West Side Story

Well I guess this is as 'American' as you can get both in terms of movies and musicals. In watching this with a critical eye I noticed two things: first, that the songs, while classics in their own right, are not well worked into the flow of the movie (which is no doubt why so many people have parodied the constant breaking into song and dance issue i.e. Family Guy). Second, they manage to take the Romeo and Juliet story line and make it modern. The decision to not kill Maria in the end was genius since it makes it more poignant to have the protagonist live and suffer the loss of her beloved instead of dying in order to tie up the loose ends. Rita Moreno is genius as is George Chakiris. Natalie Wood is a bit off, and overall I feel she was better in Without a Cause.

A Streetcar Named Desire

I've never been a huge Tennessee Williams fan, however I enjoy Marlon Brando, and am in love with Vivien Leigh (no really, I would go gay for her). The film seemed a bit muddled, but from what I understand, it was simply the Broadway production put in front of cameras--with the notable substitution of Vivien who had done the West End production (even more interesting since the only Tony award the production was nominated for, and won, was Best Actress for Jessica Tandy in the role of Blanche DuBois). Overall a well made movie, but as I said, I've never been able to wrap my head around Williams (ironic since I want to see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof). It swept the acting Oscars (Best Leading and Supporting), with the exception of leading male, although Brando was nominated. It was Brando's second film ever.