Movie Review #9: Singin' in the Rain, 1952
I love movies about the movies! In this story, we get singing and dancing and also an inside look at the making of the movies, albeit exaggerated I'm sure. the story takes us back to the time of silent films, exploring the transition into talking films.
The story remains light and fun with it's song and dance numbers. Gene Kelly's fancy footwork left us wondering how many hours of practice a day must he and the others endured. The story attempts to look at the more serious side by suggesting that silent screen actors are merely shadows of their stage acting counterparts, but this too is rather light and easily lost once the singing and dancing begin.
It's so very interesting to see the movies from the inside out...publicity, stardom, fame, talent and the facade are all areas that this film about films looks into. This movie gives an insider's view of a superficial world in which outward appearances mean more than true talent.
After having just enjoyed the movie Hugo in the theaters, I was particularly attune to movies about movies, and had really not thought too much about the subject. Perhaps it was seeing the two movies in the same day that heightened my awareness. As it is story that interests me most, I'm intrigued by the number of movie makers that like to incorporate aspects of their own business into their work.
This movie ranks #10 on the AFI 100 movies list, and it will likely remain a classic for all time!
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