Romeo & Juliet Film Adapted By Downtown Abbey Creator Is Released

A British film adaptation of the Romeo and Juliet love story debuts in cinemas across the USA and UK on 11 October 2013. The Oscar-winning creator of the British TV series ‘Downton Abbey’, Julian Fellowes, has written the screenplay for the most recent remake of William Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy. Unlike previous film adaptations, it does not use Shakespeare’s traditional dialogue, opting for modern English language, while following the play’s story line. The movie focuses on the Capulet and Montague families who are sworn enemies. When the star-crossed lovers meet and fall in love, the violent feud escalates ending in tragedy for both families. Italian director Carlo Carlei, who is best known for his 1992 movie ‘Flight of the Innocent’, directs ‘Romeo & Juliet’. Set in Renaissance Verona, ‘Romeo & Juliet’ was shot at various locations in Italy including Verona, Mantua, Cinecittà in Rome, and Caprarola and the Sacro Speco (St. Benedict’s Cave) in Subiaco, Lazio. Carlei told ‘The Hollywood Reporter’: “We didn’t need CGI because everything was still intact.” ‘True Grit’ star Hailee Steinfeld plays Juliet Capulet and Douglas Booth plays Romeo Montague. Damian Lewis, famed for his role in the American TV series ‘Homeland’, plays Lord Capulet, and ‘Gossip Girl’ star Ed Westwick plays Tybalt. Watch the trailer: