Romeo and Juliet: The Bridge Between Montague and Capulet

We have just finished watching Baz Luhrman's interpretation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet".  I realize that what I am posting about could just as well be about the book, so I'll try and make it as specific to the movie as possible.  The basic plot of Romeo and Juliet is that the two main characters,Romeo and Juliet, are  "starcross'd lovers" as Shakespeare put it.  They could not be together because of a family grudge, sometimes resulting in fights to the death.  I feel that Romeo and Juliet, both reaching over to the other ones House, form a bridge, in a way, between Montague and Capulet.

I've noticed that in most scenes, The Capulet and the Montague representative, although both major parts in the scene, are not normally in the shot together.  When they are in  the shot together,  there is some sort of bridge or barrier between them.  For example,  when they are at a trial of some sort,  (Captain) Prince is between them,  and in the shot with both of there buildings,  a giant monolithic statue of Jesus with his arms stretched out, representing their bone in religion.  Other than this, when regular Montagues and Capulets are in a shot together, there is some sort of hostility between them (not that there isn't any other time), or they are in church.  But when Romeo and Juliet are in a scene together, it is a happy, loving scene.

Another connection is in the costume.  In the sheet that we got with notes from the director, Baz Luhrman, he says: "The Capulets became Hispanic, adorned with very Catholic Cultural icons.  For the Montagues they wanted something far more Anglo; hence the "GI Joe imagery" of the Hawaiian shirts."  When I read this, I suddenly remembered the costume that Romeo adopted right after meeting Juliet and consulting Friar Lawrence.  It was a Hawaiian shirt, representing the Montague that he is,  and the Catholic Icon of the Sacred Heart,  Representing the Capulets, one of whom he wishes to marry. 

To Conclude, I feel that Romeo and Juliet, mostly Romeo,  are a sort of bridge between the houses of Montague and Capulet.  There are many other creative 'bridge' related shots in the movie,  like the fish tank through which Romeo first sees Juliet having yellow fish (the color of Montague),  blue fish (the color of Capulet), and iridescent yellow-blue fish all within the same tank.  I realize now that many of the "bridge connections" as I call them, are a bit religious in nature,which in its own way represents passion.  In short, Romeo and Juliet connected the two houses in ways no other could.

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R ♡✟♡ J

I just needed to add this link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62399505/sterling-silver-romeo-and-juliet-ring