Natalie Wood, the luminous star of West Side Story, brought undeniable talent and beauty to the role of Maria. However, contrary to popular belief, she did not perform all of her own singing; instead, her vocal performance was a combination of her own work and that of renowned singer Marni Nixon.
The Unveiling of Maria’s Voice
The question of whether Natalie Wood sang in West Side Story has fueled decades of debate and speculation. While Wood did indeed record her own vocals for the film, ultimately, only a small fraction of her singing made it into the final cut. The decision to dub most of her singing with Marni Nixon, a professional vocalist, was a controversial one, shrouded in the complexities of Hollywood filmmaking at the time.
The Studio’s Rationale
The studio, United Artists, cited the need for a stronger, more polished vocal performance to match the demanding requirements of Leonard Bernstein’s score. This rationale stemmed from a perceived lack of consistency in Wood’s vocal strength and range. In truth, the industry standard at the time favored professional singers for musicals, even when actors possessed some vocal ability. It was seen as a way to guarantee a commercially successful soundtrack.
Marni Nixon: The Unseen Star
Marni Nixon became the voice of Maria, painstakingly matching her vocal delivery to Wood’s acting performance. Nixon, a seasoned dubbing artist, also famously provided the singing voices for Deborah Kerr in The King and I and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. While uncredited for many years, her contributions to West Side Story are now widely acknowledged and celebrated.
The Controversy and Its Legacy
The practice of dubbing vocals without proper credit sparked significant controversy. Natalie Wood’s disappointment was palpable, as she felt it diminished her contribution to the film. This incident, along with similar cases, helped pave the way for greater transparency and recognition for dubbing artists in the film industry. While Wood’s acting prowess remains undeniable, the controversy serves as a reminder of the hidden labor and artistic compromises often involved in creating a Hollywood musical masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Natalie Wood and West Side Story
FAQ 1: What specific songs did Natalie Wood not sing in West Side Story?
Natalie Wood’s singing voice was largely replaced in the major musical numbers, including “Tonight,” “One Hand, One Heart,” and “I Feel Pretty.” While some fragments of her voice may be present in the ensemble numbers, Marni Nixon primarily handled the solo vocals.
FAQ 2: Did Natalie Wood know she was being dubbed during filming?
Yes, Natalie Wood was aware that she would be dubbed, although she reportedly hoped that more of her own voice would be used in the final cut. The full extent of the dubbing, and the impact on her perceived performance, likely caused frustration.
FAQ 3: Was Marni Nixon credited for her work in West Side Story?
Initially, Marni Nixon was uncredited. However, her contribution eventually became public knowledge, leading to increased recognition and compensation for her and other dubbing artists. She now receives considerable acclaim for her work.
FAQ 4: Why wasn’t Natalie Wood trained to sing better for the role?
The decision to dub was likely driven by a combination of factors, including the studio’s desire for a flawless vocal performance and the perceived time constraints of the production. Extensive vocal training would have added considerable time and expense to the project. Furthermore, the established practice of dubbing favored using professional singers regardless of actors’ existing vocal skills.
FAQ 5: Did any of the other actors in West Side Story have their voices dubbed?
Yes. Richard Beymer, who played Tony, was also dubbed. His singing voice was provided by Jimmy Bryant. This underscores the common practice of using professional singers in film musicals of that era.
FAQ 6: Did Marni Nixon try to imitate Natalie Wood’s speaking voice?
Marni Nixon’s primary task was to match the feeling and acting of Natalie Wood’s performance, rather than directly imitating her speaking voice. She focused on conveying the emotional nuances of Maria’s character through song, ensuring that the vocals seamlessly integrated with Wood’s on-screen portrayal.
FAQ 7: Is it possible to hear Natalie Wood’s original singing recordings from West Side Story?
Yes, some recordings of Natalie Wood’s original vocal tracks have surfaced over the years, often as bonus material on special edition releases or through unofficial channels. These recordings offer a glimpse into her vocal abilities and the artistic vision she brought to the role.
FAQ 8: How did Natalie Wood feel about being dubbed in West Side Story later in her life?
While never explicitly expressing outright anger, it is widely documented that Natalie Wood harbored some disappointment regarding the dubbing. She felt it detracted from her overall performance and her artistic contribution to the film.
FAQ 9: What impact did the West Side Story dubbing controversy have on the film industry?
The controversy surrounding the dubbing in West Side Story, and other similar instances, highlighted the ethical considerations of using uncredited vocalists. It ultimately contributed to a greater awareness and increased recognition for dubbing artists within the industry.
FAQ 10: Does the 2021 remake of West Side Story also use dubbing?
No. In Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of West Side Story, all of the actors performed their own singing. This marked a significant departure from the original film and reflected a shift towards greater authenticity in musical performances on screen.
FAQ 11: Where can I learn more about Marni Nixon and her career?
Marni Nixon wrote an autobiography titled I Could Have Sung All Night: My Story. Numerous documentaries and articles also explore her life and career, offering insights into her contributions to some of Hollywood’s most iconic musicals.
FAQ 12: What is Natalie Wood’s most significant contribution to West Side Story, if not her singing?
Natalie Wood’s acting performance was central to the success of West Side Story. She brought a vulnerability, passion, and depth to the character of Maria that resonated with audiences worldwide. Her captivating screen presence and emotional portrayal remain enduringly memorable, overshadowing the dubbing controversy for many viewers.