I love Shakespeare. I love Romeo and Juliet. I’m fine with the standard rom-com from time to time. These elements can be successfully combined and brilliantly updated for modern audiences (see the 1996 version of Romeo and Juliet). However, this latest offering was a bit more like a car crash. The film seems oddly caught between the sixteenth century and today, half Twilight romance and half Shakespearian poetry. These two things should not mix. EVER.
The use of some of the original manuscript jarred with the complete detachment from it in other parts of the film, and it wasn’t exactly helped by the rush the actors were in to get their lines out, to the extent that I could barely understand some of it. Steinfield as Juliet came across as disappointingly simpering, while Booth as Romeo spent the majority of the time pouting and pulling stupid faces. Their relationship with each other struck me as unrealistic.
The chemistry between them didn’t quite work, with the several kissing scenes feeling inauthentic. Problematic seeing as Romeo and Juliet’s overriding theme is true love. The real trouble was that they seemed far too young and unconvincing to be willing to sacrifice their lives for each other. The setting was traditionalist and atmospheric, which I liked, but other elements of the film were not – leading to a grating of the modern and the old. Every single sentiment was accompanied by emotive music, in case anyone hadn’t worked out how they were supposed to feel. Maybe if you’ve just ended a relationship, you might enjoy it. However, for anyone who likes Shakespeare, this is one of the rare occasions where the 90’s actually do it better.
1/5