I have to admit that I have never seen the original film, as I'm not infatuated by criminals and gangs as most of you freaks, but Steven Spielberg has decided to do his version of the 1957 classic musical, which explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. Set for a December 10th cinematic release (on the exact 60th anniversary of the original film), the two and a half hour long film will feature a host of young up and coming actors from both New Jersey and New York, for a reworking of the timeless love story between Tony and Maria, whose first on screen adaptation won an Oscar in 1961. This time the lead duo
The new version will be rather long: two and a half hour
will be played by Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler who hasn't work on film before. Justin Peck did the choreography, while Leonard Bernstein did
It will have a 45 day cinematic release
the original score. It is interesting that the work on this project started back in 2014 with casting and shooting done in 2019 and then there was a two year long premiere delay due to covid outbreak. Spielberg is dedicating the movie to his father who died waiting for the premiere.
THE STORY OF WEST SIDE STORY
As Vogue reports, with a script by Tony Kushner, who previously worked
with Spielberg on Munich and Lincoln, the plot is that of the original
musical comedy, and is based much
The movie is filled with colourful costumes
more on the Broadway version,
including the timeless dance routines, than the Robert Wise film from
1961. The story is largely kept the same, focusing on
Justin Peck did the choreography for the new film
the forbidden love
between Tony and Maria, who are both members of opposing gangs and have different nationalities.
WHO IS IN THE CAST?
When it comes to the lead roles, Ansel Elgort takes the role of Tony, a member of a Polish gang dubbed The Jets. In the role of the Maria, New
The film features the war between two rival street gangs
Jersey high school pupil Rachel Zegler is appearing for the first time before the movie cameras! The rest of the cast features up and coming actors, such as
More than sixty actors play the gang members
Ezra Menas, Ben Cook, David Alvarez, and two Broadway stars, Mike Faist and Paloma Garcia Lee. Brian d'Arcy James appears as Officer
The film was shot back in 2019 in New York and New Jersey
Krupke with Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank! Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the 1961 West Side Story film, will also have a supporting role beside
This was the first photo ever released for the movie remake
also being an executive producer. Around sixty other actors have been cast to play Sharks and Jets! Check out the heartfelt trailer and tell us what you think:
We watched the original in school and I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the few musicals I actually enjoyed back then. I watched this trailer the other day and think this version looks really good.
I love the original, but I trust Spielberg's common sense to give us something pleasant. Funny, but I wish Maria would (this time) be played by an actual Newyorican, but Zegler is half Colombian so she'll do.
I think she is playing the new live action Snowwhite as well. Cannot say I'm impressed by her or by Ansel whom I'm always confusing with Alden Echrenreich LOL
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We watched the original in school and I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the few musicals I actually enjoyed back then. I watched this trailer the other day and think this version looks really good.
ReplyDeleteIt does have a good trailer, I like the visual aspect of it. Don't know any of the original songs, though
DeleteI love the original, but I trust Spielberg's common sense to give us something pleasant. Funny, but I wish Maria would (this time) be played by an actual Newyorican, but Zegler is half Colombian so she'll do.
ReplyDeleteI think she is playing the new live action Snowwhite as well. Cannot say I'm impressed by her or by Ansel whom I'm always confusing with Alden Echrenreich LOL
DeleteI haven't seen any of them yet, so I'll have to reserve my opinion on this one.
DeleteHope they are not as bad as I expect them to be.
DeleteNot sure if I have already watched the original one, but I do enjoy musical..so add this to my list!
ReplyDeleteAs long as it is not done by Rob Marshall it cannot be too bad.
DeleteI've never seen West Side Story. Although, I may like it because I enjoy musicals. Grease is one of my favorite movies and I loved Hairspray!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen those two either, I don't do classic musicals, but I do adore Moulin Rouge and Greatest Showman.
Delete