Review of Singin' in the Rain (1952) by Clayton W — 13 Feb 2011

There's little I can say about Singin' in the Rain that hasn't been said a million times before. A pinnacle of the musical genre, it remains a definitive classic not only in its genre, but for film as a whole. The film playfully chronicles the history of sound in the movies, finding humor in everything from microphone placement to hilariously overdone sound effects. It's all good, goofy fun that also provides a look at what a true revolution in Hollywood looks like (not quite what we're experiencing with our current fascination with 3-D).

Of course, the best parts of the movie are its unforgettable musical numbers. Gene Kelly, perhaps the definitive musical actor, sings and dances his way with the utmost poise and ease, making each step look as natural as can be. His take on the title number gives me chills, so simple in its execution but so profound in its simplicity. Other highlights include the slapstick "Make 'Em Laugh," a showcase for the elastic comedy stylings of Donald O'Connor (and recently redone by Joseph Gordon-Levitt on SNL and on Glee, as well), and "Good Mornin'," a stellar dance sequence featuring all three leads.

The odd duck of the film is the extended "Broadway Melody" sequence, that at once pays homage to the musical films that came before and, at the same time, celebrating the fact that Singin' in the Rain is not one of those films. Beyond that, the colorful, hyper-theatrical fantasy serves as another showcase for Kelly's mastery, so even if it sticks out like a sore thumb, at least the throbbing digit is wonderfully rhythmic and beautifully red.

Other musicals are flashier, have a grander scope, or perhaps even more hummable songs, but no other musical can claim to be as much of an essential classic as Singin' in the Rain, a film that gets better with each subsequent viewing. That's the sign of a true classic amongst classics.