Steven Spielberg's WEST SIDE STORY - News & Discussion Thread- Page 70

[degrassifan]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 2:39am

I watched the film twice — once on Saturday in IMAX and again on Sunday in Dolby Cinema. Both were amazing experiences; however, Dolby was a better experience at my theater. 

I LOVED this movie! I knew I would like it, but it was beautiful, heartbreaking and a masterpiece! I’ve always wanted to see a classic golden age musical get the 21st century filmmaking treatment. I lowkey want this same team to take on My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music, just to see the same story told but using modern filming, writing, and acting techniques. 
 

All props go to Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner! This is how you retell a story for a new generation! I loved the improvements and updates in the script. For example, I love that Anybodys and the Jet Girls help Anita during the assault   scene. I HATED how Anybodys joined in on the taunting in the 1961 film. Now, we see women helping women, and I loved it! I loved all the things and nuisances they added. I gasped when I saw the scene at the morgue. Dark af! Did anyone else think this version was more depressing than the 1961 version? 

I loved the Transition to Scherzo/Scherzo scene with Maria waking up after her rendezvous. To me it felt like an entr’acte. I kind of wish there was an intermission. The movie faded to black after Tonight and Tonight Quintet. Both felt like act breaks. 

For those who think I Feel Pretty’s placement didn’t work, where do you think it should’ve been sung? I like where it is, but I can also see it happening right  after Quintet but right before the rumble. 
 

The final season was a little rushed, but I definitely teared up the first time I saw it and full on cried the second viewing. In this version, I truly believed Maria when she said she now has hate. I love that she reprises Tonight and wish it was on the soundtrack. 
 

Everything was top-notch — cinematography, music, sound, costumes, editing, etc. Speaking of costumes, Maria’s final dress/look has been living rent-free in my head all weekend. She looked gorgeous! 
 

Everyone did an amazing job. No one was weak. Even Ansel was incredible!! Iris Menas as Anybodys was a revelation!

In terms of what I didn’t like, there wasn’t much! My only negative has been echoed by others. This movie was so realistic and made in this cynical period we live in that I couldn’t believe Tony and Maria would risk it all after one day of knowing each other. I was under the impression this version would take place in the span of days, but it was literally 24 hours. The love at first sight thing worked better in the 1961 film with the dreamy Dance at the Gym sequence. In this version, it felt odd and out of place. I just don’t see what was so special about either Maria and Tony that warranted either of them to make the decisions they made. Why would Maria want a weed smoking ex-con who admitted to beating another boy to near death and also killed her brother? Why would Tony want to runaway with this girl after one dance with her? Maria jumping in to kiss Tony upon their first meeting was odd. It’s also glaring that Maria would forgive Tony that quickly for killing her brother. Also odd that Anita would choose to help Maria by going to the store and sending a message to her boyfriend’s murderer. While I loved Valentina singing Somewhere, Tony and Maria needed to sing that song to justify both of their actions/choices. I did like that they go on an actual date. I wish they didn’t do the faux marriage vows though. 

I have a few comments and questions — 

1. In terms of bathroom breaks, go before the movie! If you absolutely have to go, I think the best spot is the scene where Valentina is teaching Tony some words and phrases in Spanish. I had to use the bathroom badly during my second viewing, but I held it. If I had gone, it probably would’ve been that scene. 
 

2. Was Valentina passing as white? Was it a situation where the whites thought she was white because she married a gringo but the Puerto Ricans and some whites (like Tony) knew the truth? I mean it would make sense. I don’t see the Jets hanging out in a store owned by a Puerto Rican woman. I only picked up on this during my second viewing. I also picked up on Anita calling Valentina a traitor and I wondered why else she’d call her that if she wasn’t passing?

3. Was Maria and Bernardo’s mom dead or alive? Also, did Maria and Bernardo leave their dad in Puerto Rico or is he dead too? Wasn’t sure what Maria meant by “I’ve been taking care of papi since I was 6,” or something like that. 
 

