I used to think this movie was too artistic. The dances may be very outstanding, but they didn't arouse my interest at all. I was wrong. This movie must be watched from beginning to end in one breath, otherwise it will cause "too elegant" misunderstandings. The dance inside is indeed exaggerated, but its expressive techniques are in place and the thoroughness of emotions is beyond doubt. Whether it's the awkward dance in the Ballroom, the minuet dance between Tony and Maria, and the burlesque dance that laughed at Gee Krupke and today's society, it left a very deep impression. So that when I saw half of the movie, a classmate next to me couldn't help but ask me, who is the choreographer of this show? Jerome Robbins, later a master of choreography for "The Violinist on the Roof" and "The King and Me".
Bernstein's name can be said to be quite impressive. I have known for a long time that this person has a high status in the classical music world, and I can only look up to the music civilians who listen to musicals. But surprisingly, I was able to enjoy the music of the West End very much. The songs of the West District are naturally different from ordinary pop music, but just like the dances in this show, it meticulously portrays the waves of the characters' feelings. Sometimes romantic, sometimes bold. The confrontation between Jets and Sharks at the opening, the enthusiasm of the dance contest between the two sides during the dance, the charm of Maria...Each song is so appropriate. Especially the part of the dance party, from the enthusiastic awkward dance, to the pair dance between Tony and Maria, and later Tony sang his passion for Maria. The whole process went perfectly and gracefully, and people have to sigh the magic of love.
Finally, let me talk about the lyrics of Sondheim. I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics during the whole process, maybe because it is very appropriate. The most impressive one is Maria:
Maria, Say it loud
There's music playing
Say it soft
It's almost like praying
Maria ....
The most beautiful sound I've ever heard
Maria ....
I don’t know any of the actors in the movie version [Forgive me], but their performances impressed me very much, especially Tony, Maria, And Riff.
This movie can indeed be regarded as one of the more elegant musicals. Although it is a popular singing method, the music processing is full of classical performance skills and exquisiteness. It is a rare masterpiece.
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