POST 38: Component 01 (Exam 1) 1930 - 1960 - Micro Elements of 'Singin' in the Rain'

MICRO ELEMENTS OF 'SINGIN' IN THE RAIN' - 1952

 YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME

The costume and make-up: Both characters have clothes that blend with the background of the sunset backdrop. They are also fit for dancing which is a large aspect within this scene, and much of the film. Kathy's costume blends into the background and the main light more than Don's, this could suggest the importance of her character within this scene, as she is now the focal point of the song. However, as Kathy's dress is blending into the sunset backdrop and Don's white shirt and trousers stand out could suggest that Don is comfortable and confident within their surroundings, whereas Kathy is less so, and is use to blending into the background. However, as Don is constantly looking at Kathy, as an audience the focal point will move from his white costume, to his gaze, then to Kathy. Kathy has different close ups in this scene and the rest of the film, these are frames that show how beautiful she is by making her almost look glowing by the use of lighting and her make-up, being very subtle and innocent. The purple dress could also show her innocent and dream-like look on life, even through she is still there and more realistic than he is. In the final frames of this scene her costume is scene flowing in the wind, whereas his remains still suggesting her significance to him. Almost as if he is protecting her from the wind, these frames are also the only time where he is higher than her on the stepladder as she is finally feeling secure and comfortable with Don. 

The props: in this scene the props include: the wind blower, rows of lights, an individual purple light and the step ladder used throughout the scene. As the camera remains still as Don is looking up the step ladder towards Kathy, within the frame it is almost just the two main characters and the sunset backdrop, intimate and romantic, however we are reminded of their surroundings through the props, mainly being the purple light and the stepladder. This could portray how Kathy is feeling uneasy with his confidence and persona in his world of being an actor that is known for dating his co-star. The image on the right is a screen shot showing how the props remind the audience that they're in a studio, and that their reality is only constructed. The step ladder is a significant prop within this scene, as Kathy is constantly near it, almost acting as a safety blanket for herself against Don. It also implies that she is more comfortable by remaining near it, and can almost hide behind it. However Don in the scene also uses the stepladder as a barrier between the two, almost to comfort Kathy, to show that he is not attempting anything inappropriate that other men in his position may try. 

The location: is set in a film studio, which is constructed by Don who is confident within this location. He has utilised with the location and the props that are available, to create a fake constructed reality. This is then used as a metaphor as to how Kathy feels, as her fear about Don is that his life and love is only a constructed reality.

Character movement/ performance: This had been an important aspect within this scene to show how both characters are feeling. During this scene both Don and Kathy use all of the props in the studio, as they move around the set, this is achieved theatrically as multiple dramatic, grand hand gestures are used as Don introduces the location to the audience and Kathy. Don is at a loss of words, but then takes her into the set of a movie, as this is where he is most comfortable and confident, in order to have the right setting in which to exclaim his love. 

The lighting: 

Is one of the most important aspects of this scene, as the location is introduced by Don, the scene begins with minimal lighting, and the silhouettes of the pair. Once Don turns the rows of lights on the huge set is well lit. The lighting in the beginning allows the audience to clearly see the scale of the set and how confident Don is within this area. Most of the scene includes a purple light placed next to the giant fan, this is in the same colour theme as the  sunset backdrop, therefore keeps the colour consistent. The purple is a romantic colour, with connotations of calmness and serenity, perhaps suggesting that Don has taken Kathy there so that she can begin to feel this way around him.

Camera angles and movement:

As this scene is mainly a song and dance, it had been important for the camera to move along with their sequence. In the beginning, as the large location is introduced - an extreme wide shot is used to exaggerate and enhance the space used within the studio. As Don introduces the surroundings and props in the studio tracking shots are used to follow his movements. 

Editing: 

The editing is minimal within this scene, as it relies heavily on the camera angles and movement. This scene is edited in a chronological order meaning that the audience can view every aspect of the characters movement within the scene. The editing process allows the viewers to see who the character is talking too which brings the plot altogether and makes the scene understandable. The close ups/ medium close ups shown in the one minute mark, are the most use of editing within this scene, as they change between Don and Kathy, through this we can follow both of their gazes as they are clearly looking at each other. 

Diagetic and Non-diagetic Sound: 

In the beginning of the scene, as Don is introducing the large location, non-diagetic music is played, this is a song that is romantic and prospering for the both of them. As it is non-diagetic the audience can really fall for their relationship, however, Kathy is still seen as being distant and aloof, therefore this music symbolises the emotions off of Don instead. As Don is introducing Kathy and the audience to the new location diagetic sound is used as there dialogue builds the scene in the beginning. Their singing is also another aspect of diagetic sound. 

GOOD MORNING

The costume and make-up: Both Cosmo and Don are in similar outfits. This signifies how humble Don is within his career as he is wearing the same clothes as his life long friend who is not as famous. However, the outfits could just be a cinematic decision to create symmetry when they all dancing, as Kathy is generally between the two. The colours of the suits are both quite subdued and muted, which are the opposite to others used in the film, therefore creating a contrast between the muted colours against the bright colours that the audience that the audience is used to seeing throughout the film. Kathy's costume is also quite muted, this could be to highlight the surroundings more than the characters themselves, or just to show them singing and dancing in sync. As they are all wearing dull colours the repetition and patterns created through their dancing allows the audience to focus more on the theatrical performance more than their make-up. Kathy also has minimal make up within this  scene, a casual blush and mascara is not too important within this scene as no close ups of her face are used or needed as to show her beauty, unlike the 'You Were Meant For Me' scene, as the audience must look at her in the same way Don will see her.

