The Broadway Melody in Singin' in the Rain

Singin' in the Rain is an interesting film because of the way it seems to draw from the past into its storyline.  It shows the history and the background of modern film, starting from silent films to “talkies" and encompasses the history and the transition. Singin' also peels back the layers on the industry and showcases the movie business as a: technology, business, entertainment/art, and cultural product. 

One of the ways it draws from the past is its use of older music and musical numbers. For example, "The Broadway Melody" number is actually from a film of the same name released in 1929. Both numbers have big, bright lights and glorify Broadway while showing behind the scenes. Singin' in the Rain's version has a lot of dance, very similar (maybe even identical) to that from the original movie. However, by the time that Singin' was released, the technology was worlds better than the last time The Broadway Melody was performed on film. The original is obviously trying to show it's new technology of synchonization of sound. This is probably the use of tap dancing in the number. By the time the new-and-improved number was performed, it was a cinematic spectacle. From the colors, extras-use, and elaborate costumes and dance--it was an upgraded call-back for the audience that would recognize it from before. 

     This is perhaps the reason for the use of so much recycled music. It made the film more relatable to the audience who would already be familiar with the songs and understand the intention. It brings it to another level with these satirical elements. It shows off a cockeyed and screw-y time in Hollywood when the songs would just spring up without following the narrative (which was not even necessary) because the studios wanted to show off their big musical numbers.

Sarah Ortiz - Ines Boutemadja - Sam Yassa - T. Michael Woolston