The story, as many probably know well, follows the Hollywood movie industry in the late 1920s as they undergo the transition from silent films to "talkies"; it stars Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor as Don Lockwood, Kathy Selden, and Cosmo Brown, though other famed actors dazzle onscreen as well.
Musicals are very comforting films to watch; they are (usually) happy and cheerful and make you want to leap around like a ballerina from the New Work Ballet afterward (I actually do wish my life was a musical sometimes -- it would be so much more exciting!!). Singin' in the Rain not only evokes this feeling of bubbly contentedness, but the setting in time happens to be the Jazz Age, a decade I wish I could go back to experience (a reason why I LOVED Midnight in Paris - a must-see if you haven't already!) It was a reactionary period - following WWI - when everyone just wanted to live freely and well. Although most portrayals of history often romanticize events and leave out the hardships, Singin' in the Rain does capture the sense of hope and inspiration many felt at the time, which is what really makes me love the movie!
Besides that though - the costumes are amazing!! I especially love the over-the-top flapper dresses worn by the character Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) - they are covered with all sorts of glitter and feathers! Another aspect of wardrobe that caught my eye: the rainbow of fringey flapper outfits from the number "Broadway Melody Ballet" when Don sings and dances in a speakeasy for the final scene of The Dancing Cavalier. The dresses range from hot pink to orange to purple and yellow! If I could ever get my hands on something like those I seriously would wear it out with a simple little coat!
Hope this inspired you to go have a musical marathon! I'm off to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's!
- Sophie
P.S.
Here are a few old photos of flappers from the 1920s:
No comments:
Post a Comment