The props: In the beginning of the scene, when they are all in Props are constantly used throughout this scene to firstly show how extravagant Don's home is, and to secondly  be used during their theatrical song and dance. The props used within the dance include the set as a whole as well as: a chair, a foot stall, rain coats and hats. Most of these props highlight Dons wealth, including the random artefacts traced around the rooms, such as the old paintings with grand frames, as well as gold plated objects surrounding the location. The image shown is a print screen that highlights the large amount of props that are used, and how they have used them to accessorise their dance. 

The location: is set within Don's extravagant home - as a well paid, famous actor his wealth is clearly shown within this scene. This home is created by a large movie set, as the characters move so does the camera, to follow their movement and to show off the home. 

Character movement/ performance: As there are three characters within this scene, the complexity of this scene is commendable as their synchronisation is perfect during most of the scene as they dance. 

The lighting: 

The use of lighting throughout Singing in the Rain is three-point lighting.  Three-point lighting is a “lighting style based upon three primary sources of light, a bright key light and slightly dimmer fill light to the upper right and left sides of the camera, aiming at the subject to create a three-dimensional appearance with soft shadows, and a backlight placed behind the subject and aimed at its back to create a rim of light that separates it from the background". This style of lighting helps keep the focus on the main characters in the movie and help keep the audiences eye focused on them. The lighting also looks as 

Camera angles and movement:

As this scene is mainly a song and dance, it had been important for the camera to move along with their sequence. In the beginning, as the large location is introduced - an extreme wide shot is used to exaggerate and enhance the space used within the studio. As Don introduces the surroundings and props in the studio tracking shots are used to follow his movements. 

Editing: 

The editing is minimal within this scene, as it relies heavily on the camera angles and movement. This scene is edited in a chronological order meaning that the audience can view every aspect of the characters movement within the scene. The editing process allows the viewers to see who the character is talking too which brings the plot altogether and makes the scene understandable. The close ups/ medium close ups shown in the one minute mark, are the most use of editing within this scene, as they change between Don and Kathy, through this we can follow both of their gazes as they are clearly looking at each other. 

Diagetic and Non-diagetic Sound: 

As Don, Cosmo and Kathy are discussing in the beginning about their new idea Their singing is also another aspect of diagetic sound. 

FINAL SCENE

The costume and make-up:  Kathy has different close ups in this scene and the rest of the film, these are frames that show how beautiful she is by making her almost look glowing by the use of lighting and her make-up, being very subtle and innocent, as this shown at the end, her face is still glowing, however now crying - still with perfect make-up, shows how she is still innocent. Her make-up and costumes contrast against Lina's, which is alike in everything else including her voice. Kathy's dress is subtly beautiful, where she can easily blend into others in the crowd, as well as her simple hair style. Her dress is also quite similar to the one that she had been wearing in the 'You Were Meant For Me' scene, where we are reminded of the love between Don and Kathy by comparing it to when they first had danced together, the use of a pink dress (similar to purple) suggests that the delicate colour could means sweet, playful, romantic, charming, feminine, and tender - contrasting against her anger and embarrassment once the curtain reveals her. Lina's hair is accessorised with a large hair band, as well as an eccentric jewelled dress, this costume could suggest how Lina is feeling superior and glamorous, thinking that she could use Kathy's voice to carry her career. In terms of the male characters they al have their classic suit and bow tie. 

The props: in this scene the props include: a stage, a large viewing crowd and theatre curtains that eventually reveal Kathy and her voice. The microphone on stage shows how the props can illustrate the time  Overall, though this scene does not rely heavily on props to create an atmosphere, instead all other aspects allow for an emotional response, including the characters performance. The props within this scene successfully capture the essence of a film viewing at the time.

The location: is a premier of The Dancing Cavalier, and we see the audience/crowd loving it, as we see their reaction, comically their favourite aspect of the film being Lina's voice. The location is the most realistic from the movie, as most is a film set, whereas this had been in a movie Chinese Theatre. 

Character movement/ performance: As this is a scene with no dancing the acting 

becomes more important, for example, when the curtain reveals Kathy she looks frustrated and embarrassed, and not shown through dance. There is a comical element within this scene as the audience (watching the film) understand that Kathy is behind the curtain, and when the men - Cosmo, Don and Simpson are mocking Lina we can also laugh at their actions. 

The lighting: 

The use of lighting throughout Singing in the Rain is three-point lighting.  Three-point lighting is a “lighting style based upon three primary sources of light, a bright key light and slightly dimmer fill light to the upper right and left sides of the camera, aiming at the subject to create a three-dimensional appearance with soft shadows, and a backlight placed behind the subject and aimed at its back to create a rim of light that separates it from the background". This style of lighting helps keep the focus on the main characters in the movie and help keep the audiences eye focused on them.

Camera angles and movement:

As this scene is mainly a song and dance, it had been important for the camera to move along with their sequence. In the beginning, as the large location is introduced - an extreme wide shot is used to exaggerate and enhance the space used within the studio. As Don introduces the surroundings and props in the studio tracking shots are used to follow his movements. 

Editing: 

The editing is minimal within this scene, as it relies heavily on the camera angles and movement. This scene is edited in a chronological order meaning that the audience can view every aspect of the characters movement within the scene. The editing process allows the viewers to see who the character is talking too which brings the plot altogether and makes the scene understandable. The close ups/ medium close ups shown in the one minute mark, are the most use of editing within this scene, as they change between Don and Kathy, through this we can follow both of their gazes as they are clearly looking at each other. 

Diagetic and Non-diagetic Sound: 

As Don is introducing Kathy and the audience to the new location diagetic sound is used as there dialogue builds the scene in the beginning. Their singing is also another aspect of diagetic sound.