Who Would Have Thought That Remaking West Side Story Would be Such a Great Idea?
Most didn’t…but we really should have trusted Steven Spielberg. One of the greatest of all time, Spielberg is easy to write off as a big-budget director who just entertains but he is a talented and outstanding auteur who has created some of the greatest films across genres. This time, in West Side Story he goes out to tackle the musical genre in such a meaningful and impressive way. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim helped create one of the most beloved and iconic musicals of all time and Spielberg stood up, swung the bat, and hit an absolute home run.
What Does Spielberg Bring to the Table With This New Adaptation?
First off, he brings this world to life. New York City comes to life on the big screen like few directors have been able to do.
He mostly leaves Bernstein and Sondheim’s work completely intact but creates an incredibly lively and realized world around it.
He can balance the gritty ruins of this collapsing neighborhood with the colorful lives of its characters. The vibrant colors pop right off the screen thanks to Janusz Kaminski’s expert photography that captures a classic tint as well. This looks like a vintage film and captures that heart of one too. But Spielberg can channel modern sensibilities and more open perspectives that speak to his modern audience. Besides an excess of lens flares, this film is pitch-perfect visually. Spielberg is also about to bring a unique spark and energy to every scene that keeps this epic runtime in check as well as bring life to every dance and song.
But We Must Talk About the Music, Right?
Each number is paired with expert choreography that feels like poetry in motion. The dancing is entertaining and filled with emotion. The actors channel so much into every kick, twist, or jump. The camera work serves each song perfectly with a wide scope on “America” and close-ups for the tender intimacy of “Tonight”. The music is the same as the classic film, but the vocals are brought to life by this talented and committed cast. The perfect combination of actors, filmmaking, and music creates the best musical sequences of any film this year (and it is a strong year for that).
Speaking of the Cast, How Great Are These Shining Young Stars?
The biggest name of the younger cast is certainly Ansel Elgort who is a fine Tony as he has the singing ability and charisma to make this young romance work. He only suffers by being upstaged by his fellow cast members. David Alverez is a fine Bernardo who brings fire to his acting and his dancing. Mike Faist shines as the Riff with a unique cool and presence. He emotes so well in every scene and makes for a charismatic leader of the Jets. Ariana DeBose is incredible in this West Side Story. She says more in a look than most actors can in a whole film. She delivers such a vibrance and intensity throughout her performance that just pops off the screen. Rachel Zegler is a wonderful new star who shines so bright in her leading role as Maria. She goes from innocence to rage to grief with fluidity like an experienced performer. Rita Moreno’s inclusion was inspired and added plenty of gravity to the scenes she appeared in. Finally, Brian D’Arcy James and Corey Stoll each deliver memorably and committed performances as the most thankless characters on screen (the authority figures).
What Does This Adaptation Offer That is Different From The Original Film?
The biggest change must be Moreno’s Valentina. She offers a meaningful mentor for Tony who adds layers to his conflicting feelings towards the Sharks. She also adds a new take on the most brutal and uncomfortable scene in the film (between Anita and the Jets). Overall, she adds new layers to a story that was already rich. The other major change is the inclusion of a transman character as the Jets wannabe outcast. This may have been lightly inferred in the original but is (mostly) explicit in this film. The actual inclusion of racially appropriate cast members also makes the film feel more authentic. There is a lot that didn’t change including the fast young romance and quick and tragic third act but there is something genuine and classic about the committed romantic approach to the story.
Is This New Adaptation Better Than the Original Film?
West Side Story is yet another shining achievement in Spielberg’s long filmography.
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How dare I even suggest it? Honestly, though, Spielberg is an all-time great filmmaker who can still make a masterpiece. This might not be lighting up the box office, but my theater experience was electric. I hope you all seek out that experience.
