Podcast Summary: Sentimental Garbage - "West Side Story with Jensen McRae"

Released on January 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Sentimental Garbage, host Caroline O'Donoghue is joined by Jensen McRae, a multifaceted artist known for his musical talents. The discussion centers around the classic film "West Side Story", exploring its cultural significance, thematic depth, and enduring legacy. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes, critical analyses, and broader societal implications, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of the film's impact.

Personal Connections to "West Side Story"

Jensen McRae opens by sharing his childhood obsession with "West Side Story," describing how the film dominated his formative years. He reminisces about watching it repeatedly during a family trip to Jamaica in the mid-2000s, highlighting the film's deep-rooted influence on his early life.

Jensen McRae [01:05]: "I just remember finding it, like, intolerably long. But as a child, I felt it was so long because it didn't really capture my interest. Yet, I gravitated towards it and watched it every single day."

Caroline notes the universality of "West Side Story" as a cultural touchstone, comparing it to other beloved musicals like "Dirty Dancing" that resonate differently across generations.

Representation and Cultural Identity

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on representation within "West Side Story." Jensen, being biracial, reflects on how the film served as one of his early exposures to diverse representations in mainstream media. He emphasizes the importance of seeing oneself mirrored on screen, especially during a time when such representation was scarce.

Jensen McRae [03:03]: "As a person of color, there are things that I choose to enjoy even though they offend my sensibilities. West Side Story is a perfect example of enjoying art from the past despite its flaws."

Anita adds her admiration for Rita Moreno's character, acknowledging the film's shortcomings while celebrating the exceptional performances that transcend its era.

Anita [05:22]: "Rita Moreno is obviously the best character in the film."

Musical Mastery and Theory

The conversation delves into the musical composition of "West Side Story," with Jensen providing an insightful analysis of the song "Maria." He discusses the song's intricate music theory, highlighting the use of the tritone interval—a choice that conveys the tumultuous emotions of falling in love.

Jensen McRae [19:27]: "The interval between notes in 'Maria' feels like falling in love because it's very uneasy, scary, uncomfortable, alarming. It exemplifies how it feels to be falling in love."

Anita echoes the emotional impact of the song, appreciating its balance between beauty and underlying melancholy.

Themes of Love, Violence, and Youth

"West Side Story" is portrayed as a narrative that intertwines love and violence against the backdrop of racial tension in 1960s America. Jensen reflects on how the film resonates more profoundly in the present day, considering the ongoing societal struggles.

Jensen McRae [10:49]: "Watching a film about racial tension now feels more poignant. It doesn't feel antiquated anymore; it resonates with the current divisiveness in society."

The hosts analyze the characters of Tony and Maria as archetypes representing universal love stories, contrasting them with more complex secondary characters who embody various facets of masculinity and femininity.

Artistic Choices and Cinematography

The episode explores the cinematographic techniques used in "West Side Story," such as the vibrant color palette and immersive dance sequences, which serve as both storytelling devices and artistic expressions.

Jensen McRae [25:11]: "The coloring in the film is like its own character. It's so bright and purposeful that you really feel like you're there."

Anita criticizes modern musicals for lacking the tangible effort and practical effects that make classic musicals like "West Side Story" feel authentic and emotionally engaging.

Anita [30:23]: "I think 'West Side Story' is what I want. Just beautiful sets and a still fucking camera."

Gender Dynamics and Societal Reflections

A critical analysis is presented on how "West Side Story" portrays gender dynamics and the societal roles of men and women. Jensen discusses the juxtaposition of women seeking independence in America versus men clinging to traditional male dominance, highlighting the complexities of immigrant experiences.

Jensen McRae [18:27]: "Men are considered subservient and deferent to white men. It sucks, especially for those who are not straight, cisgender white men."

Anita connects these themes to contemporary issues, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the film's commentary on gender and power.

Depiction of Violence and Sexual Assault

The hosts engage in a nuanced discussion about the portrayal of violence and sexual assault in "West Side Story." Jensen compares the film's use of dance as a metaphor for conflict to more explicit modern depictions, arguing that subtlety can sometimes convey the message more effectively without overwhelming the audience.

Jensen McRae [37:36]: "Having dance as a stand-in for fighting, having dance as a stand-in for the implication of sexual assault is actually quite profound."

They critique contemporary media for either over-graphic representations or insufficiently nuanced portrayals, advocating for a balanced approach that respects the gravity of such themes.

Enduring Legacy and Future of Musicals

The episode concludes with reflections on the legacy of "West Side Story" and the future of musical cinema. Jensen expresses optimism about the resurgence of practical effects and authentic artistic efforts in an era dominated by digital and AI-generated content.

Jensen McRae [72:44]: "There's going to be a reemergence of practical effects. People are going to make art that feels deeply human, and that will become a status symbol."

Anita shares her hopes for the future, emphasizing the importance of preserving the craftsmanship and emotional depth that define classic musicals.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Jensen teases upcoming music releases and encourages listeners to follow his social media for updates. The hosts express their appreciation for Jensen's insights and contributions, fostering a sense of community and anticipation for future discussions.

Anita [79:46]: "I love talking to you, and I hope you'll come back on the podcast again soon."

Jensen McRae [77:18]: "New music is coming. Keep an eye out."

Notable Quotes:

• Jensen McRae [01:05]: "I just remember finding it, like, intolerably long. But as a child, I felt it was so long because it didn't really capture my interest. Yet, I gravitated towards it and watched it every single day."

• Anita [05:22]: "Rita Moreno is obviously the best character in the film."

• Jensen McRae [19:27]: "The interval between notes in 'Maria' feels like falling in love because it's very uneasy, scary, uncomfortable, alarming. It exemplifies how it feels to be falling in love."

• Jensen McRae [25:11]: "The coloring in the film is like its own character. It's so bright and purposeful that you really feel like you're there."

• Jensen McRae [37:36]: "Having dance as a stand-in for fighting, having dance as a stand-in for the implication of sexual assault is actually quite profound."

This episode of Sentimental Garbage offers a deep dive into "West Side Story," blending personal experiences with critical analysis to unravel the film's multifaceted dimensions. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful commentary, Caroline O'Donoghue and Jensen McRae illuminate the lasting significance of this iconic musical in contemporary culture.