Review of Singin' in the Rain (1952) by Arth J — 24 Apr 2018

Singin' in the Rain (1952) is one of the first ever musical romantic comedies, and although at first it didn't get the attention it deserved, it has since become known as a classic. Many critics consider it to be the greatest movie ever made and it consistently lands on must-see lists, including AFI's Greatest Movie Musicals and Sight & Sound Magazine's 50 greatest films of all time, 2017. Today it stands out among its contemporaries, such as On the Town 1949), Annie Get Your Gun (1950), and An American in Paris (1951) as a representative of the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Its male stars, Gene Kelly and Donold O'Connor, were two of the biggest musical and comedy actors in Hollywood at the time, but Singin' in the Rain is known as both of their best projects. Debbie Reynolds' breakout role was opposite Kelly in Singin' in the Rain as romantic lead Kathy Seldon, launching her into a lifelong film career.

Set in the late 1920s, the film follows the performing duo Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Cosmo Brown (O'Connor) as they transition from putting on vaudeville shows to silent films and finally to talking films or "talkies". The plot line of entertainment innovation mimics the development experienced by the industry at the time of release. Singin' in the Rain was filmed in Technicolor, so every visual element is used to embrace this new technology. Picturesque sets and lighting are emphasized in wide shots on sound stages, contrasting between aesthetic images and the reminder that beauty in the film world is manufactured. The costumes are made in bold colors and flashy materials while remaining era-appropriate, and compliment both the dancing and the characters.

As a romantic comedy, Singin' in the Rain checks all the boxes. O'Connor's performance earned a Golden Globe award and his song "Make 'Em Laugh" is a textbook example of a hilarious musical number. Kelly's vast experience as the leading man is balanced by Reynolds' freshness and lightheartedness and their portrayal as a couple in love is convincing. However, unlike more recent romantic comedies, Lockwood and Seldon are a team for most of the film. A key component of the plot is his pursuit of this young dancer, but the story continues once they are a couple and they begin to solve problems together. They never experience challenges in their relationship so once Lockwood is secure in his romance with Seldon, his emotional range is exhibited in relation to his annoyingly shrill costar Lena Lemont (Jean Hagen).

While it is not perfect, Singin' in the Rain comes pretty close. In addition to experiencing a blissful 100 minutes, everyone should see this film because it teaches about the roots of an art form that is often taken for granted. Singin in the Rain allows a window into time that will soon disappear from memory. As a great example of both a large-scale musical and a romantic comedy, Singin' in the Rain will always remain relevant.