Mariel C.

Quirante BSED ENGLISH 3

SUMMARY

ROMEO AND JULIET

"Romeo and Juliet" is a tragic romance film based on William Shakespeare's famous play. Set in
the city of Verona, Italy, the movie tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families, the
Montagues and the Capulets.

The film begins with the ongoing feud between the two families, which escalates into violence
on the streets of Verona. Amidst this hostility, Romeo Montague, a romantic and dreamy young
man, attends a masquerade ball hosted by the Capulets. There, he catches sight of Juliet
Capulet, the daughter of Lord Capulet, and instantly falls in love with her. Juliet also feels a
strong attraction towards Romeo. Despite the enmity between their families, Romeo and Juliet
embark on a secret romance. They exchange vows of love and marry in secret with the help of
Friar Laurence. The young couple's passion and affection deepen, but their happiness is short-
lived. Tragedy strikes when Romeo's friend Mercutio is killed by Juliet's hot-headed cousin,
Tybalt. In a fit of rage, Romeo seeks revenge and kills Tybalt, which leads to his banishment
from Verona. Juliet is devastated by the loss of both her cousin and her lover. Desperate to be
with Romeo, Juliet seeks the assistance of Friar Laurence, who devises a plan. He gives Juliet a
potion that will make her appear dead for a short while. The plan is for Romeo to retrieve her
from the Capulet tomb once she awakens, and they can flee together. However, a series of
miscommunications occurs. Romeo learns of Juliet's apparent death from his friend, Balthasar,
and in grief, he purchases poison and goes to the Capulet tomb. There, he finds Juliet seemingly
lifeless and drinks the poison, choosing to die by her side. Upon awakening, Juliet discovers
Romeo's lifeless body and, unable to live without him, stabs herself with his dagger. Their tragic
deaths bring an end to the senseless feud between their families, and they are mourned by the
Capulets and the Montagues.

"Romeo and Juliet" explores themes of love, fate, and the destructive power of feuds. The film
showcases the intensity of the young lovers' emotions and the consequences of their forbidden
love in a world filled with hatred and violence.

GNOMEO AND JULIET

"Gnomeo and Juliet" is an animated comedy film that puts a whimsical twist on William
Shakespeare's tragic love story. Set in the world of garden gnomes, the movie follows the
adventures of two gnome families, the Reds and the Blues, who reside in neighboring gardens.
Gnomeo, a member of the Blue gnome family, and Juliet, a member of the Red gnome family,
meet by chance and immediately feel a connection. Despite their families' long-standing rivalry,
Gnomeo and Juliet begin a secret friendship. They explore the city and have playful encounters,
all while keeping their relationship hidden. As their bond grows stronger, Gnomeo and Juliet
decide to take their relationship to the next level. They plan to meet at a garden greenhouse but
are interrupted by their respective friends and family members. The Reds and the Blues
discover their secret, causing chaos and a further escalation of the gnome feud. With their love
at stake, Gnomeo and Juliet try to find a way to unite their families and bring an end to the
rivalry. They seek the guidance of a wise garden statue named Featherstone, who encourages
them to find a happy ending despite the obstacles they face. As the feud between the Reds and
the Blues reaches its peak, both families engage in a heated lawnmower race. Gnomeo and
Juliet, along with their friends, must work together to stop the destructive race and bring peace
to the gardens. In the end, Gnomeo and Juliet's love inspires the Reds and the Blues to set aside
their differences and embrace harmony. The two gnome families come together, and their
gardens flourish as a symbol of unity and love.
"Gnomeo and Juliet" offers a lighthearted and humorous take on Shakespeare's classic tale,
exploring themes of love, friendship, and the power of overcoming prejudice. Through colorful
animation and witty dialogue, the film entertains audiences of all ages while delivering a
message of acceptance and understanding.

