The Trendsetter for Musicals

Splash Jam Chronicles: Singing in the Rain, where umbrellas breakdance and puddles critique your dance moves! ☔🕺

You ever had that one film that changed everything for you? That turned your world upside down and shook you to your core?? I’ve had so many conversations with other people who list some incredible films like The Shawshank Redemption, The Dark Knight and many more. 

But for me, it’s a really old film, a musical that I first saw when I was very young, one that left a deep impact and continues to do so. 

Singin in the Rain: a timeless tale of love, friendships and the changing face of movies. 

This film has stood the test of time and is considered by many as one of the greatest musicals of all time. It has appeared on several lists of “Films to watch before you die”. There are numerous reasons for this film to be my absolute favorite film of all time. 

First Film Love

Alt Text: Image of the poster for Singin in the rain

Image Source: Britannica 

One of the most significant reasons being that it was one of the first films that I ever saw. It was a film about film and how cinema changed for the better when silent movies were replaced by talkies and how it affects the lives of the stars and crew in a production house. It striking colour palette, the chirpy songs and the quizzical characters are always alive in my memory.

A Complete Package 

Alt Text: Image of the set design in Singin in the rain

Image Source: OGUNQUIT Playhouse

Two for the wholesome nature of the film. Not once is the film ever vulgar, or preachy. The storyline is well written and is rounded off perfectly in the end. Everything from the main characters to the side characters have been crafted with the right mix of sweet and funny. My favorite has to be Lina Lamont, played by Jean Hagen. Her high-pitched, shrill voice paired with her naive yet innocent personality makes her such a standout character. They make you feel for every character. Everything from the characters to the set designs to the costumes are incredibly well crafted and fit the era that the movie is set in.

Let’s Dance the Night Away 

Alt Text: Image of the three characters: Don, Cathy and Cosmo.

Image Source: IMDb

Three, the song and dance sequences. Singin in the rain has some of the most fun, energetic and fast paced dance sequences I have ever seen in any musical. It is incredible with how much energy and passion they all dance to beats as they talk about what a Good Morning it is or How Cosmo Brown believes that you should Make Em Laugh. The dance numbers are cute, quirky and have been etched in my brain since the first time I saw the film. 

The Gripping Narrative 

Alt Text: Image of one of the most iconic shots, Don Lockwood dancing to the title track Singin in the rain. 

Image Source: Story Telling

Four, the powerful storyline. Even though singin is a musical, the storyline is important and it carries the plot forward. It especially tackles a rather tricky subject: the switch from silent films to talkies, but it handles the subject matter with ease and carefulness. The difficulties that come with it, the challenges that they face and the consequences for their actions are all handled really well. 

Conclusion 

Alt Text: Image from one of the dance sequences, Gotta Dance

Image Source: The Washington Post 

In the end, this film is incredible in every aspect, shape and way to me. It holds a dear and very special place in my heart and I will always look at this film with much joy and love. There are some films that I wish I could erase from my brain so that I can watch it all over again and be mesmerized by it and this film tops that list.