West Side Story (1961)

West Side Story (1961)

How on earth did I miss the juggernaut of a musical, West Side Story? As soon as the aerial footage of New York City came on the screen, I was drawn in and captured by the magic of this excellent musical. Funnily enough, I knew a majority of the songs (such as “I Feel Pretty”) but I never associated them with this production of course. At two-and-a-half hours, the movie flew by because it has a fast tempo. I became enamored with the characters on both sides of the rival gang war and I felt for them despite their differences. The music is fantastic! You cannot have a great musical without excellent songs and dance!

The film was adapted to the screen by the great screenwriter Ernest Lehman. Prior to the film, the story was a bestselling novel from Arthur Laurents and was a huge success on Broadway thanks to the talents of Jerome Robbins. Robert Wise, a much-respected studio veteran, came on to direct this adaptation. Because he lacked the skills and experience in this genre, he hired Robbins as a co-director. Wise would direct the dramatic scenes and Robbins was in charge of the music and choreography. Robbins was eventually fired because he could not stop directing which resulted in a ballooning budget. Wise still kept in touch and relied upon him in the editing room. The choreography is the best thing about the movie, along with the music and expert editing. The music was not used to move the plot. The songs and dance seemed like their own ambience. A different story within the same story. That is what makes the editing so good. The scene where Maria and Tony meet each other for the first time? Check that sequence out if you want a masterclass in editing and lighting techniques.

As a NYC resident, I happily recognized many of the shooting locations (present day Lincoln Center). Perhaps another reason why I felt so close to the movie. This story is a version of the tragic Shakespeare story, Romeo & Juliet. Some changes were made, but the basic idea is present. If you are familiar with this tale, then you will understand why the emotions are flooding when the credits roll. The feuding families are now the Sharks and the Jets. The European-based Jets led by Riff (Russ Tamblyn) versus the Puerto Rican Sharks led by Bernardo (George Chakiris). The two rival gangs hate each other to the point where they are willing to spill blood for control of the streets. That cannot stop Riff’s best friend Tony (Richard Beymer) falling in love with Bernardo’s sister Maria (Natalie Wood). Also, an undeniable force is Bernardo’s lover Anita (Rita Moreno).

Some people I associate with say the movie is boring because all it is people snapping their fingers and walking down the street. I felt it added to the musical flow of the performances. Speaking of which, solid to excellent performances all around. Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood were good in their respective roles and showed they had excellent chemistry. The winners are Rita Moreno and George Chakiris, both of whom won Academy Awards for their roles. Their chemistry was absolute fire! Just watch their sequence during the song “America.” I do wish the roles of the Sharks were given to authentic Puerto Ricans, but this film was released in 1961 so keep that in mind.

As sung in the aforementioned song, “America,” the film holds itself to a high degree of relevance in today’s world. Just like fifty years ago, the Latinos or any non-white group want a better life for themselves. They were promised a world of freedom when compared to their home countries and came to America to search for it. Whether or not they found it is a whole different story. That song really stuck out to me. All of the songs are excellent and choreographed perfectly.

Overall, West Side Story is an excellent musical thanks to the song and dance routines from Jerome Robbins. The dialogue itself is decent, but not up to par with the usual standard from Ernest Lehman. The film won ten Academy Awards and cemented itself in the canons of best musicals ever made. Robert Wise and Ernest Lehman would team up several years later to produce The Sound of Music. I implore film fans to watch this if you have not done so already. It is not only an excellent musical, but an intellectual one.

My Grade: A-