Steven Spielberg, West Side Story director has shared one his behind-the scenes traditions in a trailer for the musical remake. He has threatened to ‘cancel him’ following a series of political rows.
After criticisms about the film’s portrayal of Latin-Americans in film, the director, now 74, toasts the completion of filming for this production in the preview.
Ansel Elgort was also accused by Gabby of sexual assault, which he denied, months before the film’s release in December.
Tradition: West Side Story director Steven Spielberg has shared one of his behind-the-scenes traditions in a new trailer for the musical remake which has threatens to ‘cancel’ him following a string of political rows
Steven reveals in the clip: “This is a tradition at all of our movies where we toast first shot and then toast the last shot,” as he raises a glass to his cast on the last day.
Steven is seen also analysing footage through the monitor. Finally, he adds: ‘And just want to say that this has actually been in production for months.
Spielberg states, “But now, to actually bring together all those elements as one voice into an ensemble… I’m just so proud of having this shot, this late, in my career of being able to relate this story, which is based on the 1957 Broadway musical,”
Many commentators warned that Steven’s decision not to direct the remake could end his career. This is after a storm of sexual assault accusations and ‘woke” fans questioning the film’s racial inclusion.
‘The original West Side Story film is as close to a sacred cow as movie musicals get,’ wrote EntertainmentWeekly magazine, with Susan Haskins, host of American TV show Theater Talk, stating: ‘Leave it alone, Steven Spielberg,’ before branding the film a ‘terrible idea.’
The original West Side Story film was shown at a New York charity screening. When a remake was mentioned, the audience booed.
Steven stated that he had previously promised to faithfully adapt the film, despite the controversy. This is despite claims of whitewashing that have plagued the 1961 film over many years. Many of the characters from Puerto Rico, including Natalie Wood, were played in dark makeup by white actors.
This story is not only a product its time, but that it has returned with a sort of social fury’ he said to Vanity Fair.
He also stated that his goal is to highlight the ‘battle versus the obstacles of racism and xenophobia’, at a moment when America still struggles with the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s antiimmigrant agenda.
Steven previously stated that he only hires Hispanic actors to play the role of immigrants in the movie, to ensure it is politically correct.
After employing a dialect coach, he said that the team brought an authenticity to the table. They brought their own self, as well as everything they believe and everything they know to the job.
After Steven’s words on the film are shown, the trailer cuts to the final footage. Here Maria Vasquez (newcomer Rachel Zegler), tells Bernardo (David Alvarez) that she wants to be happy here. I want to build a life and a home.
Bernardo, the leader gang of Puerto Rico natives known collectively as The Sharks tells her to stay away from him. The him is Tony (Ansel Elgort), who is part of the Sharks’ opposition gang of white men known collectively as the Jets.
Cominc soon! The clip gave fans another glimpse at the highly-anticipated remake which focuses on rival gangs in 1950s New York.
Hard at work: The clip also shows Steven analysing footage through the monitor, before adding: ‘And I just want to say that we have actually been in production on this for months’
Proud: He said: “But now, to actually combine all those elements as one voice into an ensemble. I’m just so proud of this shot, this late on in my career.”
Elements: In this clip, Spielberg reveals that he and his crew always toast the first day and the last day of production for each of their films.
Siblings: The clip also shows footage from the film, where Maria Vasquez (newcomer Rachel Zegler) tells her brother Bernardo (David Alvarez) about her desperate want for freedom
Stay away: But Bernardo, the leader of the gang of Puerto Rico natives known as The Sharks, tells her, ‘Stay away from him,’ the him being Tony (Ansel Elgort), part of the Sharks’ rival gang
Maria is determined: Maria fights back, declaring, “I’m going to think for myself.” She then rushes to the fire escape, where she finds Tony, who later says, “Run away with me.”
Maria responds by declaring, ‘I’m thinking for myself’, before running to the fire escape. Tony later told her, ‘Run away!’
Another shot shows Tony chatting to Valentina (Rita Moreno). He offers some advice, saying, ‘You don’t want to begin with, ‘I’d like to go out for coffee.
The video ends with several shots that show the musical number America before it ends.
Tony and Valentina: Another clip from the film shows Tony chatting with Valentina (played by original West Side Story star Rita Moreno), who offers him some advice on his love life
America: The video ends with a number of shots that showcase the iconic number America, which sees Anita reflect on moving to the US from Puerto Rico
The Broadway musical first premiered the story in 1957. It was written by Arthur Laurents, featuring music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Steven Sondheim, and music by Arthur Laurents.
The musical won six Tony Awards nominations and was performed for 732 performances before going on tour.
The musical was adaption of the musical was made for silver screen in 1961. It starred Natalie Wood as Maria, Richard Beymer (Tony), George Chakaris (Bernardo), Russs Tamblyn (Riff) and Rita Moreno (Anita).
Story: West Side Story was first performed on Broadway in 1957. It featured a book by Arthur Laurents and music by Leonard Bernstein. Steven Sondheim wrote the lyrics. The show was loosely inspired by Romeo & Juliet.
Adapted: The musical was adapted for the silver screen in 1961, starring Natalie Wood as Maria, and Richard Beymer as Tony (the 2021 remake is pictured)
The film was a commercial success and critical hit. It won 10 Oscar Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins), Best Actor (George Chakaris), and Best Actress (Rita Moreno).
This new adaptation stars Corey Stoll playing Lieutenant Schrank, Mike Faist playing Riff, Ariana de Bose as Anita, Maddie Ziegler portraying Velma, and Mike Faist as Riff.
West Side Story will be in theaters on December 10, competing with Amazon’s Being the Ricardos in a limited release.
A woman named Gabby claimed that she was in a relationship in July 2020 with Ansel Elgort and that he sexually assaulted and abused her when she was just 17.
Elgort, now 27, admitted that Gabby was his girlfriend, but denied that he had sexually assaulted her.
Although I cannot claim to be able to understand Gabby’s feelings, her description of events simply isn’t what happened. He stated that he had never and would not assault anyone.
Big hit: The film was a huge hit, winning 10 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (George Chakaris) and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Rita Moreno)
He said that they had a brief, legal and consensual relationship. I didn’t manage the breakup well. I stopped responding to her, which was an immature and cruel act to do. I am sorry for my unacceptable behavior, but this late apology does not excuse me.
“I’m disgusted by the way I behave and deeply ashamed of what I did. I am deeply sorry. He added that he knows he must continue to reflect, learn and work to improve empathy.
Gabby said that they spoke only two days before Gabby’s 17th birthday. He also stated that he knew Gabby’s age at the time they spoke.
She also claimed that she was left’sobbing’ in pain during a sexual encounter, and that he made cruel comments.
Gabby also wrote: “I have PTSD. I suffer from panic attacks. “I go to therapy” was a tweet she posted, but it was later deleted from social media.
In theaters: West Side Story will hit theaters December 10, going up against Amazon’s Being the Ricardos in limited release