A couple of star-crossed lovers take their own lives” (Prologue). This quote from the beginning of Romeo and Juliet shows great foreshadowing of what will happen in the show. Director Franco Zeffirelli directed a version of Romeo and Juliet in 1968. His adaptation is set in a classical/medieval setting with a relatively original script. Director Baz Luhrmann also created a version of Romeo and Juliet. His 1996 version is set in modern-day Las Vegas. Of the two directors, Zeffirelli was more successful in adapting and conveying the themes, symbols, conflicts and characters of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Zeffirelli's interpretation of Romeo and Juliet was more effective in its performance of Shakespeare's original play than Luhrmann's version. In Zeffirelli's party scene, the setting was in a medieval masquerade location. Shakespeare's play was written during the Middle Ages, which was reflected in Zeffirelli's interpretation and also made the couple's blossoming love seem classy. In Luhrmann's party scene, the party took place in a frat house setting. As previously mentioned, Shakespeare wrote this story in the late 1500s, so a frat party theme like the one seen in Luhrmann's interpretation is neither appropriate nor does it create the right sophisticated atmosphere. Additionally, the diegetic sound in Zeffirelli's interpretation was soft and sweet, which helped create the atmosphere of the love story where Luhrmann's was not. Director Baz Luhrmann's version of Romeo and Juliet during the party scene is less effective than director Franco Zeffirelli's version. One way in which Luhrmann's performance was less effective is the emotion constructed by diegetic sound. The music played during Act I, scene V where Romeo and Juliet meet, sounded very carnivalesque and modern... middle of paper... gave the scene strong emotions when Romeo spoke about/to Juliet before dying. Furthermore, the setting of the scene was relative to Shakespeare's original and also helped create the appropriate environment. The Capulets' burial chamber was decorated with just enough objects and bodies to keep the audience interested in the drama in front of them and not the small details. Romeo's use of a lamp he brought himself was also a nice little detail. A final example of Zeffirelli's effectiveness in adapting Shakespeare's work is the actions of Romeo and Juliet before they take their own lives. Romeo performed very well during his last monologue to Juliet by crying and acting extraordinarily dramatic. When Juliet awoke from her death-like sleep, she demonstrated her true love by dramatically defying Friar Laurence's final wishes for her and remaining with his one true love..