Steven Spielberg's WEST SIDE STORY - News & Discussion Thread- Page 78

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/9/22 at 10:40pm

How awesome. Congrats to allll the winners!! 

[degrassifan]

Posted: 1/10/22 at 12:07am

So happy for West Side Story’s Golden Globe wins! Let awards season commence! 

[Musical Master]

Posted: 1/10/22 at 1:04am

Big congrats to the movie, Rachel and Ariana for winning the Globes! So excited for awards season. 

[lightsarebrightonbroadway]

Posted: 1/10/22 at 9:51am

Do we think with the recent Golden Globes win Disney/Amblin would want to continue the momentum and the script and screeners will be released?

[James885]

Posted: 1/10/22 at 11:22am

Considering the controversy around the HFPA / Golden Globes this past year, it'll be interesting to see if anybody will actually promote yesterday's wins at all.

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 1/10/22 at 11:43pm

Congrats to Rachel Zegler for making Golden Globe history. She became the first Latina to win for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical and apparently is also the category's youngest winner. Zegler acknowledged the win on her Twitter. And good for her. It's the gracious thing to do if somoene gives you a prize. 

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 1/11/22 at 3:51pm

One of the things I love most about Steven Spielberg's reimagined ''West Side Story'' is Tony Kushner's remarkable screenplay. He gave it so much historical context and added depth to all of its principal players. Its actors have said that Kushner gave each of them pages and pages of backstory.

In this new interview with GoldDerby.com, Kushner reveals the research, care and consideration that went into various changes and choices.

He also said Sondheim would criticize his own lyrics, and Kushner would tell him he was wrong. And though Sondheim was amenable and appreciative of Kushner's revisions, there was one alteration that Sondheim wouldn't budge on. All in all, it sounds like they had an incredible collaboration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKVxy8jD_7I

Updated On: 1/11/22 at 03:51 PM

[Musicnut82]

Posted: 1/12/22 at 10:08am

Sadly I don’t see WSS wining any Oscars other than for Ariana DeBose.

It is truly heartbreaking to see this given how much we love the film here in this group but the honest truth is not that Oscar-worthy to stir the water, especially when it has stiff competition from: The Power Of The Dog, Dune, Belfast, Licorice Pizza, King Richard etc. Especially the first two choices cover most media’s and critics predictions of sweeping the awards. WSS will get the nominations no doubt about it but it’s not strong enough to punch through in that top place for each of the categories apart for support actress. The fact it has also received a lot of negative press for flopping at the BO makes things even worse. 

So the bottom line for this second version of WSS - No BO numbers, no Oscar recognition = failed and forgettable remake? 

[The Other One]

Posted: 1/12/22 at 10:13am

The WSS cast did not receive a nomination for Best Ensemble for the SAG awards. Ariana is the only cast member to receive a nomination.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 10:45am

I saw the film again last night with neighbors. Loved it even more.

Previously, I was able to spot two of the original Jets--Harvey Evan's and Grover Dale--in their walk-ons in the film.  Last night, I was pretty sure I saw George Chakiris getting out of a cab in the "Jet Song". He's wearing glasses and a fedora--a well-dressed gent.

Updated On: 1/14/22 at 10:45 AM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 11:17am

Dollypop said: "Last night, I was pretty sure I saw George Chakiris getting out of a cab in the "Jet Song". He's wearing glasses and a fedora--a well-dressed gent."

This is NOT George Chakiris.  



 

[FosseTharp]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 12:02pm

Those SAG nominations are shocking with many surprises and “snubs”.  Shocked neither WSS or The Power of the Dog for Best Ensemble, No supporting actors for Belfast, and most notably… No Kristen Stewart!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 12:53pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Dollypop said: "Last night, I was pretty sure I saw George Chakiris getting out of a cab in the "Jet Song". He's wearing glasses and a fedora--a well-dressed gent."

This is NOT George Chakiris.



"

When was the last time you saw Chikiris? He's very gaunt , wears tinted glasses, has dyed hair and usually 4 days worth of stubble. Stripped of that, I'm pretty sure this is him.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 1:00pm

Dollypop said: "When was the last time you saw Chikiris? He's very gaunt , wears tinted glasses, has dyed hair and usually 4 days worth of stubble. Stripped of that, I'm pretty sure this is him."

Yes, I know what he looks like today.  I is super kewl and gotz da internets.

Here he is a few month ago with Russ Tamblyn.  He mentioned he wasn’t approached to appear in the new film but mentioned that Harvey and Grover would be.



 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 1:19pm

Dollypop said: "BrodyFosse123 said: "Dollypop said: "Last night, I was pretty sure I saw George Chakiris getting out of a cab in the "Jet Song". He's wearing glasses and a fedora--a well-dressed gent."

This is NOT George Chakiris.



"

When was the last time you saw Chikiris? He's very gaunt , wears tinted glasses, has dyed hair and usually 4 days worth of stubble. Stripped of that, I'm pretty sure this is him."

LOL That is NOT George Chakiris!
 

