Steven Spielberg & Rachel Zegler On "West Side Story" Spanish Dialog and Why It's His 1st Musical

[@DonostiGros]

Great interview, excellent questions. Totally agree with the character of Valentina being a master-stroke, she's like a bridge between both communities, brings so much depth into the story… Rita Moreno, what an extraordinary woman.

[@StilettoJill]

Thank you!

[@kathleenklein4231]

Agree, Rita Moreno at her age has survived it all! Loved her solo.

[@girardowens6166]

Rachel Zegler will be playing the role of AOC when do do a movie about her .

[@russellziske7385]

Yuck

[@marknewton6984]

And it will lose $$

[@welles2002]

I'm Puerto rican and I hate the Latin X and no subtitles is absolutely stupid

[@stargazer5073]

Omgoodness, I subtitle all movies 🎥.

[@GiantSandles]

Why the fuck would I see a movie where I can’t understand 20% of the dialogue lol

[@StilettoJill]

You don't think you could figure out what's happening on the screen? People do it every day. You'll be ok

[@GiantSandles]

​@@StilettoJill I could probably figure out what’s happening if the screen just went totally blank arbitrarily for 20% of the movie, it’d still be a stupid thing to do

[@StilettoJill]

@@GiantSandles In real life, there isn't always a cheat sheet. You'll be ok should you choose to watch. And you won't be lost as to what's happening. Although you seem a bit hostile, comprehension might be a struggle for you. 😂

[@GiantSandles]

Out of curiosity did you watch parasite without subtitles? Do you think it’s a good thing they showed that with subtitles in countries where Korean wasn’t the main language?

[@StilettoJill]

@@GiantSandles I think that is a different example. The point in this particular film is how immigrant communities exist within the dominant culture. An example of the dichotomy of assimilation while retaining your roots and community. Don't overthink it.

[@pandatotoro]

rip left ear

[@deniseoates7147]

Just watched WSS2 and I tried SAP to bring up the subtitle but did not work, only English was provided. So, my question is what happen with the deaf latinos and non-speaking Spanish viewers being left in the dark on the conversation. Some people say well it not important because you suppose to get the jest of the conversation but that not necessarily true. The actress playing Anita mention about the scene where Bernardo tell her to stay out of Family business, she replies back to him in native tongue and gives him a side look. I am thinking she say all the things I do for you and I am not family? You can get to steppin but no the actress said that she address the topic of skin color. Is this not important to be known by the viewer that this is also a problem of acceptance in the PR culture. Being a black person here in the U.S. I have no native language or culture and because our skin is brown we will always be exclude if skin tone has to be light. We did not come here but was dragged and had to learn this language at the time of English to survive here. It is true the Hispanic language is now an option where you have to press 2 and it included on array of different things and but until other languages are required to get a job and put food on your table, it another effort with everything else people have to take but will probably never use fluently in a conversation. I have met several Latinos, some office co-workers and kids that went to my daughter's school and cannot speak or wish not to (my thoughts I shared is how can you let your heritage that so special go, it hurts because it was whipped away from my ancestors). I had a co-worker/friend who was fluent in his native PR diction, but he did share with me all Spanish is not the same. I was like WHAT?! You can become fluent with the language that constantly spoken to you but for now those that I and my kids are friends with converse in the English language and help their parents if needed. This would have to be taught in elementary and used frequently. I took 1 year of it in high school and walked out that class not able to hold a conversation. How many people know sign language? I feel that Spielberg is overcompensating, like all of us should know and if we have not made an effort too bad. I am sure the script has the translations because the scriptwriter I don't think have Hispanic lineage nor Spielberg. My grandmother raised us not to whisper in a group setting because it comes out as rude because you being excluded (feelings get hurt) and you need to pardon yourself if you have to have a private conversation. In the movie Anton is asking Valentina how to say different statements and all the while I am wondering how is he writing it down on paper (sound like?). I hope and believe Disney+ will be providing the subtitles one day but for now I am checking on youtube to see if anyone has loaded a video breaking down the translation to different scene. I would love to have the whole colorful picture of the conversations in this movie so I will keep looking.

