Genre: Musical; Drama
Director: Steven Spielberg
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Tony Kushner (screenplay by) & Arthur Laurents (based on the stage play, book by)
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist and Rita Moreno
If you think the 1961's adaptation of the Broadway musical West Side Story is perfect and untouchable, then go watch Steven Spielberg's adaptation: it is even better! The director might be well-known for sci-fi and war movies, but it seems Spielberg always wanted to direct a musical... and the result is one of the best cinematic experiences I've had all year! West Side Story has all the show of a huge blockbuster, but the intimacy and emotional punch of one of the finest indies at the same time. This one is to see, hear and cry in a theater, not at home via a streaming platform. It is cinema at its purest and at its finest!
The real thing about West Side Story is how actual it actually (still) feels! Racial issues, the American dream, colorism, discrimination, poverty, love... The movie has it all! But this time, Spielberg ensemble the right ensemble cast: no need to paint pure caucasians with a dark foundation, 'cause the 2021's adaptation is casting done right! The movie has some of the most impressive choreographies in year - specially the "America" number - but what really brings electricity to the screen is the cast! The movie is led by Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler and they play what looks to be a true Disney prince and princess on-screen, but both are able to deliver some dramatic scenes that make you realise they are more of a Romeo and Juliet kind of couple. Elgort is very good and he has an INCREDIBLE singing voice (the way he sings "Maria"...), but he's completely outshined for all the other co-stars! He's not bad... the others are simply miles ahead acting-wise! Begining with Rachel Zegler, who delivers an impressive acting debut in the role of Maria: she has the voice of an angel, a very pure look and one of the most beautiful smiles you'll ever see in your life and she's simply lovely... but she excels in her singing scenes "Tonight", "I Feel Pretty" and, specially, "A Boy Like That / I Have a Love" - she delivers such an emotional punch with her body and voice (I almost cried in the later).
But the real stars of the movie are the supporting actors. Ariana DeBose, who plays Anita, is the best in show! Her character is the most sympathetic of the bunch (and that's the writing to blame), but the actress brings a beating heart to her (and some spice!). There's a fire in her eyes, a passion in her dancing, light in her smile and she's able to destroy you in her most vulnerable moment in the movie. It's a star-making making performance who matches the Rita Moreno's take on the same character 60 years ago and honors its legacy! The same Rita Moreno who takes on the role of Valentina here (the widow of the shop owner): she has a very strong presence and she's given one of the most beautiful scenes of the movie when she sings "Somewhere". Another amazing turn comes from Tony Award-winning David Alvarez, who plays Bernardo in a testosterone-fueled performance. But the actor doesn't put Bernardo in the "masculine gangster" cage! Instead, Kushner gives him plenty of material to turn Bernardo into a man with an heart made of gold and a strong sense of family chief, which he does - he is a good man who was raised by the old costumes. I am sure Alvarez is an actor of superior talent and I am really curious about his future projects (and Alvarez's chemistry with DeBose is simply dynamite)! Then, we have Mike Faist as Riff, who comes close right behind DeBose for the "best in show" title - he has an unusual look, impressive dancing skills, a lovely voice and he puts the screen on-fire. He is a very gifted actor: the way he exposes Riff's inner anger, fears and broken dreams is just impressive. You see self-destruction in him, yet you feel for him everytime.
The production values are also very worthy of praise. From the Janusz Kaminski cinematography with his light games and retro lens, to Sarah Broshar and Michael Kahn's editing work - in fact, the movie has plenty of moments that feel like editing showcases - to the sound work or the incredible set pieces designed by the genius Adam Stockhausen. A note about Paul Tazewell, the costume designer, who payed respected to some of the 60's version most iconic looks, specially the white dress with the red belt that Maria uses in ball. The songs are legendary and composer David Newman and conductor Gustavo Dudamel bring them to the audiences in such a titanic style! And a round of applause for Justin Peck's choreographies, which are spectacular - they don't try to recreate the original's choreographies, but some moves are clearly used for the "nostalgia" effect.
From the acting, to the spectacular choreographies, great singing, a message that feels actual and a timeless love story of two forbidden lovers, Steven Spielberg's West Side Story has it all and there are no missed opportunities here. You can clearly see Spielberg is a master of his craft and he's in full control of the production. Who said he couldn't do a musical this well?
I don't know how the movie will fare at the box-office or how the pandemic will keep audiences away from theatres, but I will say it once again: "Go see it on a theater!" It is a cinematic experience at its finest! You won't regret!
NOTE: I really want West Side Story to win Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast at the SAG Awards!
RATING: 9,5 / 10
Oscar potential categories:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actress (Rachel Zegler)
- Best Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose)
- Best Supporting Actress (Rita Moreno)
- Best Supporting Actor (Mike Faist)
- Best Supporting Actor (David Alvarez)
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Editing
- Best Cinematography
- Best Production Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Makeup & Hair
- Best Sound
Comments