Updated On: 1/14/22 at 01:19 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 3:32pm

CarlosAlberto said: "Dollypop said: "BrodyFosse123 said: "Dollypop said: "Last night, I was pretty sure I saw George Chakiris getting out of a cab in the "Jet Song". He's wearing glasses and a fedora--a well-dressed gent."

This is NOT George Chakiris.



"

When was the last time you saw Chikiris? He's very gaunt , wears tinted glasses, has dyed hair and usually 4 days worth of stubble. Stripped of that, I'm pretty sure this is him."

LOL That is NOT George Chakiris!

 

Then could it be Loretta Swit?
"

 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 5:28pm

Hmm. I know she’s filming in London? Right? But seeing her lack of talk show appearances makes me think only Ariana is a lock for any Oscar nomination for this movie. Rita Moreno may also get acknowledged, but I don’t think this year is Rachels year. Just a thought. Which is fine, because she has such a big career ahead of her!! 

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 8:01pm

If I understand it correctly, SAG picked about 2,000 members across the country as nominators, and this year, I actually knew one.

He tells me he loved ''West Side Story'' and voted it for Best Ensemble, and was shocked it wasn't one of the nominees.

As a few journalists have reported since the announcement, it appears ''West Side Story'' had a screener issue. Before the SAG nominations came out, I heard some griping online about how ''West Side Story'' didn't send out physical screeners. I don't know if it was for economic reasons (to save money) or artistic ones (to encourage SAG members to see it on the big screen). At any rate, SAG nominators also had the option of seeing it digitally online. My SAG-nominator friend noted that all 5 of the SAG Ensemble nominees sent out physical screeners.

It's also possible that the SAG nominators were more attracted by the bigger names in ''Don't Look Up'' (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep) and ''House of Gucci'' (Lady Gaga, Al Pacino). Whereas ''West Side Story'' has terrific talent in it, but Ansel Elgort aside, they're largely unknown (Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist, David Alvarez). A shame because I still think ''West Side Story'' should've been nominated AND won SAG Ensemble. What a diverse and dazzling group of triple threats, who sang, acted and danced their hearts out.

Updated On: 1/14/22 at 08:01 PM

[Musicnut82]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 9:50am

Wayman_Wong said: "If I understand it correctly, SAG picked about 2,000 members across the country as nominators, and this year, I actually knew one.

He tells me he loved ''West Side Story'' and voted it for Best Ensemble, and was shocked it wasn't one of the nominees.

As a few journalists have reported since the announcement, it appears ''West Side Story'' had a screener issue. Before the SAG nominations came out, I heard some griping online about how ''West Side Story'' didn't send out physical screeners. I don't know if it was for economic reasons (to save money) or artistic ones (to encourage SAG members to see it on the big screen). At any rate, SAG nominators also had the option of seeing it digitally online. My SAG-nominator friend noted that all 5 of the SAG Ensemble nominees sent out physical screeners.

It's also possible that the SAG nominators were more attracted by the bigger names in ''Don't Look Up'' (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep) and ''House of Gucci'' (Lady Gaga, Al Pacino). Whereas ''West Side Story'' has terrific talent in it, but Ansel Elgort aside, they're largely unknown (Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist, David Alvarez). A shame because I still think ''West Side Story'' should've been nominated AND won SAG Ensemble. What a diverse and dazzling group of triple threats, who sang, acted and danced their hearts out."

I would not lose sleep over the SAGs, they are menial awards to be honest. Nothing like the Oscars or Cannes,  BAFTA, Berlin etc. 

Having said that I truly truly hope that WSS wins some more categories other than Supporting Actress at the Oscars but I have a sneaky suspicion it won’t happen, the competition is stiff.

The Power Of Dog will most likely win Best Picture. Otherwise easily Belfast gets it.

Best Director SHOULD go to Spielberg. I have seen all the contenders (except for Belfast) and hands down WSS deserves that category. Second best PTA for Licorice Pizza for me. But due to the fact Jane Campion is a woman, she has it bagged already. It’s not that it’s not directed exceptionally but I feel WSS and Licorice Pizza are way way better. 

Best Actor easily Will Smith (King Richard) or Andrew Garfield (Tick Tick Boom) 

Best Actress: Kirsten Stewart (Spencer) 
Dune will definitely conquer all the technical categories (Cinematography, Production Design, Costumes, VFX, Sound etc)

NOTE: I am really surprised there haven’t been any nominations for Mike Feist for supporting actor. IMHO he was the best part of the movie. I feel that he played Riff better than Ariana played Anita. And he is easily the best male supporting act I have seen this year. He could easily have won it and deserves to win it. But for some reasons he is not being considered. 

 


 

 

Updated On: 1/15/22 at 09:50 AM

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 10:46am

Musicnut82 said: "Wayman_Wong said: "If I understand it correctly, SAG picked about 2,000 members across the country as nominators, and this year, I actually knew one.

He tells me he loved ''West Side Story'' and voted it for Best Ensemble, and was shocked it wasn't one of the nominees.