4. For the person saying it’s too much that Rachel Zegler is getting all this praise, it’s not that impossible for her to get so much hype and Oscar buzz. I imagine this is what it felt like for Julie Andrews back when Mary Poppins was first released. 

5. For those who followed the production of the movie closely, did you notice that some alternate scenes were shot? For instance, I remember seeing a video of Ansel singing Maria in front of a church and passed by an old married couple. Moreover, I saw a video where the beginning of America was being sung and shot on the stoop of Maria’a apartment with Ariana DeBose and the girls that play Rosalia and Lutz. 

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 3:10am

degrassifan said: "I loved the improvements and updates in the script. For example, I love that Anybodys and the Jet Girls help Anita during the assault scene. I HATED how Anybodys joined in on the taunting in the 1961 film. Now, we see women helping women, and I loved it! I loved all the things and nuisances they added."

Except Anybodys isn't a woman in this version. Iris played them as a trans man. There are some soundbites on YouTube of hir talking about Anybodys. 

 

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 3:20am

degrassifan said: "5. For those who followed the production of the movie closely, did you notice that some alternate scenes were shot? For instance, I remember seeing a video of Ansel singing Maria in front of a church and passed by an old married couple. Moreover, I saw a video where the beginning of America was being sung and shot on the stoop of Maria’a apartment with Ariana DeBose and the girls that play Rosalia and Lutz."

Yes I saw a photo with Tony and Maria hand in hand walking between 6 Sharks and 6 Jets(Anybodys was the 6th) down the street and we all know that wasn't in the movie.

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 3:31am

hearthemsing22 said: "I think people are giving Rachel Zegler so much credit that is a bit premature? She’s only just starting out and people are predicting awards, hosting SNL, doing so much-give her time. She’s 20. So much can happen for her, like chill.




*Also, don’t you dare say “no one on here is saying that*. This is my stance that I’m allowed to have thanks. And don’t make some snarky remark about the tone of my comments"

What’s with the snark? Jeez. No one on here is saying that. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 3:57am

degrassifan said: "2. Was Valentina passing as white? Was it a situation where the whites thought she was white because she married a gringo but the Puerto Ricans and some whites (like Tony) knew the truth? I mean it would make sense. I don’t see the Jets hanging out in a store owned by a Puerto Rican woman. I only picked up on this during my second viewing. I also picked up on Anita calling Valentina a traitor and I wondered why else she’d call her that if she wasn’t passing?

I don’t think she was passing. It’s just that she had married a white man so they thought of her as white. It’s similar to how white people might get so comfortable around a person of color that they might consider them “one of the good ones”. (ugh)

As far as Anita calling Valentina a traitor. To Anita in that moment, she sees a bunch of racist white boys who just tried to rape her and Valentina is harboring them plus Tony who killed the man she loved. So yeah, she sees her as a traitor.  

3. Was Maria and Bernardo’s mom dead or alive? Also, did Maria and Bernardo leave their dad in Puerto Rico or is he dead too? Wasn’t sure what Maria meant by “I’ve been taking care of papi since I was 6,” or something like that.

I believe Maria says she lived with their dad for 5 or 6 years in the states before Bernardo arrived from Puerto Rico. I’m not sure where their mother is or if she is alive. Also, not sure if their father is still living or living in another part of the United States or moved back to Puerto Rico. 

Rachel also mentioned that this is her first time dancing in New York City so I’m wondering if this was her first time dancing in the United States or if she and her father lived in another part of the United States before she moved to New York City. Not sure if I missed answers to this in the script. 

[The Other One]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 7:18am

"4. For the person saying it’s too much that Rachel Zegler is getting all this praise, it’s not that impossible for her to get so much hype and Oscar buzz. I imagine this is what it felt like for Julie Andrews back when Mary Poppins was first released.

Oh, now, wait a minute!  The fuss made over Julie Andrews back then had as much if not more to do with her not being cast in My Fair Lady as it had to do with her being good in Mary Poppins. This is true of her eventual Oscar win as well.  Plus, she was 29 by then and had her three Broadway successes plus the TV Cinderella behind her.

