Cinema
Romeo and Juliet
Franco Zeffirelli · 1968
Synopsis
Verona, in the fifteenth century. One summer morning, the old hatred between the Montagues and the Capulets breaks out once more in a brawl in the streets. The young Romeo Montague slips masked into a ball given at the Capulets' house and meets Juliet, the daughter of the house. They fall in love at once and, with the help of a friar, marry in secret.
Context
An Italian-British co-production shot in English, the film gives the two leading roles to very young English actors, Leonard Whiting, seventeen, and Olivia Hussey, fifteen. It was shot in central Italy, at Tuscania, Pienza, Gubbio and Artena, where the balcony scene was filmed at the Palazzo Borghese, then completed at Cinecittà. The photography is by Pasqualino De Santis and the music by Nino Rota.
Who it is for
Two hours eighteen, in English, with performers who are the age of their characters.
Prizes and reception
Oscars for cinematography and costume design, nominations for best film and direction; Silver Ribbon in Italy.