As a few journalists have reported since the announcement, it appears ''West Side Story'' had a screener issue. Before the SAG nominations came out, I heard some griping online about how ''West Side Story'' didn't send out physical screeners. I don't know if it was for economic reasons (to save money) or artistic ones (to encourage SAG members to see it on the big screen). At any rate, SAG nominators also had the option of seeing it digitally online. My SAG-nominator friend noted that all 5 of the SAG Ensemble nominees sent out physical screeners.

It's also possible that the SAG nominators were more attracted by the bigger names in ''Don't Look Up'' (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep) and ''House of Gucci'' (Lady Gaga, Al Pacino). Whereas ''West Side Story'' has terrific talent in it, but Ansel Elgort aside, they're largely unknown (Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist, David Alvarez). A shame because I still think ''West Side Story'' should've been nominated AND won SAG Ensemble. What a diverse and dazzling group of triple threats, who sang, acted and danced their hearts out."

I would not lose sleep over the SAGs, they are menial awards to be honest. Nothing like the Oscars or Cannes, BAFTA, Berlin etc.

Having said that I truly truly hope that WSS wins some more categories other than Supporting Actress at the Oscars but I have a sneaky suspicion it won’t happen, the competition is stiff.

The Power Of Dog will most likely win Best Picture. Otherwise easily Belfast gets it.

Best Director SHOULD go to Spielberg. I have seen all the contenders (except for Belfast) and hands down WSS deserves that category. Second best PTA for Licorice Pizza for me. But due to the fact Jane Campion is a woman, she has it bagged already. It’s not that it’s not directed exceptionally but I feel WSS and Licorice Pizza are way way better.

Best Actor easily Will Smith (King Richard) or Andrew Garfield (Tick Tick Boom)

Best Actress: Kirsten Stewart (Spencer)
Dune will definitely conquer all the technical categories (Cinematography, Production Design, Costumes, VFX, Sound etc)

NOTE: I am really surprised there haven’t been any nominations for Mike Feist for supporting actor. IMHO he was the best part of the movie. I feel that he played Riff better than Ariana played Anita. And he is easily the best male supporting act I have seen this year. He could easily have won it and deserves to win it. But for some reasons he is not being considered.






"

I think you have pretty much nailed it here. I also agree about Mike Faist. I think he is one of the biggest highlights of the film, and he certainly gives one of the best performances.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 11:01am

I feel the lack of sending out the FYC screener could be a major factor in its lack of nominations.  I have several friends who vote and not one has seen WSS.  The few people I know who did see the film at the cinema were non-industry people.  All my actor/voting friends watch everything at home via the screeners they receive.  I think the attention Ariana DeBose is getting is via heresay.  Only people who’ve seen WSS are aware of Mike Faist and his fantastic performance. Until WSS begins streaming and many industry people finally get to see it will they discover him.  Sadly too late for any award nomination consideration.  

[Musicnut82]

Posted: 1/18/22 at 9:08am

I decided to go for a second viewing last night for a chance to see if it gets better. And yes it does!!

For some reason I enjoyed it even more the second time around. I was more into the dancing numbers, the singing, more into the dialogue, more into the characters’ emotions,  paid attention to more details in the production and finally I was able to “forgive” more of Ansel’s miscasting. He wasn’t that bad actually and compared to Beymer miles better!

But the part I could not get over was the third act, the final 6-7 minutes of the film, from the moment Valentina breaks the news to Tony (horrible acting by both) to the very end. Rachel as breathtaking as she was throughout the whole film truly collapsed in the final few minutes. In the climax of the movie she felt emotionally flat and unconvincing, unable to carry the weight of a truly devastated Maria. That scene needed more time (1-2 minutes more) and far more heart wrenching response from Rachel to drive the message home.
It is absolutely puzzling  to me how the whole 2 hours and 30 minutes of the film were absolutely marvellous and of very high filmmaking standards and the last 6 minutes felt like a B movie acting. Why?!

It felt like someone told Spielberg, “sorry man, today it’s your last day of shooting and you only have a few hours to shoot the final scene, wrap it up quickly and move out of the set!!”

Those 6 minutes is the only thing that stops this film from being considered an absolute masterpiece and a Best Picture for this year in my book. The Power Of The Dog easily takes that honour. 
Other than that absolutely amazing film and one of Steven’s best. 

 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 1/18/22 at 9:40am

Loved the movie, beginning to end, both times I saw it. Didn’t think Ansel was miscast at all, and was moved by his acting when he finds out Maria is dead. The ending didn’t feel rushed to me, and I had no issue with Rachel in the final scene. If anything, I think Spielberg avoided the sappy sentimentality that has plagued the endings of several of his past films, and, for me, it felt like restraint on his part. Like I said before, not a single thing I would change.
 

[Globefan]

Posted: 1/18/22 at 8:39pm

Deadline posted the script https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/West-Side-Story-Read-The-Screenplay.pdf

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/18/22 at 10:33pm

Globefan said: "Deadline posted the scripthttps://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/West-Side-Story-Read-The-Screenplay.pdf"

Tony, Maria, and Riff are 18, Anita is 21, no age for Bernardo, Chino is “early 20s”, and Valentina is in her 70s. Love this s**t.