Steven Spielberg and the Cast of 'West Side Story' on Reenvisioning the Classic Musical
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- Опубліковано 8 гру 2021
- In all of his nearly five decades of work behind the camera, Steven Spielberg has never directed a musical, but that all changes with the release of 'West Side Story,' his take on the 'Romeo and Juliet'-inspired Broadway hit. Starring Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort as the star-crossed lovers from opposite sides of a street gang conflict in 1950s New York, the film reintroduces the world to the Jets and the Sharks with all the classic melodies and spectacularly updated choreography. Ahead of the film's release, RT correspondent Nikki Novak spoke with Spielberg, Zegler, and Elgort, as well as co-stars Brian d'Arcy James, David Alvarez, Ariana Debose, and Mike Faist about their experiences bringing the production to life. In addition, Nikki spoke with Rita Moreno, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar as Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of the musical and also plays a newly expanded role in Spielberg's film, about the "sublime, thrilling, weird" experience she had returning to the story. The cast discuss how Zegler's Maria was updated from previous incarnations (and why she was like the LeBron James of her high school senior play), how choreographer Justin Peck put his own stamp on the dance numbers, and what it was like working with Moreno. Then Steven Spielberg reveals how he belted inappropriate lyrics at the dinner table as a 10-year-old, what it was like to work alongside original songwriter Stephen Sondheim, and why he'd like to see his films 'Hook' and 'Always' remade by another director.
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This version of Riff, Bernardo and Anita were absolutely perfect.
notice u left out tony
@@JoefromNJ1 ansel was really good as tony, but mike, ariana and david were just absolutely phenomenal with their roles and really helped bring depth to the movie.
@@esher1675 I agree, Ansel is very talented but Tony is kinda a bland character. The characters that mike, Ariana and David played were raw and real and really made the movie
BUT RACHEL!?
@@claire.2551 fr she was literally so good. and she’s young
The unsung hero of this video is the interviewer. I appreciate her careful questions and her background on the actors and production.
I was literally about to comment that this interviewer is fantastic and clearly a fan of the cast and crew and of the work and its original.
Yup. She picked her questions really well, and her enthusiasm shone.
Agreed. She did interviews with the cast from Handmaid's Tale last season that were fabulous too. I'm becoming quite the fan.
This film was a masterpiece. Saw it tonight and will be viewing it several more times in theaters.
Iris does a phenomenal job, as does Rachel. And the entire cast. I can't put it into words!
Since the Original is a masterpiece any remake which doesn't deviate much from the Original will result in another masterpiece.
Iris? Who is iris
@@jeffreykaufmann2867 yes, especially as this one doesn’t have anything to do with the movie. It’s only based on the musical as it’s a brand new adaptation. Not a remake of the movie
@@mlynn998 both movies are nearly identical cause both of them don't deviate much from the Broadway Play. Even Maria's dress in the New version is almost an exact copy of the 1961 Version. Maria meets Tony at the High School Gym in both versions. In both Versions there's a Scene with the Jets at a Garbage Dump.
I saw it last night as well - will do so again definitely a CINEMA experience
Rachel Z is so reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. A complete newcomer who is born to play their part. Oscar please.
Hello Hollywood goodbye Hollywood who cares?
She got a Golden Globe, YAY ! Now let’s go for the Oscars
What kinda comparison is that? She's a newcomer who played her part well, so she's just like Audrey Hepburn? Why not compare her to Sylvester Stallone while you're at it? He was a newcomer when he played Rocky, and he was born to play that part. So, Zegler is just like Stallone. Marlon Brando was also a newcomer when he played Stanley Kowalski, a part he was made for. Guess Zegler is reminiscent of Brando too. Cathy Moriarty was also a newcomer when she played Vikki LaMotta in "Raging Bull", or Lupita Nyong'o in "12 Years a Slave", or Pacino in "The Godfather". What an illogical observation...
@@rustincohle2135 dude chill. That was one example of who she is reminiscent of that was probably at the top of their mind
@@rustincohle2135 its not.....that serious
I can't stop smiling throughout Mike and David's interview. Such charismatic and talented actors.
Almost 90?? Jeez.... we'd all be that lucky to look that good and have that much energy
I know, you'd NEVER GUESS!!!
