Steven Spielberg's WEST SIDE STORY - News & Discussion Thread- Page 60

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 12:54am

nycward said: "Okay. I just returned from a Director's Guild screening of the film and I can go on for quite awhile about all that is quite simply perfect about this film. There wasn't a scene in this 2 1/2 hour film that wasn't stunningly crafted on all levels. Speilberg's musicianship in his direction is riveting and Kushner's screenplay ads gravitas and empathy to all of the characters. Justin Peck's choreography is pitch perfect and the cast is lovely. The great standout for me was the creation of Rita Moreno"s Valentina, the widow of Doc who now runs the drug store. She is headed for another Oscar nomination for a deeply affecting performance and she is the character who sings "Somewhere" summing up the desire for a better world between all people. A considerable amount of the dialogue is in Spanish without subtitles which is a daring choice and works beautifully. At this point, having seen many of the top films in awards contention, WSS is a favorite to repeat it's Oscar success of 60 years ago. If anyone has specific questions I'd be happy to answer any in detail. I could could go on, but suffice it to say that this is not only a breathtakingly meaningful and contemporary take on the material but also one of the best (dare I say THE best) adaptation of a musical that I think I have ever seen. I'm not one for hyperbole but I am smitten with this extraordinary film."

It seems like lighting has struck twice with "West Side Story", I can only imagine that this is how people felt when they saw the original film back in 1961.

It's a testament to the material, the geniuses behind the original and the respect of Spielberg, Kushner, Peck, Dudamel, et al, to propel this piece into the stratosphere for a new generation.

 

 

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 7:48am

Globefan said: "The 20/20 special is on tonight"

 

Anyone see it?  Thoughts?   

 

I have it on my dvr as I went to see WILD at the ART.  Wish I'd stayed home to watch this instead!

 

 

 

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 9:07am

It's kind of fun reading the mix of cheer and skepticism (and nitpicking) that was on this thread when it was created...gulp...18 months ago. I'm sure our nitpicking will never go away, but I'm glad to see the excitement is virtually unanimous. Can't wait for this weekend!

 

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 10:36am

dramamama611 said: "Globefan said: "The 20/20 special is on tonight"



Anyone see it? Thoughts?



I have it on my dvr as I went to see WILD at the ART. Wish I'd stayed home to watch this instead!





"

It was too short 

[joevitus]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 11:00am

Even I, who am not expecting to like this movie, find what I've heard of the soundtrack, so far, entrancing. I think a lot of people who like this score are going to love this recording, and it will continue to be among the top recordings.

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 11:01am

nycward said: "Okay. I just returned from a Director's Guild screening of the film and I can go on for quite awhile about all that is quite simply perfect about this film. There wasn't a scene in this 2 1/2 hour film that wasn't stunningly crafted on all levels. Speilberg's musicianship in his direction is riveting and Kushner's screenplay ads gravitas and empathy to all of the characters. Justin Peck's choreography is pitch perfect and the cast is lovely. The great standout for me was the creation of Rita Moreno"s Valentina, the widow of Doc who now runs the drug store. She is headed for another Oscar nomination for a deeply affecting performance and she is the character who sings "Somewhere" summing up the desire for a better world between all people. A considerable amount of the dialogue is in Spanish without subtitles which is a daring choice and works beautifully. At this point, having seen many of the top films in awards contention, WSS is a favorite to repeat it's Oscar success of 60 years ago. If anyone has specific questions I'd be happy to answer any in detail. I could could go on, but suffice it to say that this is not only a breathtakingly meaningful and contemporary take on the material but also one of the best (dare I say THE best) adaptation of a musical that I think I have ever seen. I'm not one for hyperbole but I am smitten with this extraordinary film."

How was the scene when Valentina saved Anita from being assaulted? Is it played different because of who’s playing Valentina?

[The Other One]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 11:23am

How was the scene when Valentina saved Anita from being assaulted? Is it played different because of who’s playing Valentina?

No.

