Mr. Arthur Freed, a true pioneer of cinema, started with an uncredited role in my favorite childhood movie of all time: The Wizard of Oz. Being a virtuoso in film and music, and especially the amalgamation of both…movie musicals, Arthur composed ten completely miscellaneous songs, implemented a somewhat attainable criteria of someone singing in some rain, and told the MGM writing wizzes to “make a story.” A STORY THEY MADE! Singin’ In The Rain, a renowned celebration of musicals, has unashamedly taken my anxious heart and given it an experience I didn’t realize how much I needed. Holding a soft spot for comedies, musicals, and movies about movies, I couldn’t have asked for a better antidote to a brain-wrenching week. (I wrote this back in August of 2022, but I had a b-word of a week this past week as well. This review is just as relevant.)
Starting with the behind-the-scenes, I truly admire every in and out of this film. I simply can’t fathom the preparation for the conception, training, and execution of these numbers. The “Good Morning” stair sequence was enough to stifle a laugh to myself thinking of the undoubtedly many times they slipped and/or tripped. “Make Em’ Laugh” was enough to massage my legs by proxy of Cosmo’s abundant albeit graceful flipping and flopping. Films like these back in the day required a LOT from actors: not only exceedingly great acting chops, but good pipes and twinkle toes. The main trio of Cosmo, Don, and Kathy hold no superior to each other in skill, especially finding out that Debbie Reynolds had only gymnast-level experience in movement up until being cast in this film (not derogatory whatsoever; I could never, but she could).
My passion for dancing I’ve held throughout my life I owe to icons like Gene Kelly. A strong dancer, a charming actor, and a voice like velvet. Tap dancing was especially the expertise at my old studio, and I could watch footage of Kelly’s tapping for hours on end if I had the leisure. The man defies gravity. My aforementioned lifelong zeal for movement made the 13-minute fever dream-esque sequence toward the end of this film so incredibly easy to watch. Anyone willing to tell that good of a story with song and dance can have my attention for as long as they need. Ate up every bit, no doubt about it.
Lesser-but-not-lesser in the slightest elements I died for: COSTUMING! WOW! With a movie as bright and saturated as this one, the most basic suits had me looking up dupes of Cosmo and Don’s “Moses” outfits for Halloween. Anyone reading this..you might be the only one who gets it come spooky season. Those spectator shoes are a bucket list item for my wardrobe, so this is a free gift idea for my loved ones. HEAVY WINK. HEAVY WINK.
Writing: witty, broad, hilarious. “Call me a cab.” “Okay, you’re a cab.” The lack of depth people chastise on this film is a strength in my eyes. This watch isn’t asking you to think deeply on dynamics, motives, or how everything absolutely makes sense. Yet another conversation I had with my bestie mentor was NORMALIZE NOT GIVING SO MUCH CONTEXT in film. Most movies do NOT need the excessive setup of the entire universe it takes place in before focusing on two characters' journeys, so to these "most films" creators: chill. Only thing I would shallowly ask of this one's conjurer is to tie up some loose ends on auxiliary characters, more specifically just Cosmo and Lina to see how their careers flourished (or diminished) in the coming years post-big time fame of their former co-stars/best pals.
It’s a gem, and I’m always eager for a rewatch. Strong believer that film is free therapy, this one topping my list of “watch when life is simply too much.” What a glorious feeling, indeed!
MO
Comments