“Could We Not Dye It Red at Least?”: Color and Race in West Side Story

Abstract

:West Side Story's (1961) harmonious integration of music, dance, and cinematography is evidence of its effective transposition from stage to screen. However, despite the film's ostensible unity on the level of structure and style, one cannot ignore the strong sense of dissension present in terms of racial conflict in the film, which is played out through the film's color. This article argues that this disunity expressed through the film's color, as well as the “chromophobia” that runs throughout the film, are indicative of a deeper fear of miscegenation which lies at its core.

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