Revisiting Singin’ In The Rain — teenager views classics
Rest in peace Debbie Reynolds
If there’s one picture that is truly timeless, it must be Singin’ In The Rain. With the passing of the classic film star, it seems only fitting to discuss the greatest classic of all. The lovely Debbie Reynolds joins Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor in a musical tale that would last throughout the ages, enchanting audiences for decades to come.
The 1952 technicolor spectacle follows silent movie stars Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lemont (Jean Hagen) in the transition from silent films to talking pictures. While Don is an experienced musician, co-star Lina seems less fit for the new audio driven film industry. And so, chorus girl Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) is brought in to be Lina’s voice and save the picture.
The comedic story is interesting, comfortably paced, and has enough depth for the characters to rely on. Still the plot can only take us so far. Instead Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen choose to dazzle audiences with the most enduring iconic musical numbers. “Singin’ In The Rain”, “Good Morning”, and “Make em Laugh” capture the tone and heart of the film so perfectly, and with it they capture the heart of its viewers.
The choreography of the songs, as well as the staging and movement in the spoken scenes, are unique and keep you glued to the screen. The usage of movement rather than dialogue to convey emotion turns every scene into a work of art. Not to mention the wonderful vibrant colors in the setting, enriching each frame.
On this solid foundation Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds shine, almost upstaging leading man Gene Kelly. The three bring foolproof performances to the film, breathing life into the amazing witty dialogue. They tie the story to the amazing song and dance with such energy, and deliver the iconic sequences in such a way that makes them… well, iconic.
Sitting comfortably at a whopping 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film has certainly proven to still mesmerize anyone who sees it today. Though Debbie Reynolds has sadly left this world, she will continue to delight and inspire us as Kathy in this timeless picture, which could very well be my personal favorite film of all time.
