‘West Side Story’ could get a big opening at the box office thanks to Spielberg and Oscar buzz

news7g12/12/2021

4 3 minutes read

'West Side Story' could get a big opening at the box office thanks to Spielberg and Oscar buzz

“West story, “The remake of the classic 1961 musical by 20th Century Studios, hits theaters this weekend and is expected to have an opening weekend of about $15 million in North America.

That would be a strong start for the movie, which stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler and is directed by Steven Spielberg. But thanks to Spielberg and the stellar reviews that are slamming the Oscars, “West Side Story” might even outpace solid expectations this weekend.

Movie theaters and Hollywood will be keeping a close eye on “Western Tales,” as the industry tries to end 2021 with momentum after a year in which some major films return to theaters and some films. Others start streaming.

Usually, box office wins go to big brands like Harry Potter and Marvel, not big names in cast and crew. But with “West Side Story”, it is the director who can attract the audience.

The Spielberg Factor and the Echoes of Oscar

Spielberg is arguably the most famous director in film history, credited with creating the very concept of the blockbuster with 1975’s “Jaws.” Spielberg’s films – including blockbusters like “Raiders” of the Lost Ark,” “ET The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Jurassic Park” — have grossed more than $4.5 billion at the domestic box office during his nearly 50-year career, according to Common point (THE POINT).

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Is his name alone enough to get people to buy tickets? “West Side Story,” as well as theaters, could certainly benefit from that name recognition this weekend. Spielberg has directed countless award-winning films from “Saving Private Ryan” to “Lincoln” and based on reviews so far, “West Side Story” could be his next film.

Movie keep 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics even saying the new film is better than the original. And that’s saying something: The original has won 10 Oscars, the most for any musical film.

“Whatever the popular reception of this new film adaptation, the ’61 movie is already a 5x movie,” Written Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune film critic. “Spielberg had never done a musical before, but this musical looks like the work of a master of Old Hollywood form – someone who knows when, where and why to move one. the camera records the bodies in rhythmic motion.”

This kind of acclaim could lead to strong ticket sales this weekend as well as the weeks ahead if the film continues to earn Oscar buzz.

Is the musical still important?

“West Side Story” is enjoying plenty of box office success this weekend, but the musical genre has been struggling to find audiences lately.In The Heights, “”To Evan Hansen” and “Cats, “all have been disappointing at the box office, with each film bringing in less than $30 million in domestic ticket sales. But while musicals have had some box office flops lately, the genre has suffered through several major hits, including “La La Land”, “The Greatest Showman” and “Mamma Mia!”

So will “West Side Story” take the high of “La La Land” or be a box office flop, as “Dear Evan Hansen” did? This weekend’s opening numbers should speak for itself.

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Jonathan Kuntz, professor of film at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, notes that “musicals have been successful down the ages for a variety of reasons” but that “from the 1970s to the present, American musicals only intermittent success.”

“Part of this is due to scattered musical preferences,” he said. “In the past, people of all ages could hum tunes from ‘My Fair Lady’, but today, no musical culture unites the world in the same way.”

However, “West Side Story” has one feature that makes it stand out in the genre: It’s one of the most beloved musicals ever made.

“It’s based on one of Broadway’s greatest musicals, with timeless songs, created by the genius of Bernstein & Sondheim, giants of the form,” said Kuntz. “Also… it deals with real-life issues and presents views on racial conflict and reconciliation that can resonate with modern audiences.”

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