Exceeds the source: the new adaptation of “The Story of the Suburbs”
The new adaptation by Steven Spielberg to create the mythological masterpiece manages to make the film more up-to-date, aesthetic, and more impressive and at the same time maintain the dignity of one of the best films to hit the big screen. Along with an admirable cast and dreamy soundtrack, this is a must-watch
Like any good classic, the prevailing recommendation is not to touch it, and leave it as it is. This is a legitimacy that probably applies to any work of art, song, story, painting, and certainly a movie. But Steven Spielberg decided to go all out, and make a new and refreshing adaptation of one of the most mythological and important works in Hollywood cinema, The Story of the Suburbs.
The beloved musical has run on stage for many years, since it first went on the world air somewhere in 1957, and won its first cinematic adaptation in 1961, which managed to rake in several Oscar statuettes. Now, in Spielberg’s new adaptation, everything seems tighter, more relevant, and in fact, simply better. He manages to correct some of the most notable flaws that were in the work, and this is entirely credited to him.
The plot deals with a love story that takes place in New York against the background of a racist rivalry between two street gangs. But in the new adaptation the protagonists are more assertive, more characteristic and more authentic, especially the character of Maria, who from a gentle and quiet young girl, becomes an opinionated and sweeping woman. So she meets Tony for the first time (at a ball) she is the one making the first move.
Spielberg manages to make this musical relevant to the 21st century and combines not only mesmerizing and sweeping music, but also innovative directing and photography that manages to make all this work one-off. Also, the new adaptation advocates ethnic diversity, so the characters are more believable and as a result, so is the entire film.
Of course, the original songs are still respected, but they are reworked, better and smarter, wrapped in a great choreography by Justin Peck, known as one of the busiest and most sought-after artists in the industry. The “suburb story” moves through the streets of New York, and manages to maintain a wonderful balance between theatricality and realism, another impressive achievement to Spielberg’s credit.
Finally, Spielberg manages to do the impossible and give this classic an impressive cinematic adaptation, one that preserves the fit, theatricality, and drama, alongside a lot of wisdom and delicacy, everyday language and up-to-date scenery. Composer and songwriter Steven Sondheim, who was in charge of the music for the original musical, managed to see Spielberg’s adaptation before he passed away, confirming that Spielberg did indeed do a good job.
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