description West Side Story Overview
West Side Story is a 1961 film adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical, itself based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Featuring performances by Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, the movie utilizes music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Daniel L. Fapp served as cinematographer for this Super Panavision 70 production directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins.
info West Side Story Specifications
| Country | United States |
| Year | 1961 |
help West Side Story FAQ
Who directed the 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story?
The original film was co-directed by Robert Wise and legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins. Robbins was famously fired partway through production by the studio due to budget overruns and his demanding nature.
Who composed the iconic music for West Side Story?
The legendary score was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with brilliant lyrics written by a young Stephen Sondheim. The 1961 film adaptation won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
What is the setting and premise of West Side Story?
The story is set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the late 1950s, focusing on the bitter rivalry between two street gangs: the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. It is a musical retelling of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Did West Side Story get a modern film remake?
Yes, Steven Spielberg directed a critically acclaimed new film adaptation that was released in 2021. Spielberg's version made efforts to cast actual Latino actors and incorporated changes to the script written by Tony Kushner.
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