[nycward]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 11:58am

Plannietink08 said: "nycward said: "Okay. I just returned from a Director's Guild screening of the film and I can go on for quite awhile about all that is quite simply perfect about this film. There wasn't a scene in this 2 1/2 hour film that wasn't stunningly crafted on all levels. Speilberg's musicianship in his direction is riveting and Kushner's screenplay ads gravitas and empathy to all of the characters. Justin Peck's choreography is pitch perfect and the cast is lovely. The great standout for me was the creation of Rita Moreno"s Valentina, the widow of Doc who now runs the drug store. She is headed for another Oscar nomination for a deeply affecting performance and she is the character who sings "Somewhere" summing up the desire for a better world between all people. A considerable amount of the dialogue is in Spanish without subtitles which is a daring choice and works beautifully. At this point, having seen many of the top films in awards contention, WSS is a favorite to repeat it's Oscar success of 60 years ago. If anyone has specific questions I'd be happy to answer any in detail. I could could go on, but suffice it to say that this is not only a breathtakingly meaningful and contemporary take on the material but also one of the best (dare I say THE best) adaptation of a musical that I think I have ever seen. I'm not one for hyperbole but I am smitten with this extraordinary film."

How was the scene when Valentina saved Anita from being assaulted? Is it played different because of who’s playing Valentina?"

That played similarly to the stage play. She comes in from downstairs where she is consoling Tony and breaks up the melee. What is so striking is her relationship to Tony. It brings a cathartic touch early on between the caucasian and hispanic community that gets the film off on the right foot. 

 

[Musical Master]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 12:01pm

nycward said: "If anyone has specific questions I'd be happy to answer any in detail."

I have three questions.

1. How were Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler's performances in the movie?

2. What was your favorite musical number?

3. Judging from the musical film adaptations of Broadway musicals in the 21st century, where would you rank this?

[BroadwayBreakdown]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 12:31pm

I went to the screening last Monday and overall really enjoyed it! The reviews that name Elgort as a weak link surprise me because a) I thought he was very charming, his scenes with Zegler were a highlight and b) I thought there were other issues to the movie. I wasn't a fan of Peck's choreography in CAROUSEL (Kenneth MacMillan stan here), and while I thought his work here was much better, it still didn't hit the high notes that I had hoped it would. The dancing itself is very impressive (the whole cast really leaves it all on the screen), but the choreography itself wasn't as focused or structured to me as the Robbins/Gennaro original. There's a moment at the end of "Cool" where Faist, after a very "real, gritty" stare down with Elgort, buttons the number with a big, jerky dance move that just came off as odd. However, if you loved the clip of "America" I'm sure you'll love the rest of the choreography. It's very similar "high energy/everything at an 11" type of movement. 

 I also was disappointed in the final scene. Spielberg lets so many other dramatic moments take a minute to land (Anita at the morgue, Valentina's final scene with Tony), that the final Maria speech ultimately felt rushed to me.

That said, when the movie works, it works astoundingly well and there are plenty of new touches that are just fantastic. Without giving too much away, there is a new, wordless scene that uses music from the "Somewhere" ballet and the whole 2 minute sequence put a smile on my face. I'd argue that CHICAGO and HEDWIG are still the best movie musicals of this century, but WSS reaches some amazing highs. One thing can't be debated, though: believe the hype about Zegler. She is astonishingly good in this.

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 2:23pm

I've been puzzled by some reviews saying "Spielberg can't fix some of the original Act Three issues from the original."

Is it just me or has the last act of West Side always been strong?

It's a powder keg of stakes in a time period without cell phones so the Shakespearian misunderstandings still work. It's not contrived that the events play out the way they do cause everyone is in hiding, it's all been happening incredibly fast (another reason that I don't buy this critique of the story is this is clearly a very quick snowballing in the middle of the night) these are kids without fully developed brains acting on instinct while cops are trying to smoke them out, everyone is upset- sure it's a plot that maybe couldn't work as well today- that doesn't take away the legitimacy of stakes in a different time to these people. 

These types of plots get actually contrived in other stories when the players and the circumstances are being needlessly stupid like modern rom coms where people COULD talk to each other. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 2:36pm

BroadwayBreakdown said: "That said, when the movie works, it works astoundingly well and there are plenty of new touches that are just fantastic. Without giving too much away, there is a new, wordless scene that uses music from the "Somewhere" ballet and the whole 2 minute sequence put a smile on my face. I'd argue that CHICAGO and HEDWIG are still the best movie musicals of this century, but WSS reaches some amazing highs. One thing can't be debated, though: believe the hype about Zegler. She is astonishingly good in this."

I thought the film was pretty spectacular, including Ansel and I very much agree with your final paragraph. I tend to hate film adaptations of musicals, but Hedwig is a masterpiece, Chicago is fantastic and I think this new West Side Story is about as good as it could ever be. I predict an Oscar for Kushner and the soundtrack will become definitive.

