Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly (1952) Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Since seeing this film, I have had the music stuck in my head. I mean that in the best possible way. It’s absolutely infectious. It easily tops the list of “I Have Gone Too Long With This Movie Not in My Life.”
Don Lockwood (Kelly) is a silent film actor who earned fame and fortune acting opposite Lina Lamont (Hagen) in romantic dramas. However, talkies have just been introduced and Lina’s voice matches her personality. They get the idea to dub over Lina’s lines with Kathy’s voice (Reynolds), who had met Don through a very unconventional way.
I love Cosmo Brown (O’Connor). God, the most adorable character in the history of film, am I right? (I am totally right). I love “Make Them Laugh” and the witty one-liners.
The dance numbers are a sight to see. What I love about the Golden Age of Movie Musicals that we don’t get too much anymore are the fantastic to watch dances. They about as realistic as a world where people randomly sing, but also just as infectious. I know that some musicals are better suited to a minor about of choreography, while others seem to exist just to show it off. Singin’ in the Rain has the right mix: It’s got great music as well as the dances to match them in energy and talent.
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Best movie ever, obviously. And yes Cosmo Brown is the cutest character ever! Donald O'Connor was my first major celebrity crush in middle school, and he still sort of is. He's just amazing.
oh, I love him, I love him. Because seriously? Sweet, funny guy who can do a ton of stunts as well as sing and dance? With those bright blue eyes? Love him!
Also, I love the pre-West Side Story musicals because they leave the camera still for long enough, and keep it pulled back far enough, so you can actually see what the dancers are doing. The camera and tight editing can make a few seconds of anyone look like Gene Kelly but only Gene Kelly could look like Gene Kelly when the camera was just recording!
I definitely agree! And the camera movement in Singin’ in the Rain is really interesting to begin with– but the use of long takes combined with the long shots give the audience a much clearer sense of Kelly’s talent or the scope of the choreography.