West Side Story Ziino Review
Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" is the best movie of 2021. This is one remake that is better than the original. Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins' 1961 version is a classic, but there have always been problems with it. The main one is that other than Rita Moreno, there were no Latino actors in the cast. Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer (badly miscast and very ineffective as Tony) were too old for their roles. Their singing voices were also dubbed. The movie was clearly filmed on soundstages, except for the famous opening scene. There are too many racial stereotypes. And the movie doesn't look at racism or gang violence seriously.
Spielberg and his colleagues get it so right. They have made a grittier, more powerful and realistic "West Side Story". A major plus is that the movie was filmed on location, giving it a real New York look and feel brilliantly captured by Janusz Kaminski's camera. You even see Lincoln Center being built, which was never mentioned in the original. This gives the story a feeling of inevitable change and displacement. Justin Peck brings powerful new vision, originality, rawness to the dance numbers.
Tony Kushner has done a remarkable job of strengthening and updating the story and characters. He and Spielberg vividly show the racism and resentment that drive it. They also make very clear that the Jets and Sharks don't (or won't) see just how alike they all are. You start to think that all of this could be settled if they would only talk ot each other! Spielberg's genius is on full display here. He makes the film a visual feast of color and movement. He brings out the raw emotional power in his story and characters.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the brilliant cast. Spielberg has used a group of gifted Latino actors in major roles, and they are all excellent. Ariana De Bose and David Alvarez are marvelous as Anita and Bernardo. Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler are absolutely heartbreaking as Tony and Maria. Elgort brings a raw, powerful presence to Tony and makes him a troubled young man trying to overcome his difficult past. And who knew he could sing? Zegler is an intelligent, confident and mature Maria who can take care of herself. She brings passion, charm, and a beautiful singing voice to the role.
And then there is Rita Moreno. Steven Spielberg made it clear from the beginning that he wanted Rita in the movie, and what an inspired decision that was! He and Tony Kushner created the role of Valentina especially for her, and it was a perfect choice. Rita is magnificent in the film's best performance. As Doc's loving widow (and Tony's mentor), she is the movie's heart and soul. Watch her sing "Somewhere" and you'll have tears in your eyes.
Speaking of the songs, David Newman and his musical staff have done an excellent job with the classic Leonard Bernstein/ Stephen Sondheim score. It is beautifully performed by the cast and the New York Philharmonic (Bernstein's old orchestra), under the superb baton of conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
I'll say it again: this is the best movie of the year!
Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as Tony and Maria in "West Side Story" DVD: search.livebrary.com/search~S6?/twest+side+story/1%2C14%2C22%2CB/frameset&FF=twest+side+story+dvd&1%2C1%2C
Blu-ray: https://search/livebrary.com/search~S6?/twest+side+story/1%2C14%2C22%2C…%...