West Side Story
Cinematography in West Side Story
The opening sequence is one that few films can rival- I have heard it being described as a 'city symphony'. Abstract cityscapes fade into actual overhead shots of Manhattan. There is an aerial shot of a bridge and some cars over a river. The camera then starts to use tracking shots of freeway junctions, boats, tower blocks and Central Park to show the industrial areas. These shots are important because the rest of the film is set in the urban area, so this is the only view we get of the surrounding scenery. Then there are tracking shots of Manhattan, the stadium, suburbs and tenements to show the "turf" of the gangs. High angled shots like these make you feel important when watching them- it makes you feel like you are looking down and spying on the lives of others. The camera closes into a long shot of the playground as seen from the roof top. This sets the location and brings us down into the 'world' where the gangs rule. We move in closer and closer until we're at street level in a rough neighbourhood and in the midst of an unruly and aggressive street gang. The zoom is often used when something dramatic happens, so when the camera starts to move in, it grabs your attention, and you know that the action will start soon. The camera cuts to a close-up of Riff (leader of the Jets) and the other gang members clicking. These first few minutes create anticipation and exhilaration which entice the viewer with exciting camera techniques.
