Was released in the early 1950’s and is widely considered one of the greatest musical films of all time. From a very young age I have been fascinated with all things musical and historical. Growing up, my mother was very old-fashioned and watching television in our home was a rare occurrence. When we did, we watched old-fashioned and clean content movies. At about the age of six I discovered there was an entire movie genre just for musicals. I fell in love immediately. I would venture to say that, over the years, I have watched almost every musical film ever made. Singin’ in the Rain was one of the very first musicals I ever watched. It is still my all-time favorite. Singin’ in the Rain is an iconic classic musical, is historically based and accurate, and has an intricate plot and narrative.
First, Singin’ in the Rain is an iconic classic musical. When it was released in the early 1950’s it was only a slightly popular film. Obviously, it is now considerably more popular. In 1989, the United States Library of Congress selected Singin’ in the Rain for preservation in the National Film Registry (“29 Fun And Fascinating Facts About The Singin’ In The Rain Movie”). Unlike most musicals, this film was not based off a Broadway production. It is also unique in the fact that the music and narrative are fluid. Meaning that the music does not just randomly interrupt the talking. There are scenes in the movie where the music aspect replaces the narrative. I think that this makes the emotions the actors are conveying more dramatic. Gene Kelly’s scene where he sings the title piece “Singin’ in the Rain” is one of the most well-known and duplicated scenes in movie history. It is also very memorable as a scene that is not stereotypical to most rain scenes in movies.
Often, rain is used in dark, gloomy, and sad connotations in films. Singin’ in the Rain uses it for an expression of happiness and celebration. I know it is a bit cliché, but on rainy days when we are stuck indoors, I watch it with my children. Additionally, Singin’ in the Rain is a fascinating and accurate period piece. The movie is set in the roaring 1920’s. This was a time for a lot of cultural changes in America. Movies were silent and in black and white picture in those days. The biggest change in Hollywood being focused on in the movie was the transition from silent films to talking films. The movie portrays some of the difficulties that film directors and screen actors had when “talkies” began being made. The characters had to take voice coaching and work on diction just to act. I find all of this to be very interesting to see depicted. The 20’s are considered to be the golden age of Hollywood. From the flapper girls, cars, costumes, and the lavish Hollywood studio parties the movie portrays the history immaculately.
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Finally, Singin’ in the Rain has an intricate plot and narrative. When it was released America had just been through World War Two. Films from that time period were generally upbeat and gave the feeling of innocence. Singin’ in the Rain itself is actually a musical about making a musical. Technically, I think it would be considered a musical romantic comedy by today’s standards. Along with the aforementioned, this movie also seems to be making fun of Hollywood’s society at that time. There is some definite humor and sarcasm surrounding the ideals of glamourous Hollywood society. For everything that goes on and is portrayed, the movie is so fun and effortless to watch.
In conclusion, Singin’ in the Rain is a timeless classic with great historical content and a unique storyline. The music and dancing are catchy and fun. The costumes and sets/scenes are bright, beautiful, and on point for the era of the storyline. I love this movie so much that I had a bit of a challenge narrowing down what to write. I truly hope that I did it justice. I challenge you to watch it for yourself, it is definitely a film everyone should see at least once. Try not to sing the soundtrack out loud for a week afterwards.
