'R&J' FAME FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI NO MORE!

Prominent Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli.

Maker of fifty years old classic romantic 'Romeo and Juilet'..prominent Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli passed away recently at age of 96!

Famous Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 

Franco Zeffirelli's 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1967).

In the era of Italian Neo-realism Franco Zeffirelli started working with it's master filmmakers Visconti, De Sica & Roberto Rossellini. Then in 1960s he directed his own plays in London. And in 1967 he directed his first film 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1967) which was based on the play of same name by Shakespeare! This American-Italian romantic comedy had Hollywood's famous pair Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton..both stars also produced this film!

Pretty Olivia Hussey & handsome Leonard Whiting  

in Franco Zeffirelli's famous 'Romeo and Juilet' (1968)

After that in 1968 Zeffirelli choose.. Shakespeare's most popular romantic tragedy for his next film..'Romeo and Juilet'. ( I wrote a lot about this my.. favourite film.) First time two teenagers appeared as passionate lovers in it and they were..Handsome English actor and singer Leonard Whiting and Argentine theatre actress pretty gorgeous Olivia Hussey! Zeffirelli did some modification for this screen adaptation for instance long speeches were trimmed and emphasized reaction shots! In this intense romantic performances of 
lead artists touched hearts of that time teenagers. With huge commercial success this film also won awards.. 
In this includes 'Oscar's 'Best Cinematography' (De Santis) and 'Golden Globe's 'Best Actress' to.. 
Olivia Hussey!

Franco Zeffirelli's romantic 'Endless Love' (1981).

Then Zeffirelli made religious film 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' (1972). Latter his mini-series 'Jesus of Nazareth' (1977) was shown on television. But he immediately moved on to contemporary themes. He made sports base 'The Champ' (1979) and romantic 'Endless Love' (1981) with beautiful sensation Brooke Shields! Meanwhile he made successful screen adaptation of popular operas..he directed in 1950s at Italy & other parts of Europe.

Franco Zeffirelli directing Baird Wallace on set of 'Tea with Mussolini' (1999)

In 1990 Zeffirelli again made screen adaptation of Shakespeare's play and this time was 'Hamlet' with action hero Mel Gibson! Then in 1996 he also made a romantic film on notable English author Charlotte Bronte's novel 'Jane Eyre'. 
After that his film.. Tea with Mussolini (1999) critically acclaimed!

In 1999 Zeffirelli received 'Crystal Globe' award for his outstanding contribution to world cinema at 'Karlovy Vary International Film Festival'. In 2004 he got 'Honorary Knighthood' from UK. And in 2009 he was honoured with 'Premio Colosseo' by city of Rome. Apart from that he served in the Italian Senate for two terms!

A Homage!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']