By Dylan Wiener
Westside Story reintroduces itself to a new generation of audiences through this Spielberg remake (2021). But is it truly a tale old as time, or has the novelty dissipated amongst our evolving culture?
Originally produced in 1961, it is an American musical reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, illustrating the story of two star-crossed lovers, depicting a conflict between rival groups The Jets and The Sharks, but more importantly, it focuses on Tony and Maria’s love story. It substitutes the age-old love story for a contemporary narrative on the west side of New York City.
The Romance
Despite the film’s notion, the epic romance between Tony and Maria doesn’t feel natural, attempting to portray a primordial connection since the first encounter. The romance’s progression could benefit from an initial inhibition, as just about everything about it feels perfect, except the occasional complaint about Bernardo. There isn’t enough time to sell us on their relationship, if it is truly as deep as implied.
The Jets & The Sharks
The opposing groups seethe at each other’s existences. Exemplified in the ballroom scene, the choreography is a great display of balancing the aggressions between the groups, while retaining the playfulness of a musical.
The number “Gee, Officer Krupke!” where The Jets makeshift a story, is a personal favourite scene. Exemplifying the tragedy of The Jets and how they didn’t grow up with the greatest childhood. Their lack of aid from society or actual parental figures leaves them with only each other and their friendship. It was a scene most potent in displaying characterization through physical humour.
The Musical Aspects
As someone who’s watched all three High School Musical films and at least a scene or two of Hamilton, I think it’s fair to hold my opinion exclusively to the highest regard.
All performances in the flick are filled with energy, amazing choreography, fluid dance moves, and are all absolutely stunning. The “America” musical number especially sticks out; a very elaborate and intricate dance from the performers, and perhaps one of the best choreographed scenes in the film.
Likes & Dislikes: Westside Story ’21
The film was heavy with symbolism, conveying meaning through colour. The dead cold grays of the city juxtaposes the colorful interiors, like the ballroom or Maria’s room. There was meticulous detail of The Sharks predominantly donning red and The Jets wearing green and blue, colours on opposite sides of the spectrum. This detail further alienates Maria and Tony, as they stand out amongst the crowd.
The 1960s aesthetic of the film was done wonderfully; the costumes, and the set designs. The soundtrack also replicated that time period in a faithful manner. The cinematography of the film was handled well. Some specific shots captured in this movie looked very great, such as the salt warehouse or after the museum scene.
Song transitions are hit-or-miss. Most of the songs have very high-energy performance and you can tell they are very passionate about their craft. Unfortunately, there is an issue with the vocals at times since they seem out-of-place and overall unnatural, almost like a text-to-speech robot is trying to sing it.
I would also like to say that I thought it was sick that Maria even thought of becoming intimate with Tony even though her brother is dead… and Tony killed him. I’m unsure how to even interpret that scene.
This goes back to what I was saying earlier about the flick’s romance. Is this scene an example of how much Maria loves Tony and how love knows no boundaries? That’s a pretty weird message to send out, given the context. Ironically enough, the love story is the main focal point of the film and is simultaneously the most flawed aspect of it as well.
Compare & Contrast with 1961
If I had to be completely honest with you, dear reader, I prefer most of the aspects of the original 1961 musical adaptation.
When Tony and Maria meet, everything darkens and focuses solely on them. Visually their first meeting is a lot more appealing in the 1961 version and highlights how their romance makes them stand out. They could care less about what other people think and continue to dance with one another. 2021 has a more realistic, practical approach. However, meeting behind the bleachers feels less meaningful.
I would also say that Tony and Maria’s voices in the 1961 version fit the soundtrack quite well, and Tony’s voice has a grandiose manner to suit the background music.
As for the characters, I think Tony comes off as more likable in this version, just about every Jet loves to talk about him. Riff and Tony’s friendship actually feels like one too. In 2021, it feels more like Riff is an annoying fly that Tony can’t swat.
Cinematography
1961 made a lot of questionable choices with the cameras. When Tony and Maria meet, I’m unsure if the blur effect was a legitimate artistic choice or a weird glitch on the website I was watching on.
Also, the ballroom dance scene of 2021 is a lot more dynamic in camera movement than the still and mundane frame of the ballroom in the old version. It shows the hate the two groups have for each other. The notion I get from 1961 seems like they see each other as minor inconveniences.
I think the only choreography done better in 2021 is the knife fight dance and the ballroom dance. Except… I lied. In the 1961 version, the performers are sweating and out of breath as they perform live, making it more exceptional. The Jets were doing flips and the slapstick injected into the scene wrapped it all up really nicely. The physicality in the ‘61 film is done a lot better; Beymer legit leaped over a nine-meter fence at one point.
Characters
All there’s left to mention is that although Anita was a lot more fleshed out in the 1961 version, the 2021 version does a great job of fleshing out the detectives, shopkeepers, and policemen. For whatever reason, 2021 did not deliver Anita’s character any justice and reduced her to the background, but went all out with the amazing banter they created with the smaller characters, allowing them to become more relevant.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed both theatrical iterations of the musical. Undeniably, I believe that the 1961 film is just so much better than the 2021 flick. I believe the grander soundtrack, a much more likable Tony, and an unmatched charm just bring it all together as a better film. Although it is very clear that a lot of effort and love went into the creation of the 2021 film, I simply believe that the original did it better.