REVIEW: There’s a Place for All of Us in Spielberg’s Dazzling Retelling of West Side Story
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In 1957, West Side Story premiered at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. The musical became an immediate hit with fans and critics and would go on to win two Tony Awards. In 1961, directors Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins brought the musical to life on the big screen, where it would then win eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Now, legendary director, Steven Spielberg is bringing his own version to life, and this version will certainly please new viewers, as well as fans of the original.
Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the story of the ongoing rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks in New York City’s West Side. As their neighborhood is being torn down around them, the two rival groups refuse to meet in the middle and tensions come to a head when the leader of the Sharks, Bernardo’s (David Alvarez) sister, Maria (Rachel Zegler) falls in love with Jets member, Tony (Ansel Elgort). Much like any forbidden love, the couple will do anything to be together, but the Jets and the Sharks are determined to put an end to their love, and to each other, if it is the last thing they do.
Sometimes when a musical is adapted into a feature film, the musical aspect of the story doesn’t translate to the big screen. The musical numbers don’t make as much sense as they have added special effects that don’t work for the scene or the actors chosen for the film do not deliver on the required acting or singing. That is not the case with Spielberg’s West Side Story. Steven Spielberg knew and understood the assignment, and capitalized on it. He managed to keep the story intact while also including a major player in the story, New York City’s West Side. The backdrop of the West Side was beautifully portrayed in every shot and elevated the story from start to finish. Not many directors would have been able to capture this on screen while also keeping the story moving along but Spielberg does it with ease.
It’s Spielberg’s cast that will truly win fans over. Spielberg and his casting department opted to go with a majority of musical theater actors for this film which was the right choice to make. I find when films cast performers with little musical theater background in musical theater films, they don’t bring the same level of joy to the characters like someone who has previously been on the stage. With this movie, 99% of the cast was musical theater stars who brought just enough umph to each of their characters to make for an extremely enjoyable experience.
Newcomer, Rachel Zegler is fantastic as Maria. From her beautiful voice to her strong acting, fans will fall in love with her and her character. Zegler will officially become a household name after her performance in this film, and it is safe to say that the future of Hollywood is safe in her hands. Mike Faist played the leader of the Jets, Riff, and was the perfect casting choice. He could sing, he could dance, and you couldn’t take your eyes off him when he was on screen. Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez portrayed Anita and Bernardo, respectively, and were fantastic. No matter if they were on screen together or apart, you were guaranteed a great performance from them.
Rita Moreno, who originated the role of Anita in the 1961 film version of West Side Story, played Valentina, the widow of Doc, the owner of the candy store where the Sharks and the Jets hang out. The character was written specifically for Moreno, but you would have thought the character had been in the original story with how wonderful her performance is. Ansel Elgort rounds out the cast as Tony and is good, but not as good as his counterparts. As the actor with the smallest amount of musical theater training, it showed. Don’t get me wrong, he had a solid voice and great chemistry with Zegler, but he just didn’t have the flair needed to keep up with his costars.
This new version of West Side Story will win over old fans and new. From the amazing music, written by the iconic Steven Sondheim, to Justin Peck’s choreography, there is not a bad part to be found. Spielberg’s adaptation is a must see this Holiday season, and will be re-visited by many in years to come.
Grade: A