Baz Luhrmann screen adaptation of Romeo and Juliet marks 30th anniversary

Director Baz Luhrmann released his screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in cinemas 30 years ago. UPI reported that the 1996 film updated the story to contemporary California, focusing on star crossed lovers from mortal enemy organized crime families. [1][11]

The movie featured Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the title roles. According to UPI, the supporting cast included John Leguizamo, Harold Perrineau, Jamie Kennedy, and Paul Rudd. Kennedy noted on social media that his acting career began 30 years ago with the movie, after which he returned to a two room apartment. [1][11]

The Guardian reported that the adaptation served as a trusted tool for English teachers working with students reading Shakespeare. The 16th century play tells a tragedy of love addled teenagers and intense resentment. [3][10]

Singer songwriter Gracie Abrams performed on the Halloween special of Saturday Night Live on October 31. NME reported that Abrams wore a pair of Halloween costumes that paid tribute to the 1996 film during her performances of two songs. [4]