WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
Film of the Day #149
WEST SIDE STORY
1961 • Robert Wise • Jerome RobbinsScreenplay: Ernest Lehman; Based on West Side Story 1957 musical by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents; Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Producer: Robert Wise
Cast: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland, Ned Glass, William Bramley
Cinematography: Daniel L. Fapp
Music: Leonard BernsteinUnited Artists
Hold my hand and we are halfway there, hold my hand and I'll take you there. Somehow! Someday!
In the realm of Hollywood, few musicals have achieved the iconic status and enduring popularity of West Side Story. Originally a Broadway hit, the musical made its leap to the silver screen in 1961 and has since become an all time classic.
West Side Story reboots, for lack of a better term, William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Set in 1950s New York City, the film revolves around two rival street gangs: the Jets, a predominantly white group, and the Sharks, all Puerto Rican immigrants. Amidst this simmering tension, Tony (Richard Beymer) from the Jets falls in love with Maria (Natalie Wood doing “brownface,” which, you know, isn’t great but anyway), the sister of the Sharks' leader, Bernardo (George Chakiris). As their love story unfolds, the couple finds themselves trapped in a world of prejudice, violence, and societal division, etc. (We’ve all read Romeo and Juliet in high school, we know how this goes.)
What makes West Side Story an enduring classic are its high-energy performances, the songs composed by Bernstein & Sondheim), the dance sequences choreographed by Jerome Robbins and the bright colors that pop off the screen with its gorgeous cinematography. While modern technology has given us the convenience of watching movies from the comfort of our homes, West Side Story is a film that truly shines on the big screen. The grandeur of the music, the intricacy of the dance numbers, and the intense emotions truly come to life in a way that no home theater can replicate. If you ever get the opportunity to see this classic on the big screen, don't miss it.
It's worth noting that while the film's stars, Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood, delivered authentic acting and dancing performances, their singing voices were dubbed. However, this does not detract from the film's overall impact, as the dubbing seamlessly matches the characters' personalities. Rita Moreno, who portrayed Anita, was dubbed in most of her songs with the exception of “America” in which she did her own singing.
While almost every song in West Side Story is a classic, America is the legit showstopper. Rita Moreno's performance as Anita in this number is a tour de force. It's a celebration of cultural diversity, a dance-off between the Sharks and their ladies, and a critique of American ideals—all wrapped into one unforgettable dance sequence. That said in this article we pay respect to the other bangers: “Maria”, “Tonight” “I Feel Pretty” “A Place for Us” and “Officer Krupke.” Not “Cool” though. I can’t stand that one. One of the few improvement’s the Spielberg remake improved.
West Side Story made a significant impact on film musicals with its use of amazing choreography and innovative camera work. Director Robert Wise and choreographer Jerome Robbins transformed the stage-bound musical into a cinematic masterpiece. The film's camerawork, notably in the dance scenes, immerses the audience in the story and adds a layer of excitement rarely seen in musicals of the time.
The 2021 remake is actually very good in its own right. I can see some preferring that version. But to me, this is the winner of the two. If you’re going to watch both, watch this one first.
All of you! You all killed him! And my brother, and Riff. Not with bullets, or guns, with hate. Well now I can kill, too, because now I have hate!
Notable Accomplishments
10 Academy Award Wins including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Chakris), and Best Supporting Actress (Moreno)
Highest Grossing Film of 1961
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies – #41
Streaming: Paramount+
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD