Discovering the effects of mediums with Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet
By: Chris Tao
What changes were required by the new format?
In conclusion, it is evident that the medium has the power to completely shift the message that an audience perceives. By exploring the differences in primary and secondary audiences, the different points of view, and the different codes and conventions different sorts of mediums use in their portrayal of the main story, it is easy to conclude that the medium does have a significant impact on how an audience can understand the main message. This is because different mediums require certain editorial modifications in order to adapt to the medium. For example:
Written versions such as the original play can differ from visual versions such as the musicals, ballets, and movies of the story as it focuses on establishing emotional depth through the actors, dancers, and singers that portray the characters.
However, written versions such as the manga and the play are beneficial for more detailed and thorough storytelling than the films and musicals that need to be shortened to obey the standard time limits. As a result, this can affect the level of engagement of attention depending on the medium the story is presented.
Furthermore, considering the different versions of the same balcony scene, it is easy to acknowledge the fact that different mediums do require certain editorial changes. For example, the adaptations that are told in more modern times (e.g. the musical and the 1996 film) made changes to how the balcony itself looks, whereas the ballet omitted the balcony prop completely in order to adapt to its medium. However, despite these changes, the storyline of Romeo and Juliet remains the same. As a result, certain mediums must follow different standards in order to effectively convey the story, while also maintaining its different audiences that share different interests.
Which changes do you agree with? Why? Which ones do you disagree with? Why?
Personally, I find that the different edits of the original story for each medium are very strategic and well done. All of the changes made correspond with their medium and make it easy for the audience to understand the message, even if it is slightly different each time.
There are no changes that I particularly disagree with, but I do agree that written versions of the story do allow for a more in-depth description of the tale, which is why I prefer reading the original play and the manga over watching the ballet, musical, and movie adaptations.
Overall, the major themes of Romeo and Juliet remain the same throughout each version, but the message is altered each time. Each medium focuses on a certain aspect over others, making it always fulfilling in one way but lacking in the other. However, each portrayal is effective in maintaining the attention of the audience depending on who they are. For example, fans of musicals might dislike the ballet version as it lacks dramatic singing and acting. Therefore, the medium holds a strong impact on the way a message is conveyed, but each medium conveys the message of Romeo and Juliet to its certain audience in the best way to ensure their understanding of the overall story.