Singin’ in the Rain: A Gift to Cinema
Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
“Gotta dance! Gotta Dance! Broadway Rhythm, it’s got me, everybody dance!”
Don Lockwood
With unbounding creativity, stunning choreography, vibrant technicolor, and timeless songs – Singin’ in the Rain stands the true test of time as classic cinema. The film is directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, both of whom do a masterful job with the execution of the film. It follows the plot of the gradual transition in Hollywood between silent films to “talkies.” Don Lockwood and his pal, Cosmo Brown, experience whirlwind success as they come up from nothing to suddenly becoming something after Don receives a big break. Upon the success of his new-found career as a leading man in a silent-film next to the crass, Lina Lamont, Don is impressed with his accomplishments. However, his sense of self is challenged after an encounter with Kathy Selden, a chorus girl, unbeknownst to him. His pursuit of Selden causes tension between him and Lena amidst this grand transition in film.
Gene Kelly, as Don Lockwood, is everything needed for a leading man in an MGM musical – charming, funny, and he can break out into song and dance at any moment. He is followed closely by Donald O’Connor as Cosmo Brown, who provides comic relief and goes toe-to-toe with Kelly’s moves. Lina Lamont is played by Jean Hagen, who does a masterful job of crafting an annoying, opportunistic film star. Debbie Reynolds, as Kathy Selden, held her own with the greats as she managed to complete the rigorous choreography and portray an adorable character.
There are so many instances where this film succeeds that it is nearly impossible to categorize the star quality it possesses. The choreography of the songs were all diverse and the most beautiful had to be the Broadway sequence with Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly. Even the title song “Signin’ in the Rain” invoked feelings of satisfaction and proves to be a treat upon any watch. A solid, memorable soundtrack composed by Arthur Freed, Nacio Herb Brown, and Lennie Hayton made certain that all of the songs would be catchy. The plot carries the movie along well and comes to a satisfactory end. The technicolor is vibrant in every scene and brings a whimsical feeling to the production.
This is a classic – a timeless piece of visual art – that will be cherished for generations to come.
The Island Cinephile 
