For more than three decades now, legendary director Sir Steven Spielberg has directed films associated with serious societal-political concerns, beginning with The Color Purple (1985). After that, he has led several such films, including Schindler’s List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1999), both of which won him Academy Award for Best Director. He progressively transitioned into modern cinema while retaining his interest in similar films, even in the 2000s and 2010s, directing films like Munich (2005), War Horse (2011), Lincoln (2012), and The Post (2017).
And now, Spielberg, in 34th directorial venture, is bringing another such film with an entirely different take and is venturing into a genre he has never explored before. Earlier today, the first look of his upcoming musical West Side Story (2020) was released by 20th Century Studios. The film is an adaptation of a 1957 Broadway Musical and 1961 Film of the same name. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet inspire the play itself.
What is West Side Story About?
Spielberg has revealed that his film draws more inspiration from the original play rather than the 1961 film adaptation. The film is set in the 1950s, New York, depicting the rivalry of two gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The Jets are white Americans who believe in white supremacy, a belief that was highly prominent in the US during that time. On the other side are The Sharks, people from Puerto Rican background trying to fit in the prejudiced white-dominated American society.
The film, so as the play, takes inspiration from Romeo and Juliet, and shows Tony (a white male from Jets) and Maria (from Sharks) falling for each other and then finding themselves pressed between racial tensions and the rivalry between two gangs prompted from ethnic discrimination.
The First Look
The pictures were a part of a Vanity Fair feature where Spielberg shared his take on the film and its plot. As per Spielberg himself, West Side Story has been his “haunting temptation he gave into.” The pictures don’t reveal a great lot of detail. Still, it confirms we as audiences are in for a gripping and entertaining experience comprising some dazzling dance sequences, attractive costumes, fascinating set designs, and stellar cast performance.
The first picture shows stars Ansel Elgort (playing Tony) and newcomer Rachel Zegler (playing Maria) falling for each other in what seems a lovely encounter during a dance sequence. Ansel Elgort is famous for his roles in Fault In Our Stars and Baby Driver; the latter earned him a nomination for Golden Globe Award for Best Actor-Musical or Comedy. On the other hand, Rachel Zegler is a newcomer who has won the role of Maria after competing against 30,000 candidates who tried their hands at the part. Debuting with Spielberg is the best thing an aspiring actress can hope for.
Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler
We also get a fresh look at Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez. DeBose will play Anita, while Alvarez is brought on board to play Bernardo. The two actors are renowned dancers, and Alvarez has a Tony Award to his name, which makes this stellar cast more worthy and exciting to vouch for. We also get a look at a confrontation between Jets and Sharks, in what looks like a dance battle.
Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez
A surprising picture that has taken all by storm is of Spielberg himself with actress Rita Moreno standing behind him. Rita Moreno played Anita in the original 1961 film, a role that won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
The Cast
Besides the five prominent members of the cast introduced in the first look, West Side Story stars an ensemble, including Corey Stroll, Brian d’Arcy James, and Maddie Ziegler. Spielberg, for a while now, is known to cast actors who are mostly unknown to the international audience. Being a musical, Spielberg’s cast includes actors, mainly from singing or dancing background.
Spielberg is a master in maintaining individual significance for each of his characters in a large ensemble. His films like War Horse, Saving Private Ryan, Amistad, and Lincoln are perfect examples of the same. And we are going to see some mesmerizing acts of talent and mastery in his version of West Side Story.
Legacy of West Side Story
The previous film is regarded as one of the best musicals ever made. It is a recipient of ten Oscars (out of 11 nominations) and is an inspiration to many directors who have tried their hands at making musical films. Given the fact, Sir Spielberg has taken a big task on his side and has a job not just to carry on the legacy of the previous film, but also to step on it and create a new one for himself and his version of the film.
The Social Connection
The film is set in the 1950s. It was a time of Puerto Rican independence movement as well as severe armed confrontations between Americans and Puerto Rican groups. Since it was also the era of the beginning of the Cold War, the political tensions back then were intense. Moreover, there were regular protests on the Puerto Rican side everywhere from Labor Unions to Civilians.
Director Steven Spielberg with Rita Moreno [Moreno was a part of 1961 West Side Story]
West Side Story is not going to delve into the political situation of the time. Still, the core of the plot (the rivalry) will be a satirical remark on the circumstances back then.
West Side Story is set to release on December 18, 2020. The film is written by Tony Kushner, who has previously penned Spielberg’s Lincoln and Munich. Starring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in lead roles, the film will also feature Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Corey Stroll, Rita Moreno, Maddie Ziegler, and many more in this large ensemble.
