Review of West Side Story (1961) by Bonita B — 07 Feb 2010

From May 5, 2008:

West Side Story is one of those films that people like/love or simply hate. There is no middle ground. On the one hand, the movie and stage musical alike boast songs that have permutated the pop culture as much as songs from movie musicals like The Wizard of Oz, the Sound of Music, or Singin' in the Rain. The dance sequences alone are something to behold and widely known or recognized, especially the opening sequence with the rival, finger-snapping gangs. On the other hand, the vein of the musical is recycled and the dialogue a little cheesy and sugary (which is not the best combination). Still, it's one of those films that have become an undeniable classic.

West Side Story works because it's an entertaining musical with a timeless (even if recycled) romance and with some of the most potently beautiful songs ever written for stage or screen. The musical was co-written by Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). That kind of superpower combination gives the musical and the movie a kind of classic credibility that other films simply are not as lucky to have. The music/songs are some of the best in all of musical theater.

The dancing is something to behold in this picture. Everything is choreographed, right down to the fights and rumbles. The opening sequence with the famous snapping of each gang has some breathtaking combinations complete with leaps and flips. That kind of dancing is not often performed anymore.

The film is also a sharp commentary on the state of race relations in America at the time. One of the most poignant and believable songs in the whole picture is the eternal "America." While set to a decidedly toe tapping rhythm, the song minces no words pertaining to how the Sharks and their brethren get the rawer of the two gangs' deals with the rampant racism they face.

On the other hand, the love affair between Tony and Maria is a little too sweet and too trite. The beautiful poetry of Shakespeare is distilled down into some overly gushy dialogue that does not reflect contemporary speech, then or now. The acting is also a little cheesy but for the performances of George Chakiris and Rita Moreno, who won supporting Oscars for their work.

Technically, the costumes, cinematography, and art direction are fantastic, and most of the film's Oscars were in the technical categories, though it also won Best Picture and Director. West Side Story's place in American cinematic history is unquestionable and undeniable because of the sheer spectacle it offers. The film is definitely entertaining and holds up as much today as it did in 1961, which is the very definition of a true American classic.