ET 13: BOY MEETS GIRL: TWO TREATMENTS

 Top Hat's musical number- Isn't it a Lovely Day

Singing in the Rain's musical number- You were Meant for Me

            According to Chairman Rey, “a movie begins when a world in an uneasy state of equilibrium is broken into by an event.” The event in the case of the two movies which we will be discussing is “boy meets girl.” In “Top Hat” for instance, Fred Astaire meets Ginger Rogers by tap dancing in the room above hers and disturbing her sleep. In “Singing in the Rain,” it was when Gene Kelly (Don) drops into the car which Debbie Reynolds was driving. In musical comedy, we learn that in some occasions, things are expressed through song and dance. When we watch the two musical numbers “Isn’t it a Lovely Day” and “You were Meant for Me,” we don’t pay much attention to the subtle elements that make up the number, but on the contrary, each element that makes up these musical numbers is there for a reason.

            First, the mise-en-scene in “Top Hat,” in the number “ Isn’t it a Lovely Day,” seems very subtle, but each element expresses something. The costumes that both Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers wear do not take up much space and they seem very fitting. The purpose for such a design is so that the two people would be able to move around a lot as they dance. Moreover, the design of the costume as well may seem very simple and yet, very refine. The setting scene for the number “Isn’t it a Lovely Day” is set when both, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are caught in a gazebo during a rainstorm. The weather of the rain gives the two of them the perfect excuse to be stuck together. The sound of thunder shows Ginger Roger’s vulnerability, but also gives a way for Fred Astaire to express his feelings for her in a song. Thus, the opening begins. The weather can also be a symbol of the passion growing between them, in terms of the thunder, lightning and rain. 

            In the case of “Singing in the Rain,” in the number “You were Meant for me,” the colors used for the costumes worn by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds are very light and simple. This creates a sort of psychological state in the audience where by they feel relax and easy because of the colors. The design is simple, symbolizing that there is no complications in their relationship and that they are real people. They are a real man and a woman who are in love; not needing to put up a fake front for the public and wearing complicated clothing to show off material wealth. The setting used in the number “You were Meant For Me,” can be analyzed in terms of realism. Gene Kelly also known as Don Lockwood uses a variety of cinematic illusions to transform an empty dark studio into one of the most beautiful and romantic settings we usually see on film. He creates this dream-like world by transforming the backdrop into a sunset, adding a little “mist from a distance,” and turning on “500 kilowatts of star dust.” Moreover, Debbie Reynolds looks somewhat more dazzling under this setting as compared to when we usually see her; this makes the audience understand how the magic of Hollywood can make actresses look so beautiful. When such a truth is revealed, the audience then contradicts what is real and what is not.

                  There is a major difference in the choreography and acting in both the numbers “ Isn’t it a Lovely Day,” and “ You were Meant For Me.” In Top Hat, we see how Ginger Rogers is portrayed to be this strong and independent lady who does not seem at all interested in Fred Astaire. Yet, we know that she is interested from the occasional glance at him and the little smile she has on her face. She is just playing hard-to-get. The audience can see how Fred Astaire is completely head over heels in love with her, and the expression on his face can tell much. His expression looks like he is a little silly, carefree and happy regardless of the “bad” situation that they are in. There are two angles from which the audience can look at his acting. Firstly, his facial expression can be seen as him showing the girl his confidence and reassurance that he is the guy for her. Another way in which the audience can see it is, Fred Astaire making an effort to get Ginger Rogers to notice him because his facial expression shows a sense of desperation.

 

      In relation to that, their dance tells a story. In the beginning, we see how Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire mirror each other, following the other’s dance steps. This indicates their interest for one another, yet we can sense a hint of hesitance from them. The dance is a form of courtship until the two of them finally have the first touch. When that happens, the music hits a momentary pause and then intensifies; symbolizing how the passion of two people finally clashes and it overwhelms them. It overtakes their body and it feels like the only way for them to express themselves is through tap-dancing at a faster pace with more intensity and excitement.

                      In the case of “Singing in the Rain,” in the number “You were Meant for me,” the love interest between the two characters; Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds is clearly shown and portrayed in their acting. The audience can feel their love by just observing the way the two characters look at each other. A lot of emotions are conveyed through the soft gestures of Gene Kelly as he climbs up the ladder whilst serenading to her. His soft gestures can possibly symbolize how precious Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) is to him, like a fragile glass that he has to take extra care of. On the other hand, Debbie Reynolds expresses occasional looks of uncertainty, wondering if it would be possible for them to be together. Her limited movements and stiff postures throughout the number as she acts symbolizes her fear of being hurt or her fear of expecting the worse out of the relationship. Yet, their dance tells a different story. Gene Kelly takes her hand and they initially start to walk around the space first. This indicates that they would take their relationship slow and take baby steps first. Gradually, it leads up to Gene Kelly leading Debbie Reynolds through the dance. He is reassuring her that everything would be okay and that they would take things as they come. As they dance across the room in a waltz-like tap dance, the audience can feel that the relationship has grown more solid and that both the characters are confident in themselves and each other. The way they dance across the room indicates that the world is theirs and nobody can bring them down.

           In conclusion, both the numbers; “Isn’t it a Lovely Day” and “You were Meant for Me,” both exhibit truly classical and original “Boy meets Girl” moments. In both the numbers, the feelings exchanged by two characters create depth and gives life to the songs and dances. Personally, I can see why these films were well-recognized in its time and day and are still being appreciated to these present times.