In West Side Story, it was interesting to see group violence, without showing any actual violence. Even though the story is a more modern portrayal of Romeo and Juliet, I believe they differ in many ways. My favorite way that West Side Story differs is the role that women play within the film. During the time this play and film were made, women were allowed to vote, but were still struggling (and still are) to gain equality. Women are viewed more as objects and possessions in this world of rival gang dancers, who intimidate others with what would be considered as flowery language by today’s standards. However, the one exception to this rule is Anita. Although she is Bernardo’s woman and he has a sense of power over her, she still seems independent and free-spirited. This character is not afraid to explore and display her sexual drive, but she does this in a way that does not seem forward or trashy. On the other hand is Maria. Maria does whatever Bernardo tells her to, until she falls in love with Tony. When she falls in love, her loyalty from her brother shifts and she is officially Tony’s possession. Even after Tony kills her brother, she still loves him, which is passive and shows an unrealistic level of love. I don’t care how much a guy claims to love me, if he killed a family member, especially the most protective member, there would sure as hell not be a romantic relationship that would sprout out of the death. Women in this feature seem to be held back, and not shown to their full potential, even though they probably wouldn’t think they had potential because they have been told what to do for their whole lives.
Another aspect about West Side Story that I noticed was that even during this time, I doubt the gangs in New York were singing, dancing and hanging out at the soda stand. I know that it is a musical and these are key aspects of that, but it just seems unbelievable to me. I would really just love to see what happens when the Jets meet the Bloods or Crips. What would they think of an all-Caucasian gang that dances, sings and hangs out at a playground?
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