Film Scripts Based on “Romeo and Juliet”

Out of the hundreds of “Romeo and Juliet” films that have been made in the past, only handfuls have been able to stand up to the test of time. Writers have tried everything to make the story different, while still maintaining the basic storyline first depicted by the great William Shakespeare. There are Romeo and Juliet films based in underground vampire worlds, slum cities and even in a suburban family’s backyard.

Many of these film scripts make it to the big screen, simply because audiences cannot get enough of this tragic love story. However, the success of a movie depends solely on the film maker’s ability to weld his or her creativity with the work of Shakespeare.

In the film, Romeo + Juliet (1996), Director Baz Luhrmann took a chance by creating a modern landscape with the same romantic couple. In this sexy, high fashion world, he was able to paint an astounding picture of the lovers’ lives that attracted young audiences everywhere.

Some people thought that the film was trash, but to this day it is still a very popular film.

On the other hand, a film maker can create a great adaptation by merely, omitting most of Shakespeare’s direct influence. In these films, the advertisements make no mention that the love story is based on Shakespeare. In fact, the film can only hint to the possibility of a relationship. A good example of this is the film, Underworld (2003) that tells the story of a doomed relationship between a wolf-man and a vampire.

By leaving out the potential influence of Shakespeare, the director steered clear of the “Shakespeare Police” crowd, who are characterized by their severe, religious devotion to the original Shakespeare plays; and will blow the whistle at anyone who tries to take too much creative freedom in the depiction.

So take note from the following film scripts and determine what route to take when writing a “Romeo and Juliet” styled play. There are a million creative ways that it can be expressed- it just requires an original mind to employ them.

  1. (1961) West Side Story Script
  2. (1998) The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride Script
  3. (1961) Romanoff and Juliet Script
  4. (1996) Romeo + Juliet Script
  5. (2003) Underworld [Transcript]

Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet poster thumbnail
Year:1996
Director:Baz Luhrmann
Written by:Baz Luhrmann (Screenplay), William Shakespeare (Author), Craig Pearce (Screenplay)

Script Synopsis:In director Baz Luhrmann's contemporary take on William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, the Montagues and Capulets have moved their ongoing feud to the sweltering suburb of Verona Beach, where Romeo and Juliet fall in love and secretly wed. Though the film is visually modern, the bard's dialogue remains.
*4401

“Love Never Fails” Scripts

One of the most desirable traits that can be attributed to a person is their ability to love unconditionally. In this world of fast paced divorces, serial killers and apathy, it is hard to find one person that truly holds on to that idea. However, a person that does is quite attractive.

This character trait is so attractive, in fact, that the movie industry has been able to make a multi-million dollar business off of it! With films like Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, people are able to see a side of love that is not often seen today. Instead of attraction based on physical appearance, there is such a thing as attraction based on kindness and a loving nature.

Without love, many people would live without motivation or hope. With it, some people can be spurred towards moving mountains. Because of this, it is important for the movie industry to continue making romantic films, although many of the films can come off as sappy or trite. We all need to see that love can win, even if it is only on the movie screen.

 

  1. (1939) Wuthering Heights Script [Transcript]
  2. (1994) Forrest Gump Script
  3. (1996) Romeo and Juliet Script
  4. (1997) Titanic Script
  5. (2004) The Very Long Engagement Script  [Transcript]
  6. (2007) Love in the Time of Cholera Script  [Transcript]
  7. (2007) The Nines Script