FILM: West Side Story
YEAR: 1961
OSCARS: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound
NUMBER OF OSCARS: 10
One of the categories in American film that has some of the best movies is the musical genre. Singin' In The Rain is enjoyable, and The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins were two of the biggest hits ever in the history of cinema. Plus, eight movie musicals have won best picture at the Oscars over the years. One of them was 1961's West Side Story.
Basically, a New York set Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story follows Tony (Richard Beymer), a member of the Jets, who falls in love with a member of the rival gang, the Sharks. Her name is Maria (Natalie Wood) and her brother, Bernardo (George Chakiris) is the leader of the gang. If you have seen Romeo and Juliet you know this story, but in this version, instead of ancient grudge break to new mutiny, it is race. The Sharks are Puerto Ricans and the Jets are Italian.
West Side Story has a lot of memorable dance numbers and songs. Some of it is a little absurd, but it wouldn't be a musical without that quality. There are loads of songs that you could name right off your the top of your head: "Tonight", "America", "Jet Song", "Maria", "Gee, Officer Krupke", "Cool", "Somewhere". There are loads of them. And they are all good. The song and dance numbers are done excellently and are very entertaining.
The acting is not bad but then again, it is a musical and the acting comes second to the songs. It honestly is kind of neutral. I can't think of any bad performances but then again, I can't think of any that are especially good. Honestly, the best thing about this film is the set design. It has this odd, grungy kind of feel to it that makes it unique and special and not like any other film.
But there are bad things. It's long. It's absurd. Sometimes, it is really stupid. But in the end, if you are a staunch fan of movie musicals or just like movies in general, you'll like this picture. It is a fun take on a classic tale that manages to add a lot of different elements and cool characters in.
YEAR: 1961
OSCARS: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound
NUMBER OF OSCARS: 10
One of the categories in American film that has some of the best movies is the musical genre. Singin' In The Rain is enjoyable, and The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins were two of the biggest hits ever in the history of cinema. Plus, eight movie musicals have won best picture at the Oscars over the years. One of them was 1961's West Side Story.
Basically, a New York set Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story follows Tony (Richard Beymer), a member of the Jets, who falls in love with a member of the rival gang, the Sharks. Her name is Maria (Natalie Wood) and her brother, Bernardo (George Chakiris) is the leader of the gang. If you have seen Romeo and Juliet you know this story, but in this version, instead of ancient grudge break to new mutiny, it is race. The Sharks are Puerto Ricans and the Jets are Italian.
West Side Story has a lot of memorable dance numbers and songs. Some of it is a little absurd, but it wouldn't be a musical without that quality. There are loads of songs that you could name right off your the top of your head: "Tonight", "America", "Jet Song", "Maria", "Gee, Officer Krupke", "Cool", "Somewhere". There are loads of them. And they are all good. The song and dance numbers are done excellently and are very entertaining.
The acting is not bad but then again, it is a musical and the acting comes second to the songs. It honestly is kind of neutral. I can't think of any bad performances but then again, I can't think of any that are especially good. Honestly, the best thing about this film is the set design. It has this odd, grungy kind of feel to it that makes it unique and special and not like any other film.
But there are bad things. It's long. It's absurd. Sometimes, it is really stupid. But in the end, if you are a staunch fan of movie musicals or just like movies in general, you'll like this picture. It is a fun take on a classic tale that manages to add a lot of different elements and cool characters in.
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