This Hollywood classic is one you can watch a million times (and might have already if you’re a Media Studies student). The MGM picture is such a pleasure, deconstructing and poking fun at the artifice of late 1920’s Hollywood while indulging in the same grand and enthusiastic fabrication.
In the years since its release, Singin’ In The Rain has been an important touch point for audiences, critics and academics alike. Almost every aspect has been approached and considered critically. If there’s a particular conversation that interests you, production, choreography, star image, race, gender, costuming, whatever, there’s an abundance of discussion and knowledge surrounding this film.
Donald O’Connor is such a stand out throughout the entire film. His musical talents, comedic timing and pure athleticism are so impressive, and especially stunning on the big screen. During filming O’Connor had to go to hospital for multiple injuries, as well as exhaustion. Even upon a rewatch, his performance is surprising. The dialogue is similarly pleasurable; it’s quick witted and consistently amusing. Despite the age of the film, it rarely loses its charm.
Singin’ In The Rain is also responsible for generating some of the most iconic imagery in Western film history. Umbrella twirling and spinning around lamp posts can be seen everywhere, from BTS’s ‘Boys with Luv’ to Tom Holland’s beloved Lip Sync Battle performance. It even earns a referential spot in the cinematic masterpiece Robots (2005). And what better reason to visit such a classic, than to enhance the meaning and gravity of Robin Williams’ best, most unappreciated film.