Rita Moreno’s Documentary Shows Her Life’s Trials and Tribulations
One of the biggest performers of her time, Rita Moreno surpassed every barrier to become the legend we know today.
Rita Moreno
“Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It” is a feature length documentary film released in 2021 which details the life and career of legendary actress Rita Moreno. The film explores her journey throughout her life in the acting world, and the many challenges she faced along the way. As someone who immigrated from Puerto Rico to New York city as just a young girl, Moreno holds immeasurable experiences and wisdom that she shares with audiences in the film. As an actress who started from nothing but ended up becoming one of the most accomplished performers in the entertainment industry, Moreno graced the world with her talent and spark throughout her numerous iconic performances.
She started in Broadway at the young age of 13 in “Skydrift” and later gained recognition as a dancer in films and on television. She is mostly known for her role in the musical “West Side Story” where she played Anita in the 1961 film adaptation. She earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and made her the very first Latina to win an Oscar. Moreno’s career spanned many genres and formats, from film, television, and theatre. Not only is she a performer, but she also uses her platform as an activist in the industry.
The documentary not only acts as a biography of Moreno’s life, but also as a film that educates audiences on the racial and gender discrimination she faced, and how these challenges were and are still very present in Hollywood and the entertainment industry today. Through her roles in “West Side Story” and “The Electric Company”, Moreno discusses how despite them being roles that gained her well-deserved fame, it also came with a heavy price. From sexual assault, pay gaps, and an unfair working schedule, Moreno faced many battles on the road for success. She also chronicles the toll this took on her and how her mental health declined in times where she felt utterly alone in the industry and felt like she couldn’t go to someone to ask for help. Interestingly, her struggles also forged her into having the desire to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry and she offers an inspiring insight into what she hopes for the future.
One of the main takeaways from the film is that Moreno’s success truly came as a result of her unwavering hard work and determination, resilience in the face of adversity (including sexism and racism), and numerous other challenges in her professional career. The film emphasizes Moreno’s role in breaking barriers for Latino performers in the industry as she was at the time, one of the very few Latino actors landing major roles. She became an inspiration for Latinos around the world and trailblazed a path for other Latinos to enter the industry after her. She spoke a lot on the power of representation in media and how she felt she needed to be the one to represent those in her community and be the actress other Latinos could look up to. She commented that strong representation has a positive influence and impact on audiences, especially for marginalized communities who often times don’t see themselves represented on screen. Moreno’s career and many accomplishments (including winning an EGOT), stood as inspiration for many as she proved the American Dream is possible and that hard work is capable of carrying you to great success.
Additionally, the documentary also highlights how Moreno is continuously advocating for diversity, inclusion, and equality within the media industry and around her world. By sharing her intimate stories about her early career where she was confronted with a lot of discrimination, it proves why she is so passionate about helping others and ensuring younger performers don’t face the same inequalities that she did. Through her interviews, she also encourages audience members to utilize their platforms and creative outlets for positive social change.
I found Rita Moreno’s documentary to be incredibly interesting and most of all uplifting. Her journey to success was in no way an easy one, but her strong will and perseverance helped her push through difficult times and come out on the other side. Her vulnerability in the interviews allowed audience members to connect with her story and empathize with the struggles she faced as a young girl and performer under the spotlight. The interviews from her family, friends, and other actors in the industry also prove the profound impact she had on them and how her work has changed the lives of so many. Moreno’s warm and bright energy are captivated in all of her performances, and her will to use her struggles and experience for change is a true inspiration and testament to her legacy.
Rita Moreno in ‘Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For it’ / Maramara Films