“Why do they just randomly break out into song?” “Because it’s a musical!”
In a world where Marvel blockbusters and suspenseful thrillers often dominate the box office, there is something magical about the movie musical. From the golden age of Hollywood to contemporary cinema, movie musicals have continued to captivate audiences. According to Noah Isenberg’s exploration in The New York Times article “Why Movie Musicals Work” this genre is experiencing a resurgence like never before.
Throughout the article, Isenberg references Jeanine Basinger, and her book, The Movie Musical! Basinger delves into the history and enduring appeal of the movie musical, from the early days of silent film to the successes of movie musicals like La La Land and The Greatest Showman. What sets the movie musical apart, says Basinger, is its unique ability to evoke emotion, transport audiences to fantastical worlds, and communicate complex narratives through song and dance.
Moreover, Basinger notes, “Establish a real place, go into musical performance that is easy to understand (performer in nightclub) and progress into the abstract, taking the viewer along.”
Audiences caught a glimpse of this, this summer, with the infamous song, “I’m Just Ken” in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (2023). “I’m Just Ken” showcases a dream ballet, taking inspiration from the golden age of movie musicals, such as Oklahoma! and Singin’ in the Rain. A dream ballet is often seen in movie musicals, where there is a dance and song sequence dedicated to propelling the story forward, touching on themes seen throughout the show. Throughout Barbie, there are several instances paying homage to the classics of the golden age of film and movie musicals, beyond “I’m Just Ken,” further amplifying the timelessness of movie musicals.
As I watched this scene in theaters, I noticed the sound stage and specific coloring of the Kens in black with a