West Side Story
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Rated: PG-13
“I wonder if Rebecca will review West Side Story? It doesn’t look like something she would go see with all of the singing and dancing.”- no one.
If there’s one thing you can count on it’s that I’m gonna go see a musical. Musicals are my favorite genre of film and have been since I was a child. Sure, some are better than others, but what’s more magical than taking to the streets to sing about your feelings? Nothing. I’m actually singing this review right now.
When Steven Spielberg announced his intention to remake West Side Story, there was immediate concern amongst fans. Why remake a beloved classic film that won Best Picture? We seem to be in a remake renaissance where every popular film is getting remade. I guess it was just West Side Story’s turn. For skeptics of Spielberg’s idea, let me just say, no need to be concerned. This is an excellent adaptation of the classic musical.
Originally based on elements of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story takes place in Manhattan as rival street gangs the Jets, led by Riff (Mike Faist), and the Sharks, led by Bernardo (David Alvarez), fight for control of their territory. All the while, the territory that they hold on to so tightly is about to be overtaken by gentrification. In the midst of it all, Riff’s best friend, Tony (Ansel Elgort), meets Bernardo’s sister, Maria (Rachel Zegler) at a local dance and they fall in love. Their romance causes a clash between the two gangs.
Spielberg’s West Side Story is beaming with life and energy. His direction is superb throughout the entire film. Every frame takes you straight to the 1950s with immaculate attention to set and costume design. Spielberg has updated some aspects of the film with help from screenwriter Tony Kushner, yet they’ve still stayed true to the original story.
West Side Story is a musical that deals with racial tension. The Sharks are Puerto Rican and the Jets are white, and let’s just say these two gangs don’t get along. The fact that Spielberg cast Latino and Puerto Rican actors in leading roles is already an improvement over the original West Side Story (where many white actors were cast as Puerto Ricans and used dark makeup for their roles.) Spielberg has the Puerto Rican characters speak Spanish to each other throughout the film which is a very nice, realistic detail.
There’s a balance in tone through the film that is truly impressive as we can feel the tension building between the Jets and the Sharks. There is a violent intensity between the gangs that is palpable. Yet, there is also time for the romantic scenes between Maria and Tony and the big, fun musical numbers like “America” and “I Feel Pretty.” Spielberg has never made a musical, yet you would never guess considering every musical number is so wonderfully directed.
Speaking of, the musical numbers are dazzling. It helps that Leonard Bernstein and Steven Sondheim have composed such wonderful music. The standout number of the film to me is “America” led by Anita (Ariana DeBose) and Bernardo. It is one of the most iconic songs of the musical and is adapted brilliantly. The characters parade through the streets of New York in vibrant attire singing about the highs and lows of life in America. The choreography is spectacular. It’s a scene that will leave you smiling and should be experienced on the big screen.
Other standouts include "Tonight”, “I Feel Pretty”, and “Maria.”
Spielberg’s direction is enhanced by Janusz Kaminski’s stunning cinematography. From the opening crane shot of the film, you can tell you’re about to watch something special. There are so many spectacular visuals throughout the film that as a musical fan I was thrilled to watch something that looked so good. From Tony and Maria on the balcony to the school dance sequence, to the America musical number; Janusz came to DIRECT SOME PHOTOGRAPHY! He will probably get nominated for an Oscar for this and rightfully so.
This is quite an ensemble cast full of talent with many hailing from the Broadway stage.
Rachel Zegler is a star in the making. Her performance as Maria is wonderful. She has an angelic voice that is perfect for the character. Maria and Tony’s love is the driving force of the film and the two are very believable as the young, naive lovers.
It’s clear Ansel Elgort has not done Broadway, like some of the cast, as his singing and dancing doesn’t quite measure up to their heights. In this adaptation, Tony is a stockboy who is on parole after serving a year in prison. This gives the character a little more depth in the story.
Through the film, Tony works for Valentina, a new character played by none other than Rita Moreno (the original Anita in West Side Story.) Rita Morena is now 90-years-old and does a wonderful job in the film. She serves as a mentor to Tony and the local pharmacy owner. It’s amazing to see her on the screen in both the original and the new version of West Side Story.
Speaking of Anita, Rita Morena passes the torch to Ariana DeBose who gives a fantastic performance as Anita. In the film, Anita is a dressmaker and Bernardo’s girlfriend. She is a close confidant to Maria. She brings life to every single scene she appears. DeBose’s singing and dancing is a highlight of the film. It’s very clear that she has been on Broadway given her performing ability.
Steven Spielberg had quite the task of readapting West Side Story, but he was clearly up to the challenge. West Side Story is an excellent adaptation of a classic with stunning musical numbers, dazzling cinematography, and a Shakespearean story.
My Rating: 10/10