“West Side Story” Exciting and visually fascinating, when the choreography and directing warm the heart, even when certain aspects of the script do not always work
Re-adaptations of classic films are nothing new in the world of cinema, but there is a responsibility to update them to our time, despite the period of time in which they were originally produced. The director Steven Spielberg Trying to do just that with “West Side Story”From 2021, and changes certain aspects of the original musical film from 1961, (adapted from a 1957 Broadway musical) of Arthur Laurentz, Leonard Bernstein and-Stephen Sondheim (Recently passed away at age 91), who wrote the music and lyrics, respectively. With a script of Tony Kushner, “West Side StorySpielberg’s visually exciting and fascinating, when the choreography and directing warm the heart, even when certain aspects of the script – do not always work.
Like the original musical and the subsequent film adaptation, “West Side StorySpielberg’s following the same idea: The Jets – an Irish gang led by Riff (Mike facedChallenges in Sharks – a Puerto Rican gang led by Bernardo (David Alvarez) – on territories, with racist expression on the part of the Jets. There is a lot of tension between the street gangs and they are always on the verge of commotion. Riff encourages Tony (Ansel Algort) – A former Jets leader who was released from prison after beating someone to death, joining them in their fight against the Sharks, but Tony resists. Meanwhile, Bernardo and his girlfriend Anita (Ariana DebusEncouraging his sister – 18-year-old Maria (Rachel Zagler), Meet Chino (Josh Anders Rivera) – Bernardo’s good friend, who is not part of the Sharks gang. However, Maria and Tony meet while dancing in a school gym and fall in love to the top of their heads, which increases the tension between the Jets and Sharks.
While the-“West Side Story“The present is a fairly faithful adaptation of the musical, Spielberg and Kushner make clear changes in the story and characters in order to add touches of realism, change aspects of the plot for the benefit of the period of political correctness. There is a bluntness that surrounds and envelops every character and life, which feels much tougher than it was in the 1961 film. Songs like “Gee, Officer Krupke” and “A Boy Like That” have another layer of depression and grief, as well as decisions to change certain characters (including that of Valentina played by Rita Moreno, Which is a remake of Doc’s character from the original film). The changes range from the placement of the songs in the plot, through the addition of characters like Valentina to the choice to become the character of Anibody’s (Ezra Manas) To a clearer trance (compared to the presence implied in the original film). There is no doubt that “West Side StoryIs a well-made film, and Spielberg proves that he is capable of creating a musical that deals with a complex and layered history.
The changes in the script do not always work, especially when certain plot lines and perspectives are portrayed as lacking in depth and do not clearly illustrate parts of the story. Here, the Jets are in the spotlight – especially when their background stories and dynamics take place in the background, while the Sharks are great in their roles and lead the emotion. “West Side StoryContinues to highlight the failure to capture the life of the Puerto Rican living community in New York, as the focus is heavily on the Jets. The film does not have much to say about the difficulties of assimilation in the United States beyond the lyrics of the song “America,” written here as a mixture of film and musical versions. The best part of the film, when Spielberg leaves the film’s rooftop scene from 1961, allows the cast to take to the streets of the neighborhood, which showcases more of Puerto Rico’s culture and community.
At the same time, the musical and choreographic pieces are well performed and always staged in motion. The cameras move to fully capture the amazing movements of the actors and costumes (designed by Paul Teswell). The grace and power of the musical performance make them memorable and wonderful to watch. The photography of Janusz Kaminski It is deep, grainy and rough, matches the tone of the film: the camera approaches the actors when the emotion is too high and raw to look away, and adds nuances and depth to the already layered plot and strong actor performances in general. Davos gives an amazing and memorable performance as Anita, one that is full of joy, heartbreak and so much passion. Debus’ presence on screen is wonderfully magnetic and she steals every scene she is in. It is also meant to capture the heart of the audience, who will probably want to see more of it in future films.
Feist is committed to his role as a krif, and manages to make a very unfriendly character be particularly sympathetic. Alvarez is wonderful as Bernardo – he has charisma and is a dream dancer, and even his chemistry with Davos is great. In her first major cinematic role, Zagler does a good job of conveying Maria to Tony’s naivety, self-involvement and love. Algort, on the other hand, despite having a fairly reasonable singing voice, is not as sweeping as Tony, plays excessively in scenes that require a little more reflection and doesn’t really look like a young man in love. Moreno is intense, but tired like Valentina, and it’s charming that she’s part of the new film in a role that’s not just as a guest appearance.
There is a lot to love about “West Side Story”- whether it’s the spectacular details, the colorful look, the feel of the film, the musical performances or the updates made in certain aspects of the story. However, there are also changes that do not work and will never succeed, regardless of the best efforts of the filmmakers. and yet “West Side StoryManages to captivate and enchant, with the cast passionately illuminating the screen and producing the maximum from the story full of emotion.
Suburban Stories West Side Story – Now in theaters