Singin’ In The Rain

Singin’ In The Rain was one of my top choices for movies because this particular film is very famous and talked about, specifically in the dance world. Currently, I’m a dance major, eventually hoping to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Almost the entire basis of the film centers around this extremely “old-fashioned” Hollywood. The characters themselves so perfectly fit the stereotypical film industry. For example, Don Lockwood being this extremely handsome, tall, dark-haired man, leaves everything behind with a great dream: to leave the Midwest, overcome all odds, and become a movie star. This clearly screams typical hollywood film plots. Further, continuing with this premises of the movie being centered around old-fashioned Hollywood, show business is displayed as this very glamorous, high end, almost unattainable, other way of life. From the fancy movie showings of people in crazy expensive clothing, to limos, to red carpets, and extravagant parties, the glitz and glamour of the motion picture industry is highlighted and emphasized greatly throughout the movie. 

Yet, it’s extremely interesting to consider that although this stereotypical Hollywood filled with endless luxurious is clearly present throughout the film, the plot and message strays away from this concept. Specifically near the end, the director had a single choice: continue masking this scandal of Kathy singing to make heaps of money, or do the morally correct thing. In old-fashioned Hollywood, directors and producers would only be thinking about money and their image. So, most likely Kathy would have to continue singing for Lina in the shadows, off-screen, behind the curtain.

 In the very last scene however, after premiering the musical of Duelling Cavalier, the audience raved for Lina to sing live. As per usual, Kathy was placed directly behind the curtain and given the microphone. Shockingly, Don and the directors opened the curtain slowly, revealing the true talent behind the voice. Making the ethical choice was prioritized before any profit or thought about the company’s future. 

This decision not only contrasted the glitzy glamour stereotype of Hollywood but actually shed positive light onto the movie industry as a whole. Lina being able to retain her image at Kathy’s expense, proves that not everyone in Hollywood only cares about the money and pushing anyone down to rise up. It could have been so easy for the producing company to just have kept curtain closed, making endless profit, taking advantage of someone’s talent, and continuing with their own lives. Yet, they didn’t conform to stereotypical Hollywood ways and instead paved a new path: they took a step forward, took action, and demonstrated doing what was morally right.