Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Let’s just put it out there, we can be honest with each other. We’ve all found ourselves choosing films to watch less because the script is strong, and more because we were told it's “aesthetic”. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but the task becomes strenuous when it's just so gosh darn pretty, and film is no exception. It’s not a one for one though; in the case of cinema, the text exists not to paint a picture for the audience, but for the crew. Therein, it’s natural to yearn for a certain visual pleasure when sitting down for a show.

That’s one element I’ve always loved of Shakespearian adaptations. At some point the film world agreed that any adaptations of The Bard must strive for a certain pedigree of beauty, which I’ll never object to because it feels so innate to the subject matter. Shakespeare's work itself has always leaned into the romantic to the point that I don’t think anyone wouldn’t conjure angelic images while reading. And so, here’s a collection of the films I think captured William’s pathos the best. Both for the diversity they bring, and of course “the aesthetic."

A strong start, not only because of the source material, but also the strength of the filmmakers. This adaptation does a perfect job of blending the essence of the original work with the film making trends of the late 90s. I think what makes it work most is the comedic but never flippant tone it takes with itself. It leans into the bizarre happenings of the story and frames them as bizarre. And this is further pushed by the whimsical tone of the visuals. It’s dreamy and flirty in the most enjoyable way.