[@BTM866]

"Respect for the language" Yet he says "Latinx" which is a totally made word.

[@SnapeArgento]

agree, i rolled my eyes when I heard it

[@yourcelebrityangle]

it may be invented but it shows respect to some people, you dont have to agree with it but I find it noble for him to use it

[@reginacullen96]

All words are made up

[@Matthewnill]

Wow, I am reading these comments and there are so many varying opinions. Things were done with good intentions behind them. This remake is more than just a film, it represents a step forward. We have to remember that the original from 1961 lacked true Latin representation within its choice of actors and actresses. In the original, there was black face involved and Rita Moreno, Anita in the original, was denied the role of Maria because she was Puerto Rican. A Puerto Rican lead was NOT wanted in 1961. Some viewers may have not understood, but I ask you to put yourself in the shoes of people who are still struggling to receive accurate representation in media. This goes for a lot of other racial, ethnic, and cultural groups too, however, this film concerns Puerto Ricans. As for Spielberg using "Latinx", who knows his knowledge about the Spanish language. As far as I'm concerned, he is not Hispanic, nor Latino. That word represents inclusivity and respect for self-identity, is that not what we want going forward? I understand that "Latinx" does not fit with the gendered grammatical structure of Spanish and that is why there are other terms like "Latine", but again good intent underlies the term. The decision to leave out subtitles in either language affects BOTH English and Spanish speakers. In the United States, there is no official language, but let this be a reminder and an inspiration to you, learn Spanish. Learn Spanish because it is fun, there are more opportunities to travel, communicate, enrich your life, etc. As a matter of fact, learn any foreign language. Who wants to be monolingual in an increasingly globalized world?! By 2050, the Hispanic population in the US is predicted to be closer to the majority. Anyway, I will be surprised if anyone read this, but damn, my hopes for empathy and consideration are low after reading the comments under this video.

[@firstnamelastname7583]

The ACTUAL inclusive thing to do would to subtitle the English parts in Spanish for our 20% Spanish speaking crowd so they can enjoy the rest of the movie…does critical thinking not exist anymore?

[@WillsonT011]

Steven Spielberg a white man trying to tell Spanish people how to speak, how to listen and how to use words😂😂😂😂

[@Graterstuuf]

Exactly

[@alvar534]

Spanish is spoken by millions of white people as mother tongue.

[@WillsonT011]

@@alvar534 yes and I'm sure Steven Spielberg was thinking about those mother's tongue and not trying to Virtue signal at all😒

[@SnapeArgento]

So true

[@josephinemedina9057]

I'd like to offer some perspective to Spielbieerg's decision on this dialogue topic, which I totally understand and appreciated as I watched the film. You see, as a Latina born here in the U.S., it has always felt strange when I've watched movies with Spanish dialogue that is subtitled. For many Latinos whose native language is Spanish, it brings a sense of foreignness and a feeling of being "other." However, with this lack of subtitles, it made me feel as though my native language was just as important and normal as English, and I did not feel this foreign element that often comes with subtitles. this parallels the reality that Spanish and Latin culture is a major component of the American Pot. It also made me a Latina feel more included within our society. For those complaining that they want subtitles to understand what they're saying, the Spanish are pretty easy to follow and as another comment mentioned, it is usually followed by a similar English phrase. In addition, I think to is also important to note that the purpose of this film is not to accommodate English-speaking people. It is an homage to the Latino community and was filmed for the predominantly Spanish-speaking community of Latinos in the U.S. The choice was a subtle but incredibly meaningful choice for people like me, especially in an industry that had traditionally been very white-washed.

[@redflowers6350]

This comment section is full of monolingual people raging 🤣 Lots of love from Paris, France ❤️

[@abaltarbaltar2718]

True! I loved the film, what a great job. Greetings from Colombia

[@marknewton6984]

France is mediocre.

