Directed by AFI Life Achievement Award honoree Steven Spielberg, this stunning reimagination of the classic musical featured the work of two alums of the AFI Conservatory – cinematographer Janusz Kamiński (AFI Class of 1987) and editor Sarah Broshar (AFI Class of 2005) – as well as American Film Institute Trustee Ariana DeBose and AFI Honorary Degree recipient Rita Moreno. The film was honored with an AFI AWARD, recognizing it as one of the year’s most outstanding achievements in the art of the moving image. According to the official rationale, “WEST SIDE STORY leaps into American film history a complete original – while standing tall upon stories foundational to the human experience. Steven Spielberg leads with love and forges his position as our greatest modern master, seeking out and soaring above new challenges and assembling a creative ensemble that speaks to the genius of both past and present – from Tony Kushner and Rita Moreno to Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. For all who wish to embrace art in modern day, this film is a rapturous celebration of America’s vast and varied voices, and at the same moment, a stinging question of what it will take to become ‘one hand, one heart.’”
December 2, 2024
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WEST SIDE STORY (2021) – AFI Movie Club
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Comments (2)
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HM
Incredible movie! Steven Spielberg really found a way to make this iconic musical feel new and fresh for a new generation. Ariana DeBose WILL WIN Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita and Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography is unlike anything the genre has ever seen. Highly recommended!
Anthony Janik
WSS Light. Does not have the heat/power of ’61 film. Peck is no Robbins. Moreno steals the picture – again – and delivers an unforgettable “There’s A Place For Us”