West Side Story (1961) with Becca Ramos
2Digest
This podcast offers a deep dive into the 1961 film "West Side Story," examining its historical context, including Puerto Rican migration and gentrification, and critically analyzing its representation of Puerto Rican characters, use of brownface, and casting controversies. The discussion extends to the song "America," the evolution of characters like "Anybodies," and the film's portrayal of misogyny, prejudice, and police dynamics. It also touches upon the nuances of assimilation, colorism, and the impact of awards on actors of color. Interspersed are recommendations for other podcasts, such as "Two Guys Five Rings" previewing the 2026 Olympics, "I Didn't Know" exploring Black history, "MindGames" on NLP, and "Betrayal" season five. The analysis highlights both the groundbreaking aspects of "West Side Story" and its significant flaws, particularly concerning authentic representation and the perpetuation of stereotypes.
Outlines
Podcast Introduction and Olympic Games Preview
The podcast begins by introducing the "Two Guys Five Rings" podcast, which will cover the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
Black History Month Podcast Recommendation: "I Didn't Know"
The podcast recommends "I Didn't Know," a show that explores lesser-known aspects of Black history, highlighting the story of inventor Garrett Morgan.
Exploring Mind Control and NLP with "MindGames" Podcast
The introduction of the "MindGames" podcast, which delves into neurolinguistic programming (NLP), questioning its nature as a self-help tool or a hypnosis scam.
Podcast Trailer: "Betrayal" Season 5
A trailer for "Betrayal" season 5 is presented, hinting at a marital deception and a life-changing discovery.
Introduction to "The Beckdale Cast" and Feminist Film Analysis
Hosts Caitlin Durante and JB Loftus introduce their podcast, "The Beckdale Cast," which uses the Beckdale Test to analyze films through an intersectional feminist lens.
"West Side Story" (1961) Discussion: Initial Analysis and Guest Introduction
Caitlin Durante, JB Loftus, and guest Becca Ramos begin their discussion of the 1961 film "West Side Story," introducing Becca's podcast "Welcome to El Barrio."
Becca Ramos's "Welcome to El Barrio" and Personal Connections to "West Side Story"
Becca Ramos discusses her podcast on Puerto Rican culture and shares personal connections and evolving relationships with the film "West Side Story."
"West Side Story": Cultural Impact and Puerto Rican Representation Critiques
The discussion focuses on the film's significance for Puerto Rican-Americans, representation issues, and critical examination of brownface and caricatures.
Broadway Origins and Focus on the 1961 Film Adaptation
The conversation touches on the original Broadway production and revisions to the song "America," before narrowing the focus to the 1961 film adaptation.
Early Impressions and Casting of "West Side Story" (1961)
Personal anecdotes about watching the 1961 film are shared, alongside discussions on the casting of Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, and the use of brownface.
Critiques of Lead Casting, Brownface, and Supporting Cast Praise
The problematic casting of white actors in lead roles is discussed, with praise for the supporting cast, including Rita Moreno.
Podcast Trailer: "The A Building"
A trailer for "The A Building" is presented, focusing on student activism at Morehouse College in 1969.
Podcast Trailer: "Two Guys Five Rings" - Olympic Games Preview
A repeat of the introduction for "Two Guys Five Rings," promoting their coverage of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
Podcast Trailer: "Betrayal" Season 5 - Marital Deception
A repeat of the trailer for "Betrayal" season 5, emphasizing themes of marital secrets and discovery.
Podcast Trailer: "The Red Weather" - Disappearance Investigation
Ryder Strong introduces his podcast, "The Red Weather," investigating a disappearance from a commune in 1995.
Analyzing the Opening Sequence and the Jets
The podcast returns from a break to discuss the iconic opening of "West Side Story," focusing on the Jets, their portrayal, and casting choices.
Introducing the Sharks and Casting Controversies
The Sharks are introduced, and the problematic casting of white actors in brownface is highlighted, with specific examples.
Rivalry, "Romeo & Juliet" Parallels, and Creator Backgrounds
The rivalry between the Jets and Sharks is compared to "Romeo and Juliet," with discussion on potential subtext from the musical's creators.
Key Scenes: Dance Fight, Police Intervention, and "Cool"
The dance fight, police intervention, and the song "Cool" are discussed, analyzing their narrative and thematic significance.
Tony's Reluctance and Romantic Idealism
The plan for a rumble is discussed, along with Tony's reluctance to participate and the romantic idealism presented in his song "Something's Coming."
Maria's Introduction, Casting, and Nicknames
Maria is introduced, her casting is discussed, and the use of nicknames within the gangs and their potential racial undertones are explored.
