Film Review – Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

It’s about time that I went back to the era of classic cinema to discuss some of the finest films of the 20th century.  The first of which is Singin’ in the Rain, the timeless musical about the first talking pictures in Hollywood.  The film made Gene Kelly one of Hollywood’s best leading men, and gave us tunes to hum for decades.  The following review will be spoiler free.

Synopsis

Singin’ in the Rain is directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly and also stars Gene Kelly along with Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor.

Don Lockwood (Kelly) has come from humble beginnings to be a star in the silent era of Hollywood.  He’s often cast in films alongside Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) as the two have developed quite the “relationship” that’s big with moviegoers.  However, The Jazz Singer, the first talking movie, has sent waves through the industry, forcing Don and the rest of Monumental Pictures to rapidly change.  As a result, the studio fast-tracks the production of The Dueling Cavalier to compete in the transformed medium.  The problem is that Lina’s voice and “talents” aren’t suited for the talking era and their isn’t a great understanding of the technology at hand.  Don, Cosmo (O’Connor), and Kathy (Reynolds) are forced to think on their feet to save the movie.

Also, people break out into song and dance.  That point seemed sort of important to point out.

Background

As you can probably imagine, Singin’ in the Rain was not the easiest film to make.  In fact, each of the three main stars had to handle some type of ailment.

Gene Kelly performed the classic dance sequence in the rain with a serious fever.  David O’Connor spent days in the hospital after his famous number since he smoked four packs of cigarettes every single day.  As for Debbie Reynolds, she had to deal with her feet bleeding after long choreography sessions.  In fact, Singin’ in the Rain was so difficult for her that she later claimed that the film and childbirth were the two hardest things she ever accomplished.

For all that work, Singin’ in the Rain was merely a modest hit for MGM.  It was not until years later that filmgoers started to revere the film as one of the best ever made.

image via Cineaste Magazine

Musical Numbers that are Unparalleled

It goes without saying that Singin’ in the Rain has unbelievable musical numbers, but even that rhetoric somewhat undersells the brilliance in the film.  The choreography is very appealing from a visual perspective, blending rich, bold colors with great fluidity of movement.

However, the greatness truly lies in the abilities of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and David O’Connor.  Today’s actors just aren’t bred the same way as this trio.  Each set piece has very limited cuts, if none at all.  The abilities of these actors are fully on display without any of the usual “movie magic.”  They aren’t just actors, they’re athletes.

The greatness of these numbers doesn’t stop there.  Each song has its own emotion that it exudes.  One dance will be purely comedic, another one will be loving, and the one after that will be pure bliss.  The music, dancing, and actors come together to allow these emotions to be fully realized in the most entertaining of ways.  There have been other musicals that boast similar technical talents.  However, no other film has accomplished the same level of feeling.

image via Heights Theater

Great Comedy of All Different Kinds

Everything about Singin’ in the Rain is simply delightful, and this feeling has a lot to do with just how hilarious the film is.  This classic has every single kind of comedy blended into its streamlined narrative.  There’s elements of physical comedy, comedy of manners, high comedy, low comedy, romantic comedy…I could go on all day.  For these reasons, Singin’ in the Rain is instantly rewatchable.

Comedy in Singin’ in the Rain cannot be discussed without praising David O’Connor.  Gene Kelly’s partner in crime in the film is the source of a lot of the laughs.  He’s certainly well known for his famous dance number within the film, but his quick wit adds just as much humor to make the connective tissue between songs just as enjoyable.  His interplay with Gene Kelly is absolutely lovely.

On a similar topic, one can’t help but fall for Gene Kelly’s grace and talent.  Just look at that gorgeous stare!

image via YouTube

Talk about dreamy!

Singin’ in the Rain is Far More Subversive Than You Think

Many consider Singin’ in the Rain to be merely a “warm blanket” that makes you feel good inside, but it’s actually far more intelligently crafted.  The idea behind the film is the notion of sound and how it can be less “black and white” than you think.  There’s incredibly clever distortion of sound and games being played throughout the movie.  It plays with how you perceive sound, honing in on what you expect to allow clever little Easter eggs to slip underneath that perceived surface.  Everything is in plain sight, it just takes a trained eye to sift throught the information.

One could make an argument that Singin’ in the Rain is more of a satire than an actual musical.  Many movies have lampooned the film industry as a whole.  Many comparisons could easily go to La La Land for that reason. However, Singin’ in the Rain poses a rare duality to its satirical edge that many films lack.  It tackles the obvious tropes of the industry of old like fake relationships, but there’s also that poignant, subtle bite that many films forget about.  Singin’ in the Rain gets into the nitty gritty of the film industry, all the while remaining overtly silly and fun.

image via The Red List

In this respect, this film from 1952 is just as resonant in 2017.

Final Thoughts

To put it simply, they just don’t make them like they use to.  Singin’ in the Rain has become one of the most influential pieces of cinema since its release in 1952, and deservedly so.  Filled with memorable characters, breathtaking choreography, and an unbelievable sense of fun, Singin’ in the Rain has aged like the finest of wines.  It gets an A+.

The film remains Gene Kelly’s best work as a showman.  It shows his great dancing skills as well as his ability to be irresistably fun and charming.  Singin’ in the Rain is a classic example of a film that just makes you smile.

image via ScreenPrism

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