
Romeo + Juliet
Synopsis
The classic story of Romeo and Juliet, set in a modern-day city of Verona Beach. The Montagues and Capulets are two feuding families, whose children meet and fall in love. They have to hide their love from the world because they know that their parents will not allow them to be together. There are obstacles on the way, like Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, and Romeo's friend Mercutio, and many fights. But although it is set in modern times, it is still the same timeless story of the "star crossed lovers".
Production Budget Analysis
What was the production budget for Romeo + Juliet?
Directed by Baz Luhrmann, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Jesse Bradford leading the cast, Romeo + Juliet was produced by 20th Century Fox with a confirmed budget of $14,500,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films.
At $14,500,000, Romeo + Juliet was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $36,250,000.
Budget Comparison — Similar Productions
• Days of Glory (2006): Budget $14,500,000 | Gross $22,963,701 → ROI: 58% • Sound of Freedom (2023): Budget $14,500,000 | Gross $250,600,000 → ROI: 1628% • Unforgiven (1992): Budget $14,400,000 | Gross $159,157,447 → ROI: 1005% • Faust (2011): Budget $14,400,000 | Gross N/A • Groundhog Day (1993): Budget $14,600,000 | Gross $71,108,778 → ROI: 387%
Key Budget Allocation Categories
▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.
▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.
▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.
Key Production Personnel
CAST: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Jesse Bradford, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Brian Dennehy Key roles: Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo; Claire Danes as Juliet; Jesse Bradford as Balthasar; Vondie Curtis-Hall as Captain Prince
DIRECTOR: Baz Luhrmann CINEMATOGRAPHY: Donald McAlpine MUSIC: Nellee Hooper, Craig Armstrong EDITING: Jill Bilcock PRODUCTION: 20th Century Fox, Bazmark FILMED IN: Australia, United States of America
Box Office Performance
Romeo + Juliet earned $46,351,345 domestically and $100,947,416 internationally, for a worldwide total of $147,298,761. International markets drove the majority of revenue (69%), indicating strong global appeal.
Break-Even Analysis
Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Romeo + Juliet needed approximately $36,250,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $111,048,761.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Revenue: $147,298,761 Budget: $14,500,000 Net: $132,798,761 ROI: 915.9%
Profitability Assessment
VERDICT: Highly Profitable
Romeo + Juliet was a clear financial success, generating $147,298,761 worldwide against a $14,500,000 production budget — a 916% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to 20th Century Fox.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
The outsized success of Romeo + Juliet likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar drama projects.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Summary: Nominated for 1 Oscar. 15 wins & 30 nominations total
Nominations: ○ European Film Award for Best Non-European Film (10th European Film Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Production Design (69th Academy Awards)









































































































































































































































































































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