The Gym Dance and Instantaneous Love
The gym dance scene is highlighted for its choreography and Rita Moreno's performance, leading to Maria and Tony's instant connection.
Sondheim's Lyrics and the Pace of Love
Stephen Sondheim's lyrics and the rapid development of Maria and Tony's relationship are debated, comparing cinematic choices across adaptations.
"Gritty" Realism and the Sharks' Experience
The perceived "grittiness" of the 1961 film is discussed, alongside the Sharks' experiences with racial prejudice leading into the song "America."
Balcony Scene and Jets at Doc's Store
Tony and Maria's balcony scene is analyzed, followed by the Jets' gathering at Doc's store and their song about societal perceptions.
Rumble Negotiation and Bernardo's Motives
The agreement for a rumble is discussed, with Bernardo's specific desire to fight Tony highlighted due to his relationship with Maria.
Intermission and the "I Feel Pretty" Scene
After intermission, Maria sings "I Feel Pretty," a scene appreciated for its levity and charm, and its omission in the remake is noted.
The Rumble, Tragic Deaths, and Maria's Reaction
The rumble leads to the deaths of Riff and Bernardo, and Maria's reaction to her brother's death and continued devotion to Tony are analyzed.
Jets' Reaction to Riff's Death and "Cool" Dance Sequence
The Jets grapple with Riff's death, singing "Cool," and the dance sequence is discussed as a representation of emotional repression.
Anita's False Report and Tony's Despair
Anita's false report to Tony about Maria's death, after being harassed, leads to Tony's devastation.
Bernardo's Protective Role and Maria's Immigrant Experience
Bernardo's protective nature towards Maria and their immigrant experience are explored.
Anita's Ordeal and its Tragic Consequences
Anita's harassment and assault at Doc's store lead her to lie about Maria's fate, with tragic consequences.
Tony's Death, Maria's Outburst, and the Ending
Tony is killed by Chino, and Maria confronts the gangs about their violence, leading to a seemingly unified ending focused on hate.
Podcast Trailer: "The A Building" - Historical Protests
A repeat of the trailer for "The A Building," focusing on 1969 protests and historical figures.
Podcast Trailer: "Two Guys Five Rings" - Olympic Games
A repeat of the trailer for "Two Guys Five Rings," promoting their coverage of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
Podcast Trailer: "Betrayal" Season 5 - Marital Secrets
A repeat of the trailer for "Betrayal" season 5, emphasizing themes of marital secrets and discovery.
Podcast Trailer: "The Red Weather" - Disappearance Investigation
A repeat of Ryder Strong's introduction to his podcast, "The Red Weather," investigating a disappearance.
Historical Context: Puerto Rican Migration and Discrimination
The podcast discusses the historical context of 1950s Puerto Rican migration to New York City and the discrimination faced by the community.
San Juan Hill Demolition and Lincoln Center Construction
The demolition of San Juan Hill for Lincoln Center and the displacement of communities are discussed.
Unfulfilled Housing Promises and Difficult Conditions
The podcast details unfulfilled housing promises made to Puerto Rican migrants and the difficult conditions they faced.
Conception of the Stage Musical and Lack of Puerto Rican Focus
The origins of the "West Side Story" musical are discussed, noting the creators' apparent lack of interest in the Puerto Rican experience.
Jerome Robbins and Early Concepts
Jerome Robbins conceived the idea for the original Broadway musical, with an initial concept stemming from Montgomery Clift.
Evolution of "West Side Story": From "East Side Story"
The podcast explores the origins of "West Side Story," initially conceived as "East Side Story" with a focus on anti-Semitism.
Shifting Focus to Street Gangs and Turf Wars
The project was shelved and later revived with a shift in focus to juvenile street gangs and turf wars, inspired by news of Chicano turf wars.
Puerto Rican Migration, Gentrification, and Modern Parallels
The displacement of Puerto Ricans from San Juan Hill due to gentrification and parallels with modern-day displacement are highlighted.
Critiquing the Song "America": Immigrant Struggles and Misinterpretation
The song "America" is analyzed for its valid points about immigrant struggles but criticized for its lack of context and potential for misinterpretation.
Evolution of "America" Lyrics and Gender Dynamics
The lyrics of "America" have been modified over time, altering its gender dynamics and message across different adaptations.
Assimilation, Identity, and the Push-Pull of Immigration
The song "America" reflects the immigrant experience of assimilation, with a push and pull between embracing a new home and longing for the past.
Gender Dynamics and Consumerism in "America"
The song "America" presents stereotypical gender dynamics, with women focusing on consumerism and men on systemic inequalities.
