Singing_in_the_Rain

Singin In the Rain Film Review Josh Mendoza Per.5 2/18/10 Credits Singin in the Rain is a musical film released in the year 1952. The film was directed by actor Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. The producer of the movie was acclaimed musical producer, Arthur Freed. Also, the screenplay was written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Starring in Singing In the Rain was Gene Kelley as Don Lockwood, a popular silent film actor who goes on the transition process into “talkie” films by using music. Along the way, he is helped by his lover Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) and his best friend, Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor). Yet, Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen), Lockwood’s usual leading lady, tries to prove she won’t be showed up by a talent she doesn’t posses. Outline Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is a major silent film star in the late 1920s, along with his usual leading lady, Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen). He enjoys major success, as well as his best friend and piano man in his movies, Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor). Yet, one day on the road he gets criticized by a showgirl, Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), on his “acting” skills and how it is only expression of emotion with no real dialogue. Soon, a new threat appears to the silent film stars as the first “talkie” film The Jazz Singer is released. The film receives positive reviews and the public rushes to it, making it a box office success. With this in mind, the head of Lockwood’s studio turns his upcoming silent film The Dueling Cavalier into a “talkie”. Yet, a test screening of the film it is disliked by the audience, especially at the poor acting of the stars and Lina’s grating voice. Lockwood decides to seek counsel from Kathy and Cosmo on what to do at this problem. They soon conjure up the idea of utilizing music in films, which is a special talent possessed by all three. Yet, Lina opposes this idea as she doesn’t posses this quality and decides to do anything to oppose or get around it. Aesthetics There was a particular scene in the film I liked which was the “Singin In the Rain” dance routine done by Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly). It was unique because it was well choreographed and especially done well in a “pouring” rain. A fact I liked about the routine was the use of diluted milk. The diluted milk in the water made the raindrops show up better in film. Camera angles were also placed really well providing an excellent view of the dance. Opinion In my opinion, I feel that the film had really good music numbers, but a bad dialogue between the characters. The film would serve as the best influence on musical films, by its dance numbers. All the musical performances are a good example on choreography and vocals. Yet, the acting parts lack effort and emphasis by the actors. I would not have it as my favorite movie, but one of my favorite musical movies. Audience An ideal audience that would want to watch this is on that appreciates music and dance unconditionally. An older audience of the film release’s time period should watch it, such as the 1950s, as they would appreciate it more. This film would suit people who love the musical genre or even a follower of Arthur Freed’s work. A younger audience might not appreciate it, as the musical film has progressed throughout the decades.