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 3:24pm

nycward said: "Plannietink08 said: "nycward said: "Okay. I just returned from a Director's Guild screening of the film and I can go on for quite awhile about all that is quite simply perfect about this film. There wasn't a scene in this 2 1/2 hour film that wasn't stunningly crafted on all levels. Speilberg's musicianship in his direction is riveting and Kushner's screenplay ads gravitas and empathy to all of the characters. Justin Peck's choreography is pitch perfect and the cast is lovely. The great standout for me was the creation of Rita Moreno"s Valentina, the widow of Doc who now runs the drug store. She is headed for another Oscar nomination for a deeply affecting performance and she is the character who sings "Somewhere" summing up the desire for a better world between all people. A considerable amount of the dialogue is in Spanish without subtitles which is a daring choice and works beautifully. At this point, having seen many of the top films in awards contention, WSS is a favorite to repeat it's Oscar success of 60 years ago. If anyone has specific questions I'd be happy to answer any in detail. I could could go on, but suffice it to say that this is not only a breathtakingly meaningful and contemporary take on the material but also one of the best (dare I say THE best) adaptation of a musical that I think I have ever seen. I'm not one for hyperbole but I am smitten with this extraordinary film."

How was the scene when Valentina saved Anita from being assaulted? Is it played different because of who’s playing Valentina?"

That played similarly to the stage play. She comes in from downstairs where she is consoling Tony and breaks up the melee. What is so striking is her relationship to Tony. It brings a cathartic touch early on between the caucasian and hispanic community that gets the film off on the right foot.

"

I really, really cannot wait to see for myself how much Moreno’s role changes the feel of the film and the character’s interactions with the Jets. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 4:13pm

I love when Valentina looks down and touches Anita’s skirt and says “I had a similar skirt once.  A long time ago.”

[joevitus]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 4:23pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "I love when Valentina looks down and touches Anita’s skirt and says “I had a similar skirt once. A long time ago.”"

Ugh, terrible choice. Just take us out of the moment to remember this is an actress who played a different role in an earlier production. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 4:43pm

That isn’t in the film.

Though I did see what looked like Anita’s purple dress in the background in their apartment.

[joevitus]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 5:00pm

TotallyEffed said: "That isn’t in the film.

Though I did see what looked like Anita’s purple dress in the background in their apartment."

Whew!

Now, having the dress in the background as a sort of Easter egg strikes me as a nice way to acknowledge her previous performance. 

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 5:30pm

 

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 5:33pm

Btw the 20/20 special was sweet.

They didn't show any real new clips besides the ones floating on youtube so if you were worried about too much being shown before you see it don't worry.

It's mostly just talking heads and B Roll from the set.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 7:47pm

rattleNwoolypenguin said: "Btw the 20/20 special was sweet.

They didn't show any real new clips besides the ones floating on youtube so if you were worried about too much being shown before you see it don't worry.

It's mostly just talking heads and B Roll from the set."

Just watched it.  Beyond fantastic.  Great seeing Chita Rivera representing the original 1957 Broadway production.  DeBose and Moreno chatting together at the end was fabulous.  Also, the on set footage was plentiful. An excellent coverage and Sondheim’s last American TV interview.  Glorious!  

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/6/21 at 7:49pm

The premiere in LA is tomorrow night 

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 3:17am

It's been banned in some Arab countries because Anybodys is now transgender and Iris Menas who plays Anybodys is non-binary. Their loss that they don't get to see Iris be the star zie is becoming. 

[The Other One]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 6:54am

Musical Master said: "nycward said: "If anyone has specific questions I'd be happy to answer any in detail."

I have three questions.

1. How were Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler's performances in the film?

They have genuine chemistry and bring sexuality to their scenes. Her María is less an innocent who grows up in a short time and more a woman ready to be in control of her own life. Rachel has more charisma than Ansel, but he is a solid if understated Tony who makes sense of Tony’s seeming contradictions. Tony Kushner’s screenplay gives them both more to work with and they rise to the occasion. Her singing is glorious and would have thrilled Bernstein, his is a bit more pop oriented but still  successful. They act as well as sing their songs which leads to…

2. What was your favorite musical number?

One Hand, One Heart, sung beautifully and in its entirety on a new background. But every number is given its due.

3. Judging from the musical film adaptations of Broadway musicals in the 21st century, where would you rank this?"

Chicago is its only peer. WSS is the better of the two. The material itself plus Spielberg’s unparalleled skill prove a great combination. 

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 7:46am

The 20/20 special was a delight.    Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait.    Friday can't come soon enough.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 7:46am

The 20/20 special was a delight.    Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait.    Friday can't come soon enough.