Introduction
The scene from the movie Singin’ in the Rain, where Don Lockwood confesses Katie’s feelings with a song, is iconic. The importance of this scene is conveyed, among other things, with the help of formal film elements, such as the construction of the mise-en-scene, cinematography and sound.
The Mise-En-Scene
The set design represents a misty space, among which two lovers are the central figures, and emphasizes their importance. Among the props, a staircase that seems to lead to the sky requires special attention, which is a symbol of the extraterrestrial origin of the feelings of the heroes. Lighting is muted and has a reddish tint associated with the beginnings of feelings and making the outlines of the characters softer and more delicate. The costumes of the heroes a simple cut and white color, symbolize the simplicity, openness and innocence of the heroes’ love.
Cinematography
The selected camera angle first shows the characters in full growth and then their faces in close–up, replaying how close they have become during their joint history (Singin’ in the Rain 30:35). Camera movement is circular; this solution is traditional for filming love scenes and conveys that the feelings of Don and Katie are felt by them as a flight.
Sound
Diegetic sound is confident, emphasizing Don’s certainty in the power of falling in love. Non-diegetic sounds are absent in this scene, allowing the reader to feel how, at the moment of recognition, the surrounding world ceases to exist for Don and Katie, and they only see each other.
Conclusion
Thus, the features of the construction of the frame of Don singing scene allow for conveying the beauty of the emerging feelings through thoughtful details such as props, costumes, sounds, lighting and camera movement.
Work Cited
Singin’ in the Rain. Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, performances by Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1952.