[@SABRISALEEMMOUSTAPHA]

Steven Spielberg The Man of Traveling with the Genius And Great wisemen everywhere Yes Father of Peace Upon Nations And The Meanings of The Old And Sacred Language The Great Man Behind all stars and Scenes ,Rachel Zegler Yes Baby yes true lovers true I watched this from my Heart and Full of Ambitious and The Meanings of Kindness in The near East and Spanish The King of The Language in every moment I See The Work and the Most interpretation ever he is We that we Trust Holy Father Steven Spielberg

[@gaetanomaximus8650]

Great director, great movie, STUPID comment. Should have subtitles the Spanish parts.

[@RagnarokMic]

It’s pretty dumb to omit subtitles in the name of inclusivity, it’s literally the opposite of such.

[@StilettoJill]

Did you listen to his rationale on why he did it? How is it the opposite though? We don't have Spanish subtitles on the English dialog

[@RagnarokMic]

@@StilettoJill If in countries where Spanish is the 1st language, all the English dialogue is also un-subtitled, then fair play, but I'd doubt that. A person who speaks only Spanish wouldn't generally be going to an American cinema, they'd barely understand the movie. The US audience is all going to speak English, with only a portion also speaking Spanish. It's literally exclusionary, which is the opposite of inclusivity, only the bilingual can get the full effect of the film; his rationale doesn't really make any sense, the whole "giving power to the English language" is random gobbledygook. Hopefully when it hits streaming he does the right thing and opens the films to all audiences, since there's sure to be Spanish dialogue options, would certainly be hypocritical in the name of inclusion if closed captions don't include translation. I was looking forward to it, but no reason to put my money towards a film I'm flat out told isn't for me.

[@ericp166]

@@RagnarokMic theaters in Non-English dominant countries usually have subtitles during their films. I wouldn’t be against that in America either partially for more inclusivity with the hearing impaired or those who can’t follow English listening as well without the captains (like my foreign wife).

[@ericp166]

But again yeah I generally agree. Subtitle it but subtitle the entire film too not just the Spanish. He could subtitle the Spanish in Spanish and I think that would fit the same goal.

[@ericp166]

@Francisco Aldana there are! Aren’t there some unsubbed parts of inglorious basterds? I’m not sure if I remember correctly

[@kathleenklein4231]

I am lucky, I spent 10 years in El Paso, and know the basics of Spanish. I wish they had had English subtitles though, part of it I didn't understand. I learned Mexican Spanish, not Puerta Rican.

[@redflowers6350]

I'm french, I learned European Spanish and I understood everything even if it's "Puerto Rican Spanish". Sorry, to say that but it is just an excuse, Spanish is mainly the same language everywhere, of course some words will be different, not a big deal.

[@girlypopv]

@@redflowers6350 literally!! people are just dumb. do they not understand British English? It’s the same

[@redflowers6350]

@@girlypopv I'm not even surprised, people are dumb...

[@robertguirguisdo9728]

For such a great director that was a bone head amateur decision and it shows at the box office

[@marknewton6984]

Idiotic.

[@RagnarokMic]

After watching the movie for a more informed criticism, the fact that CRITICAL lines of dialogue aren't translated makes the move even more farcical, conveying emotion isn't the same as resonating emotionally. Not sure how a master film maker could make such a daft decision, actively hurts the film for non-sense reasons. Also excludes the hearing impaired, pretty ableist there, Bergmeister.

[@manuelvazquez6399]

Muted on purpose.

[@russellziske7385]

Needs subtitles for the Spanish. You wouldn’t have bombed so bad. Not all viewers know the story. Terrible mistake.

[@JoeJohn777]

BULLSHIT !! He has no more idea take make a new movie! His next movie : Rambo 15 ! LOL

[@fredericwild734]

Or was it laziness and greed!

[@joeenglert]

Terrible remake of a great movie..gotta tell you that there is a HIGH SCHOOL production on youtube right now that is much much better than this remake..Straton high school in TX check it out...all talent...no 'razzle dazzle" effects and totally unrealistic production..more money does not make up for bad talent and directing