West Side Story is one of those iconic musicals with unforgettable imagery and musical sequences. A remake of such a production would certainly be placed under high scrutiny. Its likely fans wouldn’t want another case of Cats on their hands.
Thankfully, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is a faithful retelling. It updates the elements that could use some sprucing but keeps all the wonder. It’s still the same story and music but with that added dose of Spielberg’s theatrical expertise.
Moving Feet on Hot Streets
The setting and story from the original film and stage play haven’t changed. It’s still set in 1950s New York City. It still focuses on a turf war between the white Jets and the Peurto Rican Sharks.
Leading the Jets is the cocky Riff (Mike Faist), sizing up the competition and cops with an easygoing sneer. Leading the Sharks is the hot-headed Bernardo (David Alvarez), committed to keeping his community protected from the encroaching Jets. These two gangs clash in the opening street feud that is exceptionally shot.
The whole first scene is really quite the treat. Spielberg’s camera looms around this dated version of New York City to show off its every detail. There are grand shots showing off the neighborhoods as well as tight and tilted angles for the dynamic chases and fights that follow.
Tony and Maria
A star-crossed romance forms amid the feud. Tony (Ansel Elgort) is a former Jet who wants little to do with them as he turns his life around. Maria (Rachel Zegler) is associated with the Sharks and finds that her community is pushing her into romance. Her eyes draw towards Tony and a passion blooms behind bleachers for a love that is forbidden amid their tribes.
There’s a duality clear as day between the two leads. Zegler has the makings of a star and is quite the discovery of this picture. Elgort, on the other hand, can’t quite muster the same performance. It makes their duet of “Tonight” highlight contrast all the more.
A Stronger Supporting Cast
That might’ve been a dealbreaker if it weren’t for the fact that the supporting cast knock this picture out of the park. It’s impossible not to be absorbed in Ariana DeBose’s astonishing performance as Anita and her incredible dancing during the “America” sequence. She has a lot of fire in her spirit and really knows how to work a dress in scenes with fast footwork.
But a major highlight of the picture is the inclusion of Rita Moreno’s performance of Valentina. She has a lot of sweetness to her role as she charmingly teaches Tony how to speak Spanish. She also has a powerful command when singing the song “Somewhere.”
Strong Music and Staging
Deciding not to fix what isn’t broken, Spielberg’s film keeps the original score by Leonard Bernstein. With the aid of some arrangements by John Williams, all the classic beats and instrumentals remain. There’s something rather bold about a film such as this not fearing from keeping the classic melody, despite how it’s become a bit comical over time for the combination of musical theater and street gangs.
All the classic dance moves are kept as well. Sharks and Jet tangle with high kicks and exceptionally choreographed moves. It’s a bit silly, sure, but also rather fantastic for the very staging of it all. Spielberg’s expert direction also helps make these grand scenes come to life in a bigger way.
One of the best scenes in terms of lighting is the big brawl at a warehouse. Long and constrasting shadows set the right tone as the two gangs clash with a tragic end. It has a darker and exciting tone than that of the more charming sequences in the daylight.
Better Representation
One major change that Spielberg does make to West Side Story is that there are more racially faithful castings. It helps to have actual latino actors in the roles of the Sharks. The casting is not only apt but leads to some rather strong bilingual scenes.
I particularly dug the scene of Sharks leader Bernardo (David Alvarez) chewing out his sister for dating a white guy. While doing so, Anita stresses he should practice speaking English instead of Spanish. This constant insistence leads to Bernardo being incredibly frustrated as he fluctuates between languages, giving some humanity and reliability to a scene that might’ve felt too standard with exposition.
Conclusion: West Side Story
Spielberg’s West Side Story isn’t a grand revision but more of a spiffy reprisal. It doesn’t change much and leaves most of what made the original film and stage musical so intoxicating. It’s proof that Spielberg can put on a musical show, even if it isn’t exactly his greatest picture of the past few years.
Did you see West Side Story in theaters or on HBO Max? What did you think of it? How does it compare to other dramas? Was it better than Cry Macho? Let us know in the comments below.
The Review
West Side Story (2021)
PROS
- Fantastic song and dance numbers.
- Classic score maintained.
- Brilliant supporting cast with more authentic actors.
CONS
- Ansel Elgort is the weakest actor.
- Little change from the original.
