Family Depiction in Romeo and Juliet

             While Zeffirelli chose to depict the two families in the different colors, Baz Luhrmann's version of Romeo + Juliet divided the families by the use of their costumes and class rank. The Capulets in his version were almost always shown as very clean cut and dressy. For example, they are usually shown in suit and tie or a nice dress, with very nice cars and expensive accessories. Often, Mr. Capulet is shown with gold rings and in expensive cars, most of the time all black, symbolizing formality. He is also a congressman with a large amount of power and class. Mrs. Capulet often has on large pieces of jewelry and pricey clothes, while prancing around her mansion. While Juliet is also displayed with more high class clothing, she is also portrayed with beauty and poise. For example, in one of the first scenes at the dance, she is dressed as an angel. This gives the viewer a feeling of a pure and innocent girl who is obviously not as materialistic as the rest of her family. Unfortunately, this also displays her as vulnerable and impressionable. .
             While Luhrmann depicts the Capulets with poise and class, he gives the Montagues more of a scummy, dirty sense about them. Most of the movie, they are shown in grungy shorts and unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts, often in older, beat up cars and houses. They are shown on many occasions partying on the beach, drinking beer, and doing drugs. Instead of having classic black cars, they have bright colored and loud beat up cars. For example, in one of the first scenes, "The Montague Boys " show up in like the bright yellow convertible to the gas station. This also gives them a child-like and playful nature. Usually, they have little or no jewelry on and have abnormally colored hair. When we see this as a viewer, we obviously get the sense that they live more of a carefree life than the Capulets. Also, by giving them such a "hippie " feel, it clearly shows a difference in views and morals, helping us understand why the two families may have such a hard time getting along.