SIMILARITIES (FORMALIST ELEMENTS)

In terms of formalist elements, both "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "Romeo and Juliet" share some
similarities:

1. Theme: Both films revolve around the theme of forbidden love. In both stories, the central
characters, Gnomeo and Juliet in one and Romeo and Juliet in the other, come from feuding
families and face numerous obstacles in their quest to be together. The theme of forbidden love
explores the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.
2. Plot Structure: Both films follow a similar plot structure. They begin with the introduction of
the feuding families and the initial meeting of the main characters, followed by their secret
romance and subsequent complications. The climax involves a tragic event that further
complicates their love, leading to a resolution that brings about reconciliation and tragedy.
3. Characterization: The main characters in both films are characterized as young and
passionate individuals. Gnomeo, Juliet, Romeo, and Juliet are depicted as impulsive, romantic,
and idealistic, driven by their intense emotions and desires. Their character development
revolves around their love for each other and the choices they make in the face of adversity.
4. Symbolism: Both films use symbolism to enhance their storytelling. In "Romeo and Juliet,"
motifs such as light and dark, poison, and stars play significant roles in conveying the
characters' emotions and foreshadowing their fates. Similarly, "Gnomeo and Juliet" employs
visual symbols related to gardens, such as flowers and plants, to convey themes of growth,
unity, and love.
5. Visual Style: Both films utilize vibrant and visually appealing aesthetics. While "Romeo and
Juliet" employs traditional settings and costumes to depict the world of Verona, "Gnomeo and
Juliet" takes a whimsical approach with its animated garden gnome characters and colorful
environments. The visual style in both films enhances the storytelling by creating a distinctive
atmosphere.
DIFFERENCEES (FORMALIST ELEMENTS)

While "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "Romeo and Juliet" share some similarities in formalist
elements, they also have notable differences:

1. Medium: The most apparent difference is the medium in which the stories are presented.
"Romeo and Juliet" is a classic tragic play written by William Shakespeare, while "Gnomeo and
Juliet" is an animated comedy film. The medium influences the storytelling techniques, visual
aesthetics, and overall tone of the two works.
2. Setting and Context: "Romeo and Juliet" is set in 16th-century Verona, Italy, and portrays a
society deeply divided by a longstanding feud between two noble families. The cultural and
historical context of the play shapes the characters' actions and motivations. On the other hand,
"Gnomeo and Juliet" is set in a modern-day suburban neighborhood with gardens, populated
by garden gnomes. The contemporary and fantastical setting allows for a more light-hearted
and comedic tone.
3. Language and Dialogue: "Romeo and Juliet" is renowned for its poetic and intricate language.
Shakespeare's play is written in iambic pentameter, with rich metaphors, soliloquies, and
elaborate wordplay. In contrast, "Gnomeo and Juliet" employs accessible and contemporary
language, suitable for a family-oriented animated film. The dialogue is simpler and more
straightforward, emphasizing humor and entertainment.
4. Adaptation and Inter-textuality: "Gnomeo and Juliet" is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's
play, whereas "Romeo and Juliet" is the original work. While "Romeo and Juliet" remains
faithful to its source material, "Gnomeo and Juliet" takes creative liberties by reimagining the
story within the context of garden gnomes. The film also incorporates references to other
Shakespearean plays and characters, adding inter-textual layers to the narrative
5. Target Audience: "Romeo and Juliet" is primarily intended for mature audiences, exploring
complex themes of love, tragedy, and societal conflict. It delves into profound emotional depths
and tackles philosophical questions. "Gnomeo and Juliet," on the other hand, is geared towards
a younger audience, focusing on comedy, adventure, and themes of friendship and unity. It
aims to entertain and engage children and families.
STRONG AND WEAK FEATURE O EACH FILM

Romeo and Juliet

Strong Feature: One strong feature of the movie adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" is its ability to
capture the essence and emotional depth of Shakespeare's original play. The film, directed by
Baz Luhrmann, successfully conveys the passionate love between Romeo and Juliet, as well as
the tragic consequences of their forbidden romance. The performances of the cast, particularly
Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the titular roles, bring authenticity and emotional
resonance to the characters, allowing the audience to connect with their journey. The film
effectively portrays the intensity of their love, the conflicts they face, and the heartbreaking
tragedy that unfolds.

Weak Feature: One weak feature of the movie adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" is its departure
from the original text in terms of language. While the film largely adheres to Shakespeare's
dialogue, there are instances where modern language is introduced, which may be jarring for
viewers familiar with the play. This blending of old and new language styles, although aiming
to make the story accessible to a broader audience, can sometimes disrupt the poetic flow and
linguistic beauty that is integral to the original play. This deviation from the language of
Shakespeare may disappoint purists and those seeking a more faithful rendition of the text.

Gnomeo and Juliet

Strong Feature: One strong feature of the movie "Gnomeo and Juliet" is its imaginative and
creative concept. The film takes the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet and reimagines it in a
whimsical world of garden gnomes. This unique setting adds a playful and lighthearted tone to
the story, making it appealing to both children and adults. The film's ability to take a well-
known story and give it a fresh and inventive twist is a strong aspect that sets it apart.

