There are few names in Hollywood that are quite as bankable as Steven Spielberg and the legendary director is preparing for another potential cinema classic with his remake of the timeless American musical,West Side Story. Academy Award nominations are likely abound for the film and the production spared now expense launching a glamorous world premiere in New York.
The full cast was in attendance at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater for the gala event, withRachel Zegler, who plays the film’s female lead, Maria, remarking the significance of the occasion after the film like so many others suffered setbacks and restrictions due to the Covid pandemic. Spielberg himself echoed the sentiment adding:
“It’s just absolutely incredible. The energy is palpable in this room tonight. There has been such an anticipation from all of us—the whole company of actors, musicians, filmmakers, writers and choreographers. We’ve been waiting for this night.”
The production team also took the opportunity to unveil some brand new posters to promote the launch of ticket pre-sales. Released in conjunction withIMAXand Dolby the posters are evocative of the original 1961 feature and also add a sense of scale to the picture beyond the typically intimate posters that had been released prior. Without losing the focal point of Maria and Tony’s romance but framing the pair with violent imagery that provides a backdrop to the narrative.
Steven Spielberg’s vision ofWest Side Storyactually draws much closer to the original 1957 Broadway musical rather than the 1961 film version adapted for screen by Ernest Lehman. The story is essentially a then-modern day retelling of William Shakespeare’s best-known workRomeo and Juliet. Set in a multiracial blue-collar American neighbourhood, the star-crossed lovers belong to rival street gangs the Jets and the Sharks.
The gangs are essentially divided along racial lines with the Puerto Rican Sharks and the white American Jets. It makes for a very politically charged backdrop that should sadly remain just as relevant in 2021 American as it did back in the 50s’. The narrative has been modernised a little to make it more topical but it will largely be a faithful recreation of the original narrative.
The film sadly took on another poignant undertone when the original composer Stephen Sondheim passed away just days before the film’s premiere. Some of the cast in attendance also paid tribute to the Broadway legend including Brian D’arcy James who plays Officer Krupke saying:
“It is very sad that he [Sondheim] can’t be here tonight, but the good news is that his work will long, long, long last and will be an inspiration for so many. It certainly is for me.”
Steven Spielberghas had great success in the past adapting Broadway musicals to the big screen with 2011’sWar Horsethat was nominated for six Academy Awards including best picture. If the early critical response is anything to go byWest Side Storycould play even better during the awards season. The film is scheduled for a wide cinema release on December 10th.
