critiques (singin in the rain)

The Sound of Singin

A Critique of the Use of Sound in Singin ' In The Rain

I . Introduction

1952 was a stellar year for Hollywood , with the release of one of the greatest musicals ever produced - Singin ' In The Rain . Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly - who also topbills the show - the films was also dubbed MGM 's Technicolor Musical Treasure . Joyously musical and utterly witty , Singin ' In The Rain was a real homage to Hollywood itself

The story revolves around the transition from the tradition of silent films

to the advent of sound in cinema , which completely changed the landscape of filmmaking , cinematography , and acting . The fact that the movie is a musical lends an even more significant case to the discussed , and offers an effective juxtaposition to the featured hits and misses in the discovery of sound . Gene Kelly controls the whole film , which is really a show , from start to finish his energy , agility and dancing prowess are truly inimitable , and the performances of the supporting talents only helped to showcase Kelly 's superb movements Actress Jean Hagen was effective as the glamorous-yet-untalented Lina Lamont , whose high-pitched and squeaky voice provides the perfect foil to her fabulous beauty . A young Debbie Reynolds plays Kelly 's romantic interest , a fresh new dancer who could - surprise , surprise - also sing making her the most logical

ghost voice ' for the clueless Lamont . All these pivotal situations in the film work around the use of sound , as well as its importance in creating the mini-plots within the larger one

II . Don Lockwood and Singing in the Rain

The most memorable scene in the whole film , for generations of audiences , is the Gene Kelly-trademarked singing underneath sheets of rain , umbrella in hand . Kelly displayed some of his most nimble and graceful twists , turns , jumps , and skips , all times precisely to the utterly delightful title song , Singin ' In The Rain

As clear as one could hear the song being sung by Kelly was the impressive register of other sounds in the whole scene , background elements yet crucial to the completion of the sequence . The sound of pouring rain - not a gentle shower , but not a thunderstorm , on awnings and sidewalks and umbrellas - and the sound of Kelly 's feet dipping into pavement puddles , as well as the occasional slips and slides across cement splashed with water , were all completely captured and utilized to convey a few minutes of Kelly 's Don Lockwood 's realization of being in love . Much effort was obviously made to make the sound distinct and recognizable , and the same was given its visual counterpart - such as mixing milk with water was a creative solution to the concern of the rain not being visible enough . Also notable is the spare use of cuts and montage , only counting ten shots for the whole 5-minute sequence much of it was done through long takes , which was truly a great test for the talents and endurance of Kelly , which he passed with...