Director Steven Spielberg realizes his unique version of the 1957 stage musical, West Side Story. It’s a labor of love that not only honors the 1961 Oscar winning film version, but should garner new generations of fans.
This updating of Romeo and Juliet amid an urban setting is still timely with its racial conflict between whites led by The Jets and Puerto Ricans led by The Sharks and the love story between Tony and Maria from these rival factions that drives the story.
Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner efficiently restage scenes with sensitivity and additional context; (some dialogue is Spanish without subtitles which adds realism). The dance sequences are vigorous and spectacular, while inspired by but never upstaging the groundbreaking choreography of the original’s Jerome Robbins. Supported by the infectious Leonard Bernstein score and (recently deceased) Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics, the songs emerge organically and seamlessly from the narrative. Famous set pieces are intact including an exhilarating rendition of “America”, the rousing gymnasium dance off, the montage leading to the rumble, and an amusing take on “Officer Krupke”.
Brilliantly
cast (featuring Ansel Elgort as Tony) with actors who can really sing and dance
(the 1961 film having numerous, dubbed singing voices), special mention should
go to newcomer Rachel Zegler as Maria (whose rendition of “Tonight” might elicit tears of joy), and there is a strong field of
supporting actors (Mike Faist and David Alvarez) and actresses (legendary Rita Moreno
and Ariana DeBose with a knockout, Oscar
worthy performance).
Production
values are exemplary: the fluid camerawork
is dazzling, set designs are period authentic, and the colorful costumes
are sumptuous. This doesn’t supplant the
earlier film but offers reimagined, alternative scenes. It’s a glorious celebration of a
cherished play that shows the filmmakers at their very best.
**** of
**** stars
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