Modern Shakespeare

When Shakespeare began writing his works in the late 1500’s, it is possible that he never realized that these pieces of literature in which he was constructing would ever be as valuable as they are today. It is highly doubtful that as he was writing his very famous plays and poetry that the thought of these plays being influential and special in the 21st century would not have been apparent. However, contrary to what Shakespeare initial thought and intentions were, Shakespeare’s works have become increasingly popular within the last few centuries. This has become apparent with the many popular modernizations of Shakespeare’s works.

Perhaps the most popular modernization of Shakespeare’s works is Baz Luhrmanns’, Romeo and Juliet which came into production in 1996. Many critics placed their views and opinions in regards to this film, with nearly an equal majority of critics praising the film to those critics who did not agree with the concept. Baz Luhrmann’s version of Romeo and Juliet was particularly unique to the other film versions of Romeo and Juliet because it was Shakespeare’s original dialect put into a modern setting. It put an entirely new spin on the way that Shakespeare’s works could be read. With Baz Luhrmann using the original dialect in modern terms, it allowed the viewers to gain a better understanding of the original play, Romeo and Juliet. Whilst just reading the play of Romeo and Juliet, readers of the 21st century often find it difficult to grasp key aspects and concepts in which Shakespeare was attempting to put across. However, by visualizing his works in a setting that modern people could understand, it allowed the viewers to gain a better understanding of what Shakespeare was trying to get us to understand within his plays. Baz Luhrmann created one of the most audacious approaches to Shakespeare that has ever graced our presence, and by infusing