Weak Feature: One weak feature of "Gnomeo and Juliet" is its deviation from the emotional
depth and complexity of the original Romeo and Juliet story. While the film maintains the basic
premise of forbidden love and feuding families, it simplifies the themes and character
development. The focus on comedy and light-heartedness may result in a lack of depth and
emotional resonance compared to the original play. As a result, the film may not fully capture
the profound tragedy and complex relationships that make Shakespeare's story so compelling.

INTERPRETATION OF THE SOURCE MATERIAL (ROMEO AND JULIET)

An interpretation of the source material, "Romeo and Juliet," can vary depending on the
perspective and analysis of the reader or viewer. Here is one possible interpretation: "Romeo
and Juliet" can be seen as a timeless exploration of the power of love and the destructive nature
of societal divisions. The play delves into the intense and passionate love that arises between
two young individuals from feuding families, Romeo and Juliet. Their love is portrayed as pure
and transcendent, capable of overcoming the deep-seated hatred between their families.
Shakespeare uses the contrast between light and dark imagery, fate, and the force of societal
expectations to underscore the tragedy of the story. The play examines the limitations and
constraints imposed by society, which prevent Romeo and Juliet from openly expressing their
love and ultimately lead to their untimely deaths. Furthermore, "Romeo and Juliet" can be
viewed as a critique of the entrenched feuds and divisions that plague society. The play
questions the senselessness of inherited hatred and the detrimental consequences it brings.
Through the tragic fate of the young lovers, Shakespeare highlights the need for reconciliation,
understanding, and empathy to overcome the cycle of violence and vendetta. The play also
explores the theme of youth and impulsive actions. The characters of Romeo and Juliet, driven
by their passions and desires, often act without considering the long-term consequences. Their
impulsivity contributes to the rapid escalation of events and their tragic outcome. This portrayal
of youthful recklessness serves as a cautionary tale, reminding audiences of the importance of
thoughtfulness and maturity in decision-making. Ultimately, "Romeo and Juliet" offers a multi-
layered exploration of love, fate, societal conflict, and the complexities of human nature. It
invites audiences to reflect on the enduring power of love, the consequences of unbridled
hatred, and the possibilities of overcoming divisions through compassion and understanding.

MOTIVATION IN FILM ADAPTATION

In a film adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet," the filmmaker's intention plays a crucial role in
shaping the overall interpretation and impact of the film. The filmmaker's intention refers to
their purpose, vision, or desired message they aim to convey through the adaptation.

When the intention of a filmmaker is to create a faithful and faithful rendition of Shakespeare's
play, the film adaptation aims to capture the essence, themes, and emotional depth of the
original text. In this case, the intention could be to bring the timeless story to a new generation
of viewers, honoring the power of Shakespeare's language and exploring the universal themes
of love, fate, and societal conflict. On the other hand, a filmmaker's intention may involve a
reinterpretation or reimagining of the source material. In this case, the filmmaker may have the
intention of providing a fresh perspective or exploring new angles within the story of "Romeo
and Juliet." This intention could lead to creative choices in terms of setting, characters, or
stylistic elements that deviate from the traditional interpretation of the play. The filmmaker's
intention affects the intertextuality of the film adaptation as a whole. Intertextuality refers to the
relationship between a text (in this case, the film adaptation) and other texts (in this case,
Shakespeare's play). The filmmaker's intention determines how the adaptation engages with
and references the source material. A filmmaker who approaches the adaptation with a strong
intention of intertextuality may incorporate direct quotations, allusions, or visual references to
Shakespeare's play. This intertextual approach creates a dialogue between the film adaptation
and the original text, allowing viewers familiar with the play to recognize and appreciate the
connections. However, if the filmmaker's intention involves a more loosely intertextual
approach, they may take creative liberties, departing from the original text to explore new
themes, add contemporary elements, or introduce alternative interpretations. This approach
allows the adaptation to stand on its own while still being inspired by and connected to the
source material.

In conclusion, the filmmaker's intention in a film adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" influences
the overall interpretation and intertextuality of the film. It shapes how the adaptation engages
with the original text, either by faithfully capturing its essence or by reimagining it in
innovative ways. Understanding the intention behind the adaptation helps to appreciate the
creative choices made and the impact it has on the audience's experience of the story.