Rachel is wonderful, I am not disputing that.  I just wouldn't equate her with Julie Andrews at this point.

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 8:19am

bear88 said: 
One thing I neglected to mention: The direction and cinematography are just gorgeous. The puddle, the rumble location, the physical destruction everywhere, the decision to have Chino and Tony arrive at the same time, the entire “America” sequence, the two shots of Tony and Riff locking eyes."

i too noticed the puddle Tony was standing in when he sang MARIA...the shot from over head looking down at Tony caught the lights reflecting in the puddle...like a stained glass window...shear Spielberg magic!!

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:31am

$10.5 million opening weekend at the box office - the highest grossing movie of the weekend. 

Getting lots of cash before the new "Spider-Man" film releases on Friday.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:31am

Golden Globe nominations from this morning included Picture, director for Spielberg, actress for Rachel, and supporting actress for Ariana. 

[Trish2]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:34am

Golden Globe noms for Best Picture and Director (Musical or Comedy), Zegler, and DeBose.

 

Garfield and Ramos also in the running.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:41am

Trish2 said: "Golden Globe noms for Best Picture and Director (Musical or Comedy), Zegler, and DeBose.



Garfield and Ramos also in the running."

Congrats to all. Looking forward to seeing this new remake soon.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:45am

Jordan Levinson said: "$10.5 million opening weekend at the box office - the highest grossing movie of the weekend.

Getting lots of cash before the new "Spider-Man" film releases on Friday."

You realise this is a terrible opening weekend right? In the Heights tanked at the box office, that took 11 and half million on its first weekend...and that was streaming at the same time. 

[degrassifan]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:47am

mailhandler777 said: "degrassifan said: "I loved the improvements and updates in the script. For example, I love that Anybodys and the Jet Girls help Anita during the assault scene. I HATED how Anybodys joined in on the taunting in the 1961 film. Now, we see women helping women, and I loved it! I loved all the things and nuisances they added."

Except Anybodys isn't a woman in this version. Iris played them as a trans man. There are some soundbites on YouTube of hir talking about Anybodys.

I’m talking about the character and the time period. In the other characters’ eyes, Anybodys was still a girl. I know they are a trans man. 

 

[degrassifan]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:53am

mailhandler777 said: "degrassifan said: "5. For those who followed the production of the movie closely, did you notice that some alternate scenes were shot? For instance, I remember seeing a video of Ansel singing Maria in front of a church and passed by an old married couple. Moreover, I saw a video where the beginning of America was being sung and shot on the stoop of Maria’a apartment with Ariana DeBose and the girls that play Rosalia and Lutz."

Yes I saw a photo with Tony and Maria hand in hand walking between 6 Sharks and 6 Jets(Anybodys was the 6th) down the street and we all know that wasn't in the movie."

That was just a publicity photo to announce production had begun. I’m referring to these moments — 

Ansel Elgort Singing Maria to an Old Couple in Front of Church

Filming America on the Stoop

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 9:54am

Rachel was nominated for a Golden Globe

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 10:03am

mailhandler777 said: "degrassifan said: "5. For those who followed the production of the movie closely, did you notice that some alternate scenes were shot? For instance, I remember seeing a video of Ansel singing Maria in front of a church and passed by an old married couple. Moreover, I saw a video where the beginning of America was being sung and shot on the stoop of Maria’a apartment with Ariana DeBose and the girls that play Rosalia and Lutz."

Yes I saw a photo with Tony and Maria hand in hand walking between 6 Sharks and 6 Jets(Anybodys was the 6th) down the street and we all know that wasn't in the movie."

This was the official “posed” promotion photo released to the press when filming started.  It was never a scene from the film nor implied.

[degrassifan]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 10:07am

The Other One said: "
Rachel is wonderful, I am not disputing that. I just wouldn't equate her with Julie Andrews at this point."

