Romeo and Juliet & Prince of Cats

Opening Sequence:
1. The film's introduction is highly stylized. How does this compare to the beginning pages of Prince of Cats? Do you notice any similarities or differences? What are they?
They are both very stylized. Prince of Cats has a distinct drawing style as well as a very specific color palette, while the film has very stylized editing, sound editing and soundtrack.

2. What effect does the scene's rapid fire editing and speeded-up action have on the tone of the film? How does it set the stage for what might come next?
It gives it a very comic book feel and cheesy, but also dramatic and epic. With each cut there is some sense of repetition or pattern, so it creates anticipation for the next cut.

3. What can you infer about the setting and culture of Lurhmann's film as opposed to Shakespeare's original play?
The setting and culture is modern and American, but the lines are the same as the original play, so it seems somewhat out of place and ruins the flow of the quick editing and fast pace of the film.

Costume Party:
1. What are the narrative similarities between Lurhmann's party scene and the costume party that takes place in Prince of Cats? How are these similarities visually represented in each work and to what effect?
Both parties were modern parties that a young adult audience could connect to. The parties were both represented with large crowds, flashy costumes, and dancing. Both parties were also visually very colorful and bright despite occurring at night. Both used the contrast of the dark sky and the parties' bright colors to make the subjects pop out.
The costumes worn in Prince of Cats were more modern (Joker, Wonderwoman) in comparison to the costumes in Romeo and Juliet (knight, angel).

Father Lawrence v. The Apothecary
2. What is your interpretation of presence of drugs in the play, film, and graphic novel? Do you believe the element of drugs could hold any symbolic meaning in the narrative of Romeo and Juliet?
The drugs in the play were used to progress the plot and cause the death of the main characters, while the drugs in the graphic novel and film were also used for recreational purposes.