Unbelievable film. This old man cried for 2 days...from the gut. From the heart. From the brain. It's not like I didn't know Romeo and Juliette, nor the 61 version of the film. All of them were great. It just hit me by how sublime it was. Are you allowed to cry for the aestthetics of a film , the lighting, the dance, the music, the choreography, the acting???? The ability to make a Moreno bridge from the 61 film to this one... How wonderful! How beyond words! Everybody showed up to give a real gift in the 21st century.
It's hilarious at 0:27 when Rita Moreno turns around to Mike Faist and she's all like "SHUT UP!" because he didn't even say anything... lol. Gotta say, it's adorable to see these five kids in their 20's/30's all grouped together with a Hollywood legend who's just a few days shy of 90.
Mike Faist looks so adoringly at her when she speaks
Rita Moreno is always such a delight to watch. From being Anita and now to Valentina, she's just so amazing. I love the rest of the cast as well! Their performances were so so good!
Mike Faist describes things so well. Him and David do have amazing chemistry.
having seen the movie - what 'Riff and Bernado' are saying about that moment in the knife fight is so true -- it could have been pure blind stupid rage -- but their performances bring remarkable depth to tragedy
I completely agree!!
Ariana saying she was born to be a triple threat 😭 she has grown SO much as a performer; her Anita is powerful and incredibly moving.
She’s truly been working in the Broadway industry almost non-stop since her debut ten years ago. She’s meant to be a performer, and I believe that she feels that so deep in herself that it’s not egotistical to say that.
@@abigailnoelmortensen482 agreed! especially since she was known as a dancer, and worked her butt off to become a stronger singer and actor; she's not calling herself a natural. She's saying that this was what she's meant to do and that she WORKED to get where she is 🥰
In my opinion she stole the show. Her acting, dancing, and singing upstaged the main pair. Oh man she can really dance.
I can't wait!!!
@@itzasweater9621 It´s a masterpiece.
this film was an absolute masterpiece. the best and my favorite musical ever.
A letter to Mr Spielberg...
You have created a true miracle to stand for all time...The collective tears of the world watching will now truly fill a salty ocean with the depths of your emotional fruition and perfection you worked so hard to give us... Not to forget that Kleenex sales will be booming...
I am 65. I saw the Original Broadway Play when I was 10. I went in a little girl and came out changed to a young lady. I have been listening to the Broadway album for 55 years. I was so happy to see Carole Lawrence at the Premiere. I was worried that no one would hear Carole's voice. But Rachel has Carole's EXACT VOICE.
I have no more words. I'm still catching my breath from the explosion on the screen I was so privileged to be swept into. I cannot come to put together all the words to thank you enough...maybe I'll send you my empty box of tissues...Sheri in Florida
@@itzasweater9621 and? That doesn’t mean it’s not a masterpiece. Box office performance does not necessarily directly correlate with a film’s quality - Shawshank, for instance, is a famous box office bomb.
There are a whole host of reasons why West Side Story isn’t performing well at the box office - notably, the time at which it was released - but those reasons have little to do with the quality of the film and its performances.
Steven spielberg has so many great actors on his list of aplus actors that it is literally uncomprehensible how many times you have to watch the film in order to truly understand steven spielbergs greatness.
Sher Kand agree 1000%!!
Rita is 89?! wow she looks fantastic!
Mike and David...the CHEMISTRY IS OFF THE CHARTS!!! LOVE IT!💝💝💝
What chemistry?
@@sandraromero6601 Chemistry, that ...jenesaisquoi, that feeling that two people who have been interviewed, probably hundreds of times, asked the same questions over and over and over, and they are on the same wave length. They get eachother and the situation. They respect eachother. They find levity in the monotony that cannot be avoided.
It has been 60 years since 'West Side Story” its original release.
In the 2021 version, the same musical material proves that with
new talented actors and dancers under the skillful direction and
passion of Steven Spielberg and his team, the results are breath taken!
My dad introduced me to West Side Story about twenty years ago. The show has become one of the biggest reasons I ended up going yo college for theatre and performance. I saw this film with my dad yesterday and I can’t express the emotions we both felt. When i say this might be one of the greatest movie musicals of all time, I mean it. My dad and I could barely talk when the movie was over. I could not recommend this piece of art enough!!