The Julie Andrews comparison to me is how a newcomer is getting excellent reviews and Oscar buzz for a lead role on their first film, which happens to be a musical. Also, Julie Andrews got cast in The Americanization of Emily and The Sound of Music before Mary Poppins had come out, and Rachel Zegler got cast in Shazam 2 and Snow White (a major musical) before WSS came out. I see the parallels. Didn’t mean to imply that Zegler is the greatest thing ever. It’s just exciting to see someone have a similar film trajectory to Julie Andrews almost 60 years later. 

[degrassifan]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 10:16am

Miles2Go2 said: 
I believe Maria says she lived with their dad for 5 or 6 years in the states before Bernardo arrived from Puerto Rico. I’m not sure where their mother is or if she is alive. Also, not sure if their father is still living or living in another part of the United States or moved back to Puerto Rico.

Rachel also mentioned that this is her first time dancing in New York City so I’m wondering if this was her first time dancing in the United States or if she and her father lived in another part of the United States before she moved to New York City. Not sure if I missed answers to this in the script."

Thanks for answering my question about Valentina passing! 
 

As for the Vasquezes parents, I just took it that their mom is dead and their father is either dead or in Puerto Rico. I took it that Bernardo left Puerto Rico 5 years prior and Maria just arrived. She mentioned wanting to make a life of her own and wishing to take classes at a city college. I would love to read the biographies Kushner wrote for these characters. 

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 11:14am

Jordan Levinson said: "$10.5 million opening weekend at the box office - the highest grossing movie of the weekend.

Getting lots of cash before the new "Spider-Man" film releases on Friday."

It may be the highest grossing movie of the weekend, but it was also like the only major release this weekend. For Spielberg and such a well-known property, it's a crushing opening. I do believe its older-skewing audience might've stayed home due to the pandemic, there's still a lot of people afraid to venture into cinemas.  But I do hope that it'll have legs, a la Greatest Showman, as the near-universal positive word of mouth spreads. And with the holidays coming up, it'll be a nice counterprogramming to Spidey and Neo that maybe the older crowds can introduce younger audiences. But I do blame the pandemic more than anything in this case. 

 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 12:04pm

So glad that my girl Ariana got her nomination. I was rooting for Mike Faist to get one as well. He really was a revelation in this. The best Riff I have ever seen. 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 12:14pm

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-2022-film-nominations-nominees-list-1235061580/

West Side Story earned nominations in the best picture, best director, best supporting actress for both Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno, best young actor/actress for Rachel Zegler, best acting ensemble, best adapted screenplay, best cinematography, best production design, best editing and best costume design categories.

 

[WestEndGal]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 12:19pm

It’s the worst luck for all these movie musicals that this is the year that Hollywood decided to do some virtue signalling and not air the Golden Globes on tv. You know that all the stars nominated are secretly gutted, lol!

I’m really surprised at how weak an opening weekend they movie had, especially given all the publicity. But I guess there’s a number of factors - Spielberg’s name alone doesn’t sell a movie anymore, no big names in the cast, covid worries etc. Still thought it would do better though, but maybe it’ll pick up during awards season.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 12:40pm

Great news about the nomination but Mike was the best Riff on the planet and deserved a nomination.

Things are different than they were in 2019. Covid spikes contributed to this mostly. People are still very scared of movie theaters. I saw this at a private screening earlier this year but when I went again yesterday there were 4 people there. Sad but unless it's something like Hairspray or Chicago, I guess nobody cares. 

 

 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 12:46pm

Sutton Ross said: "Great news about the nomination but Mike was the best Riff on the planet and deserved a nomination.

I agree with you on this 500%.  I’m looking forward to watching the film again just for him, the Prologue, The Dance at the Gym and that’s basically it.  One time was good enough for me with the rest of the film.  I loved it, but once was good enough for me.  

 

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 12:55pm

Sutton Ross said: "Great news about the nomination but Mike was the best Riff on the planet and deserved a nomination.

"

Saw the movie yesterday and I was like, "Where's his awards buzz?!" He was phenomenal, just mesmerizing to watch on the screen. I know he doesn't have the awards "storyline" that could get his name some traction, but it would nice to see some critics' group recognize him during awards season.