Let’s talk about the new trailer that was released for Julian Fellowes’ adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, starring Hailee Steinfeld (which we first reported back in 2011).
First of all, as far as trailers go, I really liked it. I think it’s paced well, I think the soundtrack is excellent, and I think it does a good job of capturing what your typical audience knows of the “greatest love story ever told.” Special note of attention to Paul Giamatti as Friar Laurence at 2:00, by the way.
Now, let’s talk about the Shakespeare. This is not a true interpretation of the original source. Fellowes has gone off on his own in some places (and I’m not always sure how far or how frequently). I’m pretty sure Tybalt never said, “Romeo! Come settle with me, boy!” Nor did Romeo say something about “I have murdered my tomorrow.” Is all the dialogue Fellowes’ creation, and not Shakespeare’s? Not necessarily. The trailer also has Juliet’s “cut him out in little stars” speech, which appears to stray not too far from the original (although it is acted pretty poorly).
What do we think? Are you going to be in line for this one? It feels like it’s going in the same bucket as the 1996 Romeo+Juliet did – namely, you either hate it as an interpretation of Shakespeare, or you love it for its attempt to bring Shakespeare to a modern young audience in the way that their receptive to. Personally I’m for that. If a movie like this comes out, and I hear random people talking about Shakespeare because of it? That’s a win.
this doesn't look so bad, i just wish people would adapt some other plays…haven't we seen R&J enough recently??
I'm kind of excited about this adaptation, not going to lie. I hated, absolutely loathed, the version with DiCaprio and Danes – just the thought of that movie repulses me. This one, though, has potential. Though it seems JF may deviate from Shakespeare, he does write a good script…so, we'll see.
R&J is not my favorite play, by far, but somehow it acquired the title of the greatest love story ever, so I guess that's why it's one of the most frequently adapted. The music from the 1996 version is what I liked about the movie, so I'm looking forward to this one's music. And I LOVE the young titular characters (well, the fact that the actors are young).