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Something's Coming: West Side Story

Something's Coming: West Side Story

2021

PG

Runtime

42 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Incredible video behind-the-scenes with the stars, Steven Spielberg, and see one of the last interviews with the legendary Stephen Sondheim.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

5.8/10

Fair


Category Breakdown

Does Something's Coming: West Side Story have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on the technical and artistic execution of the film's central romantic and racial conflicts. No LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisnormative identities are present in this footage.

How does Something's Coming: West Side Story portray gender?

Fair

The film explores the agency of female leads like Maria and the efforts to ensure women possess narrative weight. It highlights portraying women as central drivers of the tragic arc.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something's Coming: West Side Story?

Excellent

The production emphasizes authentic casting to avoid historical whitewashing. It centers on the immigrant experience and the complexities of the Puerto Rican diaspora with significant depth and agency.

How does Something's Coming: West Side Story represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary examines critiques of the 'American Dream' through the lens of systemic prejudice. It focuses on the sociological impact of social and legal institution failures.

Does Something's Coming: West Side Story include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific mention or depiction of characters or individuals with visible or invisible disabilities within this documentary.

Strengths

  • Prioritizes ethnic authenticity through deliberate, non-whitewashed casting choices.
  • Provides a deep exploration of the Puerto Rican immigrant experience and urban identity.
  • Highlights the narrative agency of female characters within a tragic framework.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks any representation or discussion regarding LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Provides no visibility or mention of individuals with disabilities.

Score Reasoning

The documentary serves as a sophisticated study of how intentional casting and narrative framing can disrupt traditional cinematic hierarchies. It excels by documenting a production that prioritizes ethnic authenticity and actively challenges the historical tendency toward whitewashing in musical theater adaptations. While the work provides a deep look at the immigrant experience and the empowerment of marginalized identities, it lacks specific content regarding LGBTQ+ or disability representation. The focus remains primarily on racial and gendered dynamics within the context of the mid-century setting. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a meta-textual examination of how systemic failures and social prejudices shape the stories we tell about marginalized communities.

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