I just have to say the chemistry between riff and tony is so so amazing
Spielberg never dissapoints! This remake turned out to be another instant classic.
The cast is extremelly talented and It's like a timeless dream brought to life with the unique Spileberg's magic.
I'm going wednesday again to see it :)
Life long fan of the first film … and I have to say that this movie was even better. It’s a masterpiece.
It’s poor performance in theaters is a sad statement in my eyes.
It's more about covid than anything I'd guess.
This project HAS literally made Steven Speilberg YOUNGER.
How old is he?
@@sandraromero6601 75.
This version was perfect. I cried like a fountain in the cinema. Not only for the well known tragic parts of the story, but also for the obvious display of passion that was put into this project. The way they danced got me so emotional!
During the first scenes I was a bit thrown off by the amount of violence (it's not atrocious, but I was expecting it to be more "comedic"... a Sweeney Todd campy approach) but I was delighted to see how well it all balanced.
I fell in love with everyone. Flawless.
Seems like 1961 again...
I just got home from seeing the movie. It was absolutely fabulous in every way. Dancing, singing, acting, etc.! This was outstanding! OUTSTANDING.👏👏👏👏
Just watched the movie today.. gotta say they all did such a great job of such a classic love the cute guy playing Tony and Maria is so cute.. really enjoyed this film.. well done
Camille that's Ansel Elgort playing Tony and agreed, not only is he VERY cute, but OH so Talented and VERY underated and unappreciated, unfortunately!!
Just watched it on Disney plus and it was amazing. I'm not really a musical guy but I still think it deserves best picture.
When Rita speaks, you can tell that every one of them hangs onto every word
WHAT A WONDERFUL MUSICAL AND THE TRUTH IN ALL THE PERFORMANCES WAS BREATHTAKING!! I HONESTLY DID NOT THINK THIS WOULD BE AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL BIT IT WAS !! GOD BLESS STEVEN AND THE CAST
So was in the play?
Just saw the movie. I was so moved. I want to watch it again and again. The dancing and singing blow you away. 👏👏👏
Just superb. Loved everything about this movie. The original I have always loved, This version I loved even more.
I loved every second of this interview, the cast and the interviewer. Truly first class.
This was an amazing production! From someone who saw the original movie and later at least two staged productions, this is my favorite musical of all time. I saw the movie as a teenager myself in the theater, so I understood the intensity of the young characters in the immediacy of the moment. This movie production brought me back, but the updates I thought were perfect, so well thought out and the whole cast was stellar. I just saw it a few days ago. People need to go see this! Although it faithfully recreates the 1950s, it is a movie musical for our times. There was genius at work when it was first put together and there is genius now in the way it has been filmed.
Thank you for great interview 🥰
I’m seeing the movie tomorrow-I can’t wait. I was so nervous of missing it as I didn’t quite know when it was supposed to be released. Love from South Africa
I’m in New Zealand so we don’t get it till 26th December!! It’s not fair!!! *stamps foot* 😭😆
@@AnnaP-uh3mc sorry friend.
@@reneebush2399 thanks! We always get everything last! 🤦🏽♀️🤣😭🤣
Right back at ya South Africa!
And it was brilliant -gooseflesh throughout. Spielberg and his brilliant team can’t disappoint
This movie was amazing! I saw it two days ago. The entire cast did an amazing job!
Spielberg is beyond Genius. This movie is going to be a MUST to see because of him. 2nd, are the singers, dancers...and RITA!!! The love story touched my heart and I never wanted it to stop even thought I knew the ending...Thank you for this movie.
I just came home from seeing this movie it is magnifico!!
Mr Spielberg, I was lucky enough to see to original in Scottsdale, at the Kachina Cinerama Theatre...oh...maybe 12 times. Plus went through 3 soundtrack albums as well. It was, and is a superbly made motion picture, and I am glad you decided to remake this! And, Rita, I am so touched, and glad you are taking part in this remake of my favorite film...then and forever! Love you all!
This film
Love these interviews! Got some great stuff!!
In the scene where they first met one thing that really stood out to me was the absolutely gorgeous lighting. It was just perfect.
the way they all look at rita so, so adoringly is so sweet
The Acting The Singing The Music The Songs The Colour The Set and The Story is Just Fantastic The Most Iconic Unbelievable Movie ever made and you Bring Back Joy and Happiness and Memories and I know ❤ ♥ 💜 💙 💖 💕 you would
Loved the interviewer!! Questions were so good and authentic!! Great research!!