Women's Freedom and Machismo in Puerto Rico
The podcast touches on women seeking freedom in the US due to traditional machismo in Puerto Rico.
"America" as Propaganda and its Softened Message
The lyrics of "America" are described as evolving from overtly racist to a softened version, yet still lacking a complete understanding of the Puerto Rican experience.
Root Cause of Puerto Rican Migration: Economic Exploitation
The podcast argues that America's actions in Puerto Rico led to job losses and forced migration, a history often omitted.
The Role of "White Death" and Unequal Value of Lives
The narrative shifts when a white character dies, highlighting the unequal value placed on lives.
Lack of Context for Sharks vs. Jets
While the Jets' motivations are explained, the Sharks' struggles are often overlooked, with the "America" song being the closest attempt at contextualization.
"West Side Story" as a Flawed Cultural Introduction
The film became a primary, albeit flawed, introduction to Puerto Rican culture for non-Puerto Ricans, overshadowing existing Puerto Rican art.
Representation and Casting Controversies: Hollywood Patterns
The casting of "West Side Story" is examined, highlighting the lack of Puerto Rican leads and Hollywood's patterns of marginalization.
Rita Moreno's Memoir and Hollywood Competition
Rita Moreno's memoir reveals competitive dynamics in Hollywood, including her perspective on Chita Rivera's casting.
The Quest for an Authentic Puerto Rican Maria
Disappointment is expressed over the casting of non-Puerto Rican actresses in the role of Maria, emphasizing the need for authentic representation.
Rita Moreno's Discomfort with Natalie Wood's Casting
Rita Moreno's memoir details her discomfort with Natalie Wood playing Maria, hinting at underlying racial tensions.
The Need for Puerto Rican Directors and Authentic Leadership
The podcast advocates for hiring Puerto Rican directors, arguing that consultants are insufficient for authentic representation.
Consultants vs. Authentic Leadership in Hollywood
The effectiveness of consultants is questioned, with a call for people of color to lead creative projects.
Power Dynamics and Control in Hollywood Inclusion
The podcast critiques Hollywood's reluctance to cede power, suggesting consultants and diverse actors maintain control without true inclusion.
Spielberg's Role and Empowering Directors
The discussion questions why Spielberg directed "West Side Story" instead of empowering a Puerto Rican director.
Accent Authenticity and Cultural Nuance
The authenticity of accents in "West Side Story" is analyzed, contrasting Rachel Zegler's performance with Ariana DeBose's.
The "Maria" Casting Debate: Accent and Missed Opportunity
The casting of Rachel Zegler as Maria is debated, with concerns about her accent and the missed opportunity to cast a Puerto Rican actress.
Colorism and Supporting Roles in Hollywood
The podcast discusses the prevalence of colorism, where people of color are often relegated to supporting roles.
Oscars for Supporting Roles and Systemic Issues
The podcast questions why actors like Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose haven't received more leading roles despite Oscar wins.
Rita Moreno's Post-Oscar Career Struggles
Rita Moreno's experience of struggling to find work after winning an Oscar illustrates challenges faced by actors of color.
Typecasting and Rita Moreno's Desire for Authenticity
Rita Moreno's decision to take on the role of Anita, despite fears of typecasting, is explored, emphasizing her desire for authenticity.
The "Gang Girl" Stereotype and Performance
The podcast critiques how "West Side Story" reinforced stereotypes, with Rita Moreno's performance perceived as a "gang girl."
Brownface and Disregard for Racial Diversity
The use of brownface on Rita Moreno and white actors is condemned, highlighting the production's disregard for racial diversity.
The Trauma of Anita's Assault Scene
Rita Moreno's personal experience with assault and the traumatic filming of Anita's assault scene are discussed.
Critiques of Anita's Assault Scene in the 2021 Adaptation
The 2021 adaptation's handling of Anita's assault scene is critiqued, questioning its continued violence.
Demonstrating Danger Without Graphic Violence
The discussion explores alternative ways to portray danger without resorting to graphic depictions of assault.
Valentina's Intervention in the 2021 Version
Rita Moreno's character, Valentina, intervenes more aggressively in the 2021 adaptation, but the scene's timing and violence are debated.
Skepticism Towards Adding Songs to Classic Musicals
The podcast expresses skepticism about adding new songs to classic musicals, suggesting it often detracts from the original work.
Interracial Relationships in Film: Often Doomed Narratives
The portrayal of interracial relationships in "West Side Story" is examined, with a focus on the idea that such relationships are often depicted as doomed.
