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

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.

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!

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.

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

No.

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?

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.

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 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 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.

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.

The premiere in LA is tomorrow night

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.

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