Hollywood classic films from Hollywood?
I really enjoyed it. The music is going through my head non-stop since seeing the movie yesterday morning. I think both movies have much to recommend them. I love that the original filmed in spaces that were demolished only shortly after to make way for the Lincoln Center and other buildings, which meant the relocation of thousands of people - and that this aspect was so obvious in the opening section of the new movie. Both casts were wonderful - even if the earlier version used some dubbing - triple threats weren't considered essential in movies then. In another 60 years, I wonder if there will be a third version to enjoy and analyse and ponder over...
“SHUT UP MIKE”
- rita moreno 2021
Watching this today!!🥰🥰🥰🥰
Saw this version today with the two cousins who accompanied me when I saw the original. This did not disappoint. The cast was amazing. Rita Moreno, of course, was perfection. I love the new version of Anita. Wow. I didn’t think Maria and Tony could be duplicated but I was wrong. Their performance was mind blowing . Thank you Mr. Spielberg for presenting Puerto Ricans in their wonderful beautiful variety. I knew you would do a great job. Are we looking at Oscars?
Rita Moreno won best supporting actress for a steven spielberg film 2021 1961?
Linda Rivas AMEN!! COULDN'T agree MORE!!
This was a great movie !!! Love both versions
Great insights from Mike Faist and David Alvarez on how the animosity is based on fear. I hope people who have seen, and are yet to see this film and aren't familiar with it, take a minute to think about the current state of life in the US and draw the parallels.
I absolutely love West Side Story and cannot wait to see the new one by Steven Spielberg, I think I will enjoy it more than the original. Perhaps because I am older and the new film seems to be more realistic. Thank you all the cast for the incredible gifts that you have shared with us in this film.
I love Mikes humour😭😂
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Danny already a Tony winner wow dude! So humble!
Yep! And he was so young when he won! What a talent!
You mean David.
Rita literally is Anita. She has her feisty personality and she is just incredible
The movie is amazing. This Anita deserves an Oscar
Thats what they all say about Steven spileberg films
And so she did!!
@@Antonius134 yes!!! Wohooo 😍🙌
I Just Love ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕 💘 this Movie and it Rocks and all The 50s Songs and Hits From This Most iconic Muscail Movie ever made
You all were wonderful in this movie.
Everyone was great in this film
I can't believe Rita Moreno will be 90. She looks exceptional. Amazing! I want to be like her.
rita is amazing
Rita moreno
Love Rita then & now both good performance by her but I still love original better glad they made remake though congrat to all West Side Storysways will xo
Just watched this movie and it was great!!!. I enjoyed the original West Side Story and this New Version from one of my favorite produces Steven Spielberg was definitely not disappointing. Living in New York in the 60s in the South Bronx it brought about a lot of memories as I remember playing stick ball in a dead end street, between several 6 story buildings and using the parked vehicle fenders and bumpers as baseball bases. The soft balls bouncing off the tall 6 story structures as we would run at full speed to catch the ball before it dropped to the floor, sometimes we would dangerously launching over obstacles to make the catch(DOM LOL) but fun. I want to give the movie a plus as there were no Spanish Captions on screen when the actors spoke in Spanish(WOW). The actors Latino NY PR cultural genre was of what I remember growing up hearing with friends and family, that almost made it feel a private joke for those in the audience like myself that spoke both English and Spanish and understood the comical language that was used at the time (60s and 70s). Fell in love Rachel Zegler a mix Hispanic actress and soon to be a "STAR"... The movie was funny , entertaining, romantic and full of energy. Would definitely recommend to see. (A+)
I love west side story. I saw the old one and the new one they are both so good but I like the new one better. Tony is my fav character in the old one and Riff is my fav character in the new one. This is like my second fav movie I love it 😻😍
Steven Spielberg is a excellent writer and a great director
Awesome interviewer! I really enjoyed all of the interviews. 👍
I love Mikes laugh 🤣🤣🤣🤣
These are the most leading questions I've ever heard from an interviewer. The cast might as well not answer because the expected response is already in the question.
