Overview
Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of "West Side Story" is a modern retelling of the iconic musical, praised for its direction, acting, visual style, and choreography, but noted for its underwhelming box office performance. The film updates and enriches the classic Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired narrative with greater cultural authenticity, technical excellence, and a strong ensemble cast.
Film Background and Production
- Directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, screenplay by Tony Kushner, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
- Based on the 1957 stage musical and the 1961 film adaptation, itself inspired by Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
- Development began in 2014; Spielberg hired in 2018, with casting following major open calls.
- Principal photography took place in New York and New Jersey from July to September 2019.
- Notably, Rita Moreno returned from the original film as Valentina and served as executive producer.
- Choreography by Justin Peck; cinematography by Janusz Kaminski.
- The film's runtime is 156 minutes, with a $100 million budget.
Storyline and Plot Highlights
- Set in 1957 Manhattan, two rival gangs, the Jets (white) and Sharks (Puerto Rican), fight for control of their neighborhood amid looming gentrification.
- Tony (Ansel Elgort), a former Jet on parole, and Maria (Rachel Zegler), Bernardo’s (David Alvarez) sister, fall in love, sparking further tensions.
- Key plot points include the planned rumble, tragic deaths of Riff and Bernardo, and the doomed romance between Tony and Maria.
- The film incorporates important themes such as racial and territorial divides, the immigrant experience, and gentrification.
Cast and Performances
- Ansel Elgort as Tony, Rachel Zegler as Maria, Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Mike Faist as Riff, Rita Moreno as Valentina.
- Ariana DeBose's portrayal of Anita was especially acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
- Rachel Zegler received widespread recognition for her debut performance.
- The film features a more authentically diverse cast and introduces Spanish-language dialogue without subtitles.
Technical and Artistic Achievements
- Lavishly staged musical numbers with standout choreography and innovative cinematography, including seamless composite shots and live-recorded dance audio.
- Significant updates to character depth and dialogue, bringing freshness to the original material.
- Spielberg and Kushner preserved classic songs while making thoughtful story changes and period-accurate settings.
Critical Reception and Box Office
- The film received critical acclaim for performances, direction, and production values.
- Nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture; included in several Best Films of 2021 lists.
- Despite positive reviews, the film grossed only $76 million against a $100 million budget, partly due to competition from blockbusters (e.g., "Spider-Man: No Way Home").
Controversies and Social Context
- The release was affected by controversy over allegations against lead actor Ansel Elgort.
- Many praised the film for improved representation and sensitivity over the original, though discussion around casting and certain plot elements remains ongoing.
Where to Watch
- Available on Disney+ and select streaming platforms, as well as on satellite movie channels, depending on location.