Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Introduction

Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet is widely considered one of the most accessible, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning cinematic adaptations of William Shakespeare’s iconic play. Released in 1968, it stood out at the time for its radical casting of actual teenagers in the lead roles, its commitment to authenticity in setting and costume, and its raw, sensual energy.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Renaissance Italy, Zeffirelli’s film brought Shakespeare’s 16th-century verse to 20th-century audiences in a way that felt immediate and alive. The film was a critical and commercial success, and for many, it remains the definitive filmed version of the tragic romance.

Plot Summary

As with Shakespeare's original play, Romeo and Juliet tells the tragic tale of two young lovers from feuding families — the Montagues and the Capulets — in Verona, Italy.

Romeo Montague crashes a masked ball at the Capulet estate and instantly falls in love with Juliet Capulet. The two secretly marry the next day, aided by the well-meaning Friar Laurence. However, a deadly street fight results in the death of Juliet’s cousin Tybalt at the hands of Romeo, who is then banished from Verona.

The young couple’s desperate efforts to reunite are undone by miscommunication and fate. Juliet fakes her death to escape with Romeo, but Romeo, unaware of the plan, believes her to be truly dead and takes his own life. Juliet awakens, sees Romeo’s lifeless body, and kills herself — cementing their love in tragedy.

Casting and Performances

Olivia Hussey as Juliet

At only 15 years old, Olivia Hussey gives a luminous, heartfelt performance as Juliet. Her portrayal balances youthful innocence with emotional depth, capturing Juliet’s arc from wide-eyed girl to a young woman willing to defy her family — and fate — for love. Hussey’s performance was widely praised and won her a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year.

Leonard Whiting as Romeo

Just 17 during filming, Leonard Whiting brings earnestness and romantic idealism to Romeo. His wide-eyed innocence and natural vulnerability are essential to making Romeo a sympathetic, if impulsive, character. Whiting and Hussey’s natural chemistry adds an authenticity rarely seen in previous versions of the story.

John McEnery as Mercutio

One of the film’s standout performances, McEnery’s Mercutio is flamboyant, witty, and bitter. He delivers the famous "Queen Mab" speech with manic energy and deep cynicism, embodying Mercutio’s blend of comedy and impending doom.

Michael York as Tybalt

York plays Tybalt with venomous pride and deadly elegance. His portrayal of Juliet’s hot-headed cousin is intense and unforgettable, especially during the deadly duel with Mercutio.

Milo O’Shea as Friar Laurence

O'Shea’s Friar Laurence is compassionate but flawed — a man whose good intentions pave the way to catastrophe. His grounded performance helps balance the youthful passion with mature reflection.

Direction and Adaptation

Zeffirelli, known for his work in opera and theatre, made a bold decision to simplify and streamline Shakespeare’s text for cinematic purposes. Roughly half the original play’s dialogue was cut or altered, allowing for a more direct and emotionally engaging experience, especially for audiences unfamiliar with Elizabethan English.

What Zeffirelli achieves is a remarkable fusion of realism and poetry. He retains the lyrical power of Shakespeare’s language but sets it within a tangible, historically believable world. The director’s use of real Italian locations — such as Pienza, Tuscan towns, and palatial courtyards — adds authenticity and atmospheric beauty.

Visually, Zeffirelli favours natural light, handheld camera movement, and earthy textures, giving the film a sense of immediacy and intimacy that contrasts with earlier, more theatrical adaptations.

Cinematography and Production Design

Pasqualino De Santis, the film’s cinematographer, won an Academy Award for his work. The camera captures warm, sun-soaked exteriors and candlelit interiors with painterly beauty. The city of Verona is rendered in lush hues and living texture, from cobblestone streets to decaying stone balconies.

Danilo Donati, who designed the costumes and sets, also received an Oscar. His attention to period detail immerses the viewer in Renaissance Italy while supporting the narrative themes of passion, pride, and decadence.

Music and Score

The film’s score by Nino Rota is legendary. The main love theme, “What Is a Youth,” performed during the Capulet ball, became an instant classic. It captures the innocence and yearning at the heart of the lovers’ doomed relationship. Rota’s music blends baroque elegance with Italian folk influences, amplifying the film’s emotional tone.

Though nominated for a Golden Globe, the score was controversially ineligible for an Oscar due to reused material. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most memorable and romantic scores in film history.

Themes and Interpretation

Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet emphasizes the following themes:

Youth and Impulsiveness: Casting age-appropriate actors highlights the impulsive, hormonal nature of Romeo and Juliet's decisions, making the tragedy more plausible and poignant.

The Destructive Nature of Feuds: The Montague-Capulet conflict is portrayed not just as petty but systemically entrenched, infecting the entire city.

Fate and Miscommunication: The final act shows how one failed message — a letter that never arrives — leads to devastating consequences.

Romantic Idealism vs. Harsh Reality: The film doesn’t shy away from sensuality but contrasts it with violence and tragedy, making love and death inseparable.

Reception and Legacy

The film was a massive international success, particularly with younger audiences and in educational settings. It grossed over $38 million worldwide, an impressive sum for a Shakespeare adaptation. It earned four Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design, and was also nominated for Best Director and Best Picture.

Educators praised it for making Shakespeare “real” and relatable, while critics admired Zeffirelli’s vision. It also reignited popular interest in Shakespeare adaptations and inspired later romantic period dramas such as Amadeus, Dangerous Liaisons, and Shakespeare in Love.

Conclusion

Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet remains a landmark film, not only for its Shakespearean authenticity but for its emotional immediacy and cinematic beauty. With inspired casting, lush production values, and a timeless score, the film is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant retelling of one of literature’s greatest tragedies.

Over 50 years after its release, it continues to captivate new generations, proving that Shakespeare’s insights into love, youth, and fate are as powerful on screen as they are on the stage.