How does Baz Luhrmann use presentational devices to reveal the qualities of the rival Montague and Capulet gangs in the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet?

In this essay I plan to explain all the presentational devices used in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. Film makers use presentational device to give the audience ideas about the characters’ background and personalities. Presentational devices include many things which include framing, location, camera angles and movement, lighting, colour, music, sound effects, costume and make up and editing. The main body of this essay will concentrate on presentational devices in the opening scene of Romeo and Juliette to reveal the qualities of the rival Capulet and Montague gangs.

This film is set in Verona beach in New York USA which has roughly the same name as Fair Verona which is the setting in Shakespeare’s version. When the first scene opens, we see a yellow open top car which shows life and loudness. Inside the car there are three boys, not men, this is emphasised when the music turns to ‘the boys the boys’ which gives us a clear idea of these people. Their clothing is very ca...