"I Feel Pretty" and Internalized Beauty Standards
The song "I Feel Pretty" is reinterpreted, suggesting Maria's confidence stems from a white man's validation, highlighting internalized beauty standards.
Rita Moreno and Doc's Marriage in the 2021 Version
The marriage of Valentina and Doc in the 2021 "West Side Story" is seen as a positive representation of an interracial relationship.
Virgin-Whore Tropes and Character Complexity
The podcast analyzes the virgin-whore tropes applied to Maria and Anita, with Anita's characterization potentially overshadowing her complexity.
Rita Moreno's Magnetic Performance as Anita
Rita Moreno's captivating performance as Anita is praised, making her character compelling despite the potentially problematic "whore" trope.
Aesthetic Differences in "West Side Story" Adaptations
The podcast notes the aesthetic shift in the 2021 adaptation, where Puerto Rican characters are portrayed as more conventionally attractive.
Rivalries and Societal Prejudice
The film explores rivalries between the Sharks and Jets, and their collective struggle against societal prejudice and police brutality.
Propaganda of Poverty and Immigration
The podcast suggests that "West Side Story" implicitly critiques how propaganda fuels animosity between poor white individuals and immigrants.
Police Portrayal: Hollywood-ified Lenience
The police are depicted as somewhat lenient, a Hollywood-ified portrayal that contrasts with harsh realities.
Institutional Views and Biases in Police Portrayal
The podcast examines how police officers reflect institutional biases, favoring the white Jets over the Puerto Rican Sharks.
Jets' Awareness of Police Perception and Classist Assumptions
The Jets are shown to be aware of police perception, while police hold classist assumptions about their families.
Transphobic and Queerphobic Lyrics in "Officer Kruppke"
The "Officer Kruppke" song contains transphobic and queerphobic lyrics, reflecting societal attitudes of the time.
Evolution of the "Anybodies" Character
The character "Anybodies" has evolved from a tomboy in the 1961 version to a more explicitly genderqueer and trans character in the 2021 adaptation.
"Anybodies" as a Genderqueer Character in the 2021 Adaptation
In the 2021 "West Side Story," Anybodies is explicitly identified as genderqueer and trans, played by a non-binary and trans actor.
"Anybodies" Arc and Acceptance by the Jets
The character Anybodies experiences an arc culminating in acceptance from the Jets, signifying a shift in perception.
"Anybodies" and Female Solidarity Dynamics
The podcast discusses how "Anybodies" aligns with whiteness over other women, and how the 2021 version attempts to foster female solidarity.
Pervasive Misogyny in "West Side Story"
The podcast highlights the pervasive misogyny displayed by male characters, particularly Bernardo's controlling behavior.
Bernardo's Patriarchal Beliefs
Bernardo's statements about women's roles reveal his ingrained patriarchal beliefs.
Toxic Machismo and Femicide in Puerto Rico
The discussion touches upon persistent toxic machismo and high rates of femicide in Puerto Rico.
Critiquing the Use of Misogyny to Justify Prejudice
The podcast critiques the tactic of using cultural misogyny to justify prejudice against entire groups.
Tony's Violent Past and Bernardo's Distrust
The 2021 "West Side Story" reveals Tony's violent past, leading Bernardo to distrust him.
The 2021 Adaptation's Attempts at Improvement and Drawbacks
The 2021 adaptation attempted to address issues like racism, but its effectiveness is debated, with Ansel Elgort's casting being a drawback.
Casting Controversies and Allegations of Predation
The podcast criticizes the casting of Ansel Elgort, an alleged predator, arguing it undermines the film's efforts.
The Bechtel Test and Representation in "West Side Story"
The Bechtel test is applied to "West Side Story," with a nuanced discussion on whether the film passes.
The Bechtelcast Nipple Scale Rating
"West Side Story" is rated on the Bechtelcast Nipple Scale, acknowledging its groundbreaking aspects and reliance on stereotypes.
Rita Moreno's Historic Oscar Win
Rita Moreno's Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress is celebrated as a historic achievement for Latina actresses.
Ariana DeBose's Groundbreaking Oscar Win
Ariana DeBose's Oscar win is highlighted as a significant achievement for openly queer women of color.
Conclusion: "West Side Story" - Groundbreaking Yet Flawed
The podcast concludes that "West Side Story" is groundbreaking but ultimately falls short due to stereotypes and its conception by non-Puerto Ricans.
Two Guys Five Rings: Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics Preview
The podcast previews the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games, highlighting the journey from Paris to Italy and athlete participation.
