Steven Spielberg's WEST SIDE STORY - News & Discussion Thread — Page 18

There’s no way to compare the Oscar chances of the Spielberg version compared to original multi-awarded WSS as the original was so awarded and I can’t think of anyone of his caliber taking on a movie of its caliber before. However...

The original True Grit was nominated for 2 Oscars (actor, song) and won for actor.

The Coen brothers version was nominated for 10 Oscars and won none. I could see something similar happening here except for maybe some technical awards. Both films are remakes (by well renowned award winning directors) of beloved classics although the original True Grit was less regarded/awarded than the original WSS. I’m not wishing it ill. I’m excited for it as well.

Of course, it’s all speculation right now. And we don’t know what the year will bring. I’d say none of the films nominated for best picture this year were on anyone’s radar last year this time.

jacobsnchz14 said: "Jeffrey Karasarides said: "...warts and all?"

I love the film. Love it. But they brown-faced actors to try to look like us.

"

Yeah, Rita Moreno and George Chakiris’ performance are excellent and earned well deserved Oscars, but its really undercut by that awful brownface.

I can’t tell what’s worse actually, that Chakiris as a white man was browned up (along with Wood and all the other Puerto Ricans), or Moreno, as a woman ethnically correct for the part was still browned up.

NameGreg said: "In this case no. This is a different version they’re doing. We see revivals of these shows that reimagine them all the time, and this looks like an excellent reimagining.

And as much as I love the original movie, there’s a lot of warts. While cinematic, it often leans into being too theatrical, there’s far too much dubbing, a lot of the actors are extremely hammy, and there’s just so much brownface. The movie’s accomplishments overcome all this, but it’s all there and it’s very noticeable."

This 100%. Also I would like to add that while I appreciate the original film on a technical level, I kind of believe that Robert Wise's next musical film The Sound of Music is superior to it in every way that it's not just my favorite musical film. It's my favorite film of all time.

Now if we were talking about the upcoming new film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof directed by Thomas Kail, that actually remains to be seen.

I mean, I'm sure the new Fiddler on the Roof will be a good movie with Thomas Kail and screenwriter Steven Levenson on board. But I can't help to think that no matter what they do, it will probably fall into the shadow of the incredible 1971 film.

Well here's my take on this whole thing: if there is a creator/director/studio out there with a vision and a raison d'etre for doing a new film adaptation, or adapting something for the first time on film, of any work then I am 100% on board. But there is a reason to be cautious and to wait until more info can be revealed because no one knows necessarily why a creator or studio would want to do something again when it was done so extremely well the first time around. But once more info comes out, then it becomes clear.

As for West Side Story 2021, I am 100% on board with this new film adaptation because Steven Spielberg seems to have the vision and raison d'etre to pull this off. I guess we'll know soon if it all pays off come December 10th.

NameGreg said: "^ There’s a lot more to the show than the characters’ religion, same with any decent story examining a specific group."



Thank you for providing an answer that is about a million times less caustic than I could muster.



I AM Jewish, and have enjoyed stories about all sorts of people regardless of their religion, because we are human.

BwayLB said: "What I said last night about Anita, what I hope for is if her role is getting expanded, I hope she gets the closure she deserves."

Really don’t think Anita needs a new ending, her’s is already a strong final scene. She’s nearly raped after her boyfriend has just been murdered, it makes sense that she’s done with everyone else’s **** and leaves. It’s a tragic story, and her ending is suitably tragic.

If she shows up to witness Maria's ending breakdown, that will be fine. If the film wants to keep Anita's original exit, that will be fine too. Works either way.

darquegk said: "Also, if you’re Catholic you’re likely closer to Jewish than Protestant in both religious practices and religious ethnoculture."

Huh? Please explain!

I'd love for Spielberg to do a film version of Candide with Rachel as Cunegonde

Musical Master said: "NameGreg said: "In this case no. This is a different version they’re doing. We see revivals of these shows that reimagine them all the time, and this looks like an excellent reimagining.

And as much as I love the original movie, there’s a lot of warts. While cinematic, it often leans into being too theatrical, there’s far too much dubbing, a lot of the actors are extremely hammy, and there’s just so much brownface. The movie’s accomplishments overcome all this, but it’s all there and it’s very noticeable."

This 100%. Also I would like to add that while I appreciate the original film on a technical level, I kind of believe that Robert Wise's next musical film The Sound of Music is superiorto it in every way that it's not just my favorite musical film. It's my favorite film of all time.

Now if we were talking about the upcoming new film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof directed by Thomas Kail, that actually remains to be seen."



whoa whoa whoa-a new Fiddler??? When was that announced and why??? It’s so unnecessary!