What a pity it's not available in cinema any more. I tried to see it on Boxing Day and it was sold out.... Wanted to watch it for New year's Eve and it's not available this week, taken off to give way for Spiderman, what a pity in Malta!
Whats wrong with spider man?
Welcome back Rita Moreno
Ansel is a terrific Anton. He and Rachel provide a peaceful counterpoint to the violence around them. They are well matched as singers and as interpreters of their characters.
Michael Harris TOTALLY agree!!
The best part about this video is the thumbnail. Rita looks so unamused. 😂😂
mike faist ily
“Always” is an incredible movie! I hope you get your wish. 🤞🏻
Hollywood
Happy Holidays!!! 💜
All of you are Just Pefect for This Movie
2:29 and then they just SHIFT
14:42 "I think there's a love story here" -Mike Faist (As a clearly Bi Riff)
Was Riff supposed to be Bi? I know Mike Feist isn't.
@@lfgarzanot that I KNOW of!!
Agreed, Mike Faist CERTAINLY isn't!!
great film
Simply a superb and in-depth interview on the West Side Story cast, characters and director. Made me understand and appreciate better what it took to remake this iconic musical and tragic romantic story on film. I saw the Spielberg film recently-and it was as awesome and touching as was the ‘61 film. This Spielberg version had more authenticity in that the Puerto Rican characters were portrayed by LatinX artists (except for Rita Moreno in the ‘61 movie who was of Puerto Rican birth)-and all the key characters actually sang their part and not dubbed like in ‘61.
Well the next best thing i could do was say hello
OMG I WENT ALONG THINKING THIS CANT BE AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL!!!!!!!!!!! BUT OHHHH WHAT A WONDERFUL SURPRISE !!!!!!!!!!! ITS SPECTACULAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LISA SACHS UK GO AND SEE IT ASAP !!!!!2 JANUARY 2022
its a great movie , first time I cried in a while watching a movie . When chino kills Tony in front of Maria its so heartbreaking
People seem to think the first film is "the original." It is not; it is a radical change from the real original--the Broadway show, in which "Somewhere" is sung by a non-cast member from the wings. It's a song meant for everyone society oppresses. That's what gives it its strength.
"Somewhere" was originally written for Maria & Tony to sing in the balcony scene. The director (Jerome Robbins) didn't think it fit, so Bernstein & Sondheim wrote a new version of "Tonight," which was originally just part of the Quintet. Bernstein had to fight to get "Somewhere" in the show, and Robbins finally allowed it to be sung in a dance sequence by an off-stage voice.
i love you ritaaa
Anybody wondering if ansel is actually that tall, YES.
6 ft 4.
@@jenniferwise8515 yes I know. I met him
Last week. He’s absurdly tall.
@@Nazaba09HOW?!
LUCKY girl!!
Is he just as Handsome and nice, in person, too?
Ariba puerto Rico❤😃
¡Alza la bandera!
I gave a like just for Rita.
Saw the film today loved it. Think its on par with the original. Ive also seen a stage show version of this as well which was also great.
Lol
She´s 90!?!?! Amazing!
Rita moreno
Wow that movie was something
Stephen Spielberg seems like the nicest man
After seeing the film I have now officially fallen in love with Ansel Elgort and Mike Faist 😍🥵
Fair enough
Have you googled Ansel recently? Lol wrong guy to fall in love with
Happy Holidays
Amen
14:43 i think so too, mike
i love this show! it was sad and i was just shocked and sellfish but this show is good
Anyone else wanna see Spielberg's iPhone version of the movie from rehearsals?! 😍
Ugh Rachel zegler, queen
90🥺🥺🥺
I'm so happy to see Ansel! I'm proud of him :)
Me too!!!
ABSOLUTELY agreed!!
LOVE Ansel!!
HE'S a VERY underated, underappreciated Triple threat!
REALLY tired of hearing how AMAZING Ariana DeBose thinks SHE is!
I found Faist and DeBose particularly talented.
❤️👍🏽💜
I love it but it is soo saf
The new Anita that Spielberg chose is partially of African American and Puerto Rican lineage since her father was part Puerto Rican. Culturally, as Spielberg knows, such persons usually identify with African American. Natalie Wood who played Maria in the original was of Russian descent. The actor who played Bernardo in the original, was of Greek descent.