As you may have noticed, I tend to get hung up on film structures and timing. Not sure why but I live for opening scenes, I'm totally enthralled by filmmakers who can stick landings (i.e. the ending -- so difficult) and sometimes I just get hung up on random timed ideas like 20:07, first and last or Halfway House.
Using Singin' in the Rain for a screenshot series is kind of like cheating because every single thing about it is delightful.
"AAAAAAAAA" Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelly sing, 51
minutes into the most purely pleasureable 102 of film, ever.
minutes into the most purely pleasureable 102 of film, ever.
I love the "Moses Supposes" number for the electricity of the dancing but I always thought it was so weird that the boys decide to bury their vocal coach in random props to end the number.
Now I propose that this pile-up is merely a neat coded illustration of the movie's generosity. Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly literally can't stop themselves from entertaining you. In most movie musicals "Moses Supposes" would be an unquestionable highlight. Here it's just a break inbetween (and simultaneously about) the movie's best recurring gag: Lina Lamont's inability to speak. Consider and marvel that "and I caaaann't stand 'em" comes immediately before this dance number and Lina and Don's hilariously disastrous 'Recording in Session' immediately follows it. This movie is all about piling it on. No breaks. Unless they're wildly entertaining dance breaks.
It's not an "AAAAAA". It's an "A+"