"I Didn't Know" Podcast: Exploring Black History Further
A reminder about the "I Didn't Know" podcast, focusing on untold stories and perspectives within Black history.
MindGames Podcast: Exploring NLP Further
A reminder about the "MindGames" podcast, exploring neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and its various interpretations.
Betrayal Podcast: Season Five Preview Recap
A recap of the preview for "Betrayal" season five, emphasizing themes of marital secrets and life-altering discoveries.
Keywords
West Side Story (1961 Film)
The original film adaptation of the Broadway musical, set in 1950s New York City, depicting a tragic romance amidst gang warfare.
Puerto Rican Migration
The movement of Puerto Ricans to New York City in the 1950s, a key historical context for the film's setting and themes.
Brownface
The practice of non-people of color darkening their skin to portray characters of color, a criticized element in the 1961 "West Side Story."
Intersectional Feminism
An analytical framework used to understand how various social identities create unique modes of discrimination and privilege, applied to film analysis.
Beckdale Test
A media metric used to assess the representation of marginalized genders in films, checking if two characters of a marginalized gender speak to each other about something other than a man.
San Juan Hill
A historically Puerto Rican neighborhood in Manhattan demolished for Lincoln Center, representing displacement and gentrification relevant to the film's context.
Colorism
Prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a darker skin tone, discussed in relation to casting and representation in "West Side Story."
Genderqueer
A term for gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine, applied to the character Anybodies in the 2021 adaptation.
Misogyny
Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women, highlighted in the male characters' behavior in "West Side Story."
Two Guys Five Rings
A podcast previewing the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
Q&A
What are the main criticisms of the 1961 film "West Side Story"?
Major criticisms include the use of brownface for white actors playing Puerto Rican characters, the portrayal of Puerto Rican identity as a caricature, and the problematic casting of leads Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer.
What historical context is important for understanding "West Side Story"?
The Puerto Rican Great Migration to New York City in the 1950s, intense discrimination, and the demolition of San Juan Hill for Lincoln Center are crucial historical contexts that influenced the film's setting and themes.
What is the Beckdale Test and how is it used in the podcast?
The Beckdale Test is a media metric used by "The Beckdale Cast" podcast to analyze films. It checks if two characters of a marginalized gender speak to each other about something other than a man, serving as a feminist lens for discussion.
How does the podcast discuss the representation of Puerto Ricans in "West Side Story"?
The podcast critically examines the film's representation, noting the use of brownface, the simplification of Puerto Rican identity, and the historical context of migration and discrimination, contrasting the 1961 and 2021 versions.
What is the significance of San Juan Hill in relation to "West Side Story"?
San Juan Hill was a predominantly Puerto Rican and Black Caribbean neighborhood that was demolished to build Lincoln Center. This displacement is a key historical element that the film, particularly the 2021 version, attempts to address.
What criticisms are made regarding the casting in "West Side Story," particularly in the 2021 adaptation?
The podcast highlights concerns about the lack of authentic Puerto Rican representation in lead roles, specifically questioning the casting of non-Puerto Rican actresses as Maria. The hiring of Ansel Elgort, an alleged predator, is also heavily criticized.
How has the character "Anybodies" evolved across different adaptations of "West Side Story"?
In the 1961 film, Anybodies was portrayed as a tomboy, possibly with queer coding. The 2021 adaptation explicitly identifies Anybodies as genderqueer and transmasculine, played by a non-binary and trans actor, reflecting a more contemporary understanding of gender identity.
What issues are raised regarding the portrayal of Anita's assault scene?
The assault scene involving Anita is discussed as deeply traumatic, especially for Rita Moreno, who experienced a similar assault. The podcast questions why the scene remained violent in the 2021 adaptation and suggests alternative ways to convey the narrative without graphic depictions.
How does "West Side Story" address the concept of interracial relationships?
The film often portrays interracial relationships as doomed, a reflection of societal attitudes at the time. While the 2021 version includes a married interracial couple, the narrative still grapples with the challenges and prejudices surrounding such unions.
What is the significance of Rita Moreno's and Ariana DeBose's Oscar wins in the context of the film?
Rita Moreno's Oscar win for Anita in 1961 made her the first Latina actress to win an Academy Award. Ariana DeBose's win for the same role in 2021 marked her as the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar for acting, highlighting groundbreaking representation despite the film's flaws.
Show Notes
*finger snap* Jamie, Caitlin, and special guest Becca Ramos *finger snap* discuss West Side Story (1961) finger snap
Follow Becca on Instagram at @beccsramos and check out her new podcast, Welcome to El Barrio!
Â
Â
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Table of contents
United States
