06/22/12 - 0 Comments
Romeo and Juliet Returns
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Oh, Romeo. So, what can we expect from Carlo Carlei’s stab at the William Shakespeare romantic classic, Romeo & Juliet?
The film, set to storm the UK in February 2013, follows two breathtaking former takes: the 1996 Baz Luhrmann edition, which saw Hollywood stud Leonardo DiCaprio capture Claire Danes’ heart with a modern twist, and the 1968 Franco Zeffirelli version, starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.
“People will want to compare this,” said Brit actor Douglas Booth, who will star as Romeo, “and I think it has the romance of the Zeffirelli and the energy of the Baz Luhrmann.” Booth is set to play alongside True Grit Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld as Juliet, along with a star-studded supporting cast including Paul Giamatti, Lesley Manville, Damian Lewis and Gossip Girl’s very own Ed Westwick as Tybalt.
Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes scripted the film, but how does one take such a sacred text and make it their own? “Basically, we broke down some of the verse, and he added his own verse, so it’s a nice combination of both,” said Westwick. “It’s very unique. It’s not doing the same thing [as the other films], although people will have to make up their own minds about that.”
The new Romeo & Juliet has raised some suspicious eyebrows in the States, however. Rumors have been confirmed that the young Steinfeld will contribute a few nude scenes to the movie. “I’m 19, despite the beard, and Heilee’s 15,” said Booth. “In the original play, Juliet was 13 and Romeo was 17, so it’s the same age difference. Hailee’s extremely mature, extremely clever and smart, and we all know how talented an actress she is. So the chemistry was just there, really. I think that’s why they put us together.”
Any quasi controversial film is sure to elicit a buzz in the media. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for more information on the release. We know we will!
Photo credit: Mondodimusica, Wegotthiscovered
