OLIVIA JONES

Olivia Jones (2016)

 

“Make ‘em laugh!”

 

This quote right here, uttered by funny-boy Cosmo Brown, basically summarizes what 1952 musical Singin’ in the Rain was all about. It’s not often that one can find a movie that hits all of the right spots of humor, drama, and wit. Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, this musical comedy and romance has left a mark on the musical scene to date.

 

Aesthetics always intrigue me when it comes to films. Off the bat, the physical appearance of the actors in this musical was noticeable. Comparing the makeup and looks of today’s movie stars was striking. Kelly’s face was clearly caked with makeup to accentuate his eyes and his teeth were unnaturally white. O’Connor’s bright blue eyes shone through the film, adding a certain pop to the already bright atmosphere. Not only was their physical presence interesting, but also the way in which they spoke. Set in the twenties, the characters embodied the old-timey talk we’ve all come to know and love.

 

Movies and musicals have progressed today to the point that actors don’t have to necessarily be talented and multifaceted to be in a movie. Cinematography and editing have improved to mask unflattering shots and even create a facade of talent. Actors who are just talented at acting and not dancing are substituted for dance doubles which are hidden in precise editing and filmmaking. However, in this film Kelly, O’Connor, and Reynolds had to be triple threats. Each of them had to perform their own choreography, act, and sing thusly.

 

In addition to these skill sets, the way in which this movie was filmed showcased their talents. The use of long shots and continuous musical numbers proved to the audience that these actors did everything their characters did. During [this scene] Kelly and O’Connor danced for five minute straight without a cut in between or resting place. For me, these continuous shots and complex dancing added another element to the story. Not only was I watching the characters dance, I was able to watch the actors dance as well. While I was enthralled by the storyline, I was also impressed with the dance moves and pure talent displayed by the actors.

 

I’ve always described myself as not a musical person, but after seeing this, there seems to be an exception. In most musicals I’ve seen, the transition to song sequences seems forced and unnecessary, though in Singin’ in the Rain, it’s quite the opposite. Each song flows into the next scene with smooth transitions and coincides to make the plot believable. When I watch movies, I watch to follow and understand a story. When songs come in, in the past I’ve felt that they take me out of the story, thus making the whole movie less authentic. In Singin’ in the Rain, however, the songs add another level I didn’t think possible. With the upbeat atmosphere to begin with, the songs act as a complement to the story line, often conveying feelings and emotions the actors wouldn’t have been able to communicate just through acting. An example of this is the famous scene that gave the title to this movie. When Don Lockwood just dropped Kathy Selden off at her apartment with a kiss, he was ecstatic. He was in love, and she loved him too. When one is alone, the expression of emotions is often internal. Someone on top of the world may smile ear to ear and laugh for a bit, but the majority of their glee is in their head. To convey how Lockwood was feeling, “Singin’ in the Rain” was placed on his walk home.

 

Rain is often thought of as a harbinger of bad events or a symbol of sadness, but this movie took this stereotype and blew it out of the water. Despite the cold rain and darkness, Lockwood was happy. So happy, in fact, that he did what was least expected of him and danced. Not only did he dance in the rain, he also shunned his umbrella and embraced the experience (my most favorite part of the movie). Without thinking of the social consequences or even the physical ones, Lockwood let loose and fell into his emotions. This very human performance shone through Kelly’s authentic smiles and loud movements. Without this musical number, I truly believe the audience wouldn’t have been able to really understand the extent to which Lockwood felt happy, free, and in love.

 

Though there were aspects of this movie I would have liked to be different, (no people of color, didn’t pass the Bechdel test, etc), for the time it was produced and even now, this is an incredibly amazing, well-rounded film. From the bright colors and happy songs to the narrative of how the movie industry reacted to the introduction of sound, Singin’ in the Rain is a musical to remember and the perfect piece to show people who are new to musicals.