My favorites: Romeo + Juliet

Okay, this may be where some of us disagree. I adore Baz Luhrmann. I loved Moulin Rouge!, I loved Romeo + Juliet, and I can’t wait to see The Great Gatsby. I do plan to see Australia very soon – Justin keeps telling me I should see it (because he knows I adore Baz Luhrmann), but I’m afraid I’ll just cry and cry. (Which is silly, because every time I watch Moulin Rouge! I bawl hysterically, and I still watch it over and over again.)

Anyway, I know some people really don’t go for Luhrmann films. But I love artistic, surreal, beautiful movies – I just watched I Am Love and was completely blown away. I love love love Amelie. I can’t quite figure out what this genre is, but I love it. And so I’m going to save some of my favorite images from these films. 🙂

So anyway, Romeo + Juliet. I love this version, chopped up and mutilated though it may be. It’s great cinema.

This is when I first fell in love with Leonardo DiCaprio:

And then of course (that hair!):

He’s so young! (smoldering stare: check.)

And of course the fact that he saunters around in suits doesn’t hurt (ahem, Edward).

Here’s when I decided I wanted fairy wings for EVERY Halloween (though I’ve only had them once, oddly):

Also, I love John Leguizamo. He reminds me a lot of my brother. And as Tybalt, Prince of Cats? Awesome.

I love the styling of Verona Beach, with a mix of Shakespearean language and grungy beach design.

I love Mercutio and his tale of Queen Mab and her hazelnut chariot.

And falling in love through a fish tank.

I love that Friar Laurence has a greenhouse and a bad-ass tattoo (sadness, Pete Postlethwaite).

Argh! Hearbreak! Despair! Gorgeous young Leo!

I love that there are shrines and candles and statuettes everywhere.

And golden books, and rings on chains, and poetry.

And of course, neon and candlelight.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go read Romeo and Juliet until I fall asleep. Good night!

8 responses to “My favorites: Romeo + Juliet”

  1. The last time I watched that version of Romeo and Juliet was in grade 8 in English class… I kinda of want to watch it again, just so I can appreciate it properly. (And to be honest, I didn’t like the character of Tybalt… he looks like he’s got something smelly under his nose. But eh. I guess that’s in character, heh…)

    1. True, Tybalt is not necessarily a likable character, but I do love villains…

  2. Yes, I LOVE Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge. I pretty much never cry during movies, but I cry during Moulin Rouge everytime. Darius loves them both too.

    P.S. Sorry I’ve been MIA when it comes to commenting on your blog lately! Hopefully that will change soon!

    1. It’s good to “see” you! Justin loves both of these, too – I swear we’re so much alike. 🙂

  3. Love your take on this! I remember watching this version of Romeo and Juliet in high school and just being smitten with everything I saw. I can watch it now and still get those same tingly feelings. The scenes in the church with the neon crosses, gahhh just kill me!

    1. Yes! The neon crosses! The grit, the dust, the tears! The swimming pool and fishing tank and cathedral! (sigh)

  4. I’m not sure about most Baz Luhrmann films, but I have to agree with you on Romeo+Juliet, it’s a great film and visually wonderful!

    1. Yes, it’s so beautiful! And so creative in the retelling of such an old story.

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