prompt allows a quicker and more visual pace. The second version also excludes a number of scenes, many of which overlap with the first. Though Romeo does speak the lines about Juliet and the sun, he cuts off all the rest of the lines describing Juliet secretly. He quickly plunges into the pool to be with Juliet; the exclusion of nearly the entire page (7) makes the story flow much faster, despite the fact that the descriptions lack some detail. Along with this, because the characters speak the lines very quickly compared to either of the two other versions, this second version has the quickest pace. My version, on the other hand, is the longest and least expressive in regards of action; I did not include any signs of affection, except for them facing each other. The lack of appropriate cuts and embellishments, the pace is very dragging and dull.