3 minute read
“West Side Story”
IF YOU WANT TO SUCCESSFULLY REMAKE A
film from the past, you should have a good reason to do so. Fortunately for movie lovers, Steven Spielberg proves he has many wonderful reasons to reimagine “West Side Story,” the classic musical so memorably adapted for the cinema in 1961.
From the standpoint of both actor and creator, the most challenging part of rebooting a beloved property is paying homage to what came before while still putting one’s own spin on it. It’s a line this “West Side Story” expertly toes, thanks to a retooled script by “Angels in America” playwright and frequent Spielberg collaborator Tony Kushner, as well as the film’s troupe of actors.
Led by Ansel Elgort and newcomer Rachel Zegler as the star-crossed Tony and María, the cast feels modern in a way that makes the material seem well-placed in today’s film landscape. There was little doubt that Elgort could pull off musical leading man status—his easy charisma in “Baby Driver” was evidence enough. Here, Elgort proves himself as a heavyweight actor, and a lovely singer to boot.
In golden age fashion, the big discovery of the film is Zegler, who is a revelation in her cinematic debut. It’s inevitable that she’ll go on to massive stardom; she’s already been cast in a live-action “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” remake as well as the “Shazam!” sequel. (And to think she landed the role of María in part thanks to YouTube videos she posted of herself singing in her bedroom.)
The chemistry between Elgort and Zegler, crucial to the success of any romance, crackles in all the right places. And speaking of chemistry, Ariana DeBose has it with everyone. As Anita, DeBose never plays a stereotype or makes the easy or obvious choice. It’s a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that the original film’s Anita—Rita Moreno, who won an Academy Award for her performance—is looking on as she does it.
Playing Valentina, a new character created for this rendition, Moreno is every inch the performer she was 60 years ago. The only difference now is that she’s a certified icon, too. Moreno’s involvement feels like a blessing on this new take.
Along with those standout performances, “West Side Story” is supported by a terrific ensemble of veteran actors and newcomers alike. David Alvarez is just the right degree of slimy as Bernardo; Mike Faist is all ill-fated bluster as Riff; and Brian d’Arcy James as Officer Krupke is, frankly, a casting that took too long to happen.
Which is all to say that if you’re a longtime fan of the Broadway musical-turned-film, whether you’re Team Jets or Team Sharks, you will find everything you love in this adaptation—and likely some new things, too. And if you’re new to “West Side Story”—or even critical of it—this version is all but assured to convert you. Go in with an open mind, and you just might walk out feeling pretty, witty, and positively gay. —CASEY MINK
MAIN CAST:David Alvarez, Ariana DeBose, Ansel Elgort, Mike Faist, Brian d’Arcy James, Iris Menas, Rita Moreno, Josh Andrés Rivera, Corey Stoll, Rachel Zegler CASTING BY:Cindy Tolan DIRECTED BY: Steven Spielberg WRITTEN BY:Tony Kushner (based on Arthur Laurents’ book) DISTRIBUTED BY: 20th Century Studios
