Romeo + Juliet (Baz Luhrmann 1996): Order of Service.

This special screening of this iconic film was created by Backyard Cinema in the UK and has been selling out shows in London for over ten years. Now it has debuted in Australia and is electrifying audiences at an equally iconic Melbourne venue: The Astor Theatre. Unlike other live musical accompaniments Order of Service takes a different approach and frames the film with hit songs associated with the film. A prelude, which includes a fabulous rendition of ‘Young Hearts’ and a fervent and energetic narration by Nadine Garner, sets the scene for the screening. The film is screened with an interval with another musical interlude, and after the conclusion of the film there is a rousing rendition of ‘When Doves Cry’. The live performance comprises a stunning choir which is backed by a wonderful four-piece band. The music is also accompanied by video effects with excerpts from the film. Other songs featured in the performance include ‘Everybody’s Free’ and ‘Kissing You’. This creates a unique atmosphere for the screening and turns it into an enjoyable immersive event.

Luhrmann’s film stands the test of time, and his fast-paced, often dizzying adaptation of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy is indeed as electrifying as the live performance. The cleverness of his contextualisation and the lavish approach to mise-en-scene remain stunning features of the film. The savagery of the violence is made palpable by the reference to the glorification of guns in the US setting, and the gaudiness of the décor points to the excess of wealth and power that the two rival families represent. The pauses for the music highlight the great choice of soundtrack which is an example of Luhrmann’s marvellous attention to detail, but the film does not rely on fanfare for its incredible presence. The lightning bolt style to performance by actors such as Harold Perrineau (Mercutio) and John Leguizamo (Tybalt) are powerfully impressive. Brian Dennehy’s vicious interpretation of Montague remains chilling and unsettling. Leonardo Di Caprio (Romeo) and Claire Danes (Juliet) have great chemistry and bring a very strong pathos to their romance. The closing number makes the finale of the film very poignant and enhances its formidable emotional dimension.

This multi-sensory performance accentuates the important iconic status of the film and also functions as a celebratory acknowledgement of Luhrmann’s sumptuous artistry. This is an event that will undoubtedly appeal to devoted fans but also provides a novel way to engage with the film for new audiences.

Patricia Di Risio