The Next Reel Film Podcast

Is it better or worse casting actual teenagers to play the title roles? How well does Zeffirelli handle the Bard? What are we really looking for in adaptations of this story anyway? Tune in to this week’s show to find out these answers and more!

Show Notes

"Parting is such sweet sorrow."

The works of William Shakespeare have been adapted to the screen more times than any other author, and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is way up there with at least 44 direct screen versions and even more adaptations (West Side Story, anyone?). It speaks to the way that Shakespeare still speaks to the populace, or at least to the number of filmmakers who want to make their own mark cinematically with the Bard’s words. To that end, Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 version stands out largely because of the youth of the title couple. These young lovers caught the social unrest at the time and made a big splash on the big screen. But how well does it hold up today? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we close out our celebration of films from 1968 celebrating their 50th anniversaries with Zeffirelli’s second Shakespeare adaptation – Romeo and Juliet.

We talk about our feelings about Shakespeare in general and this play specifically and how those feelings likely shaped our viewing of it. We look at the performances of Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey as the teen lovers and why they largely work for us. We chat about the feel of the film and if the cinematography, locations, costumes and production design help give us a feel of this world. And we debate not only this film’s place in the award season discussions of the year but also close out this overarching 1968 series with a look back at everything we’ve discussed and what, if anything, we’d change about the award recognition.

It’s a good adaptation of the Bard’s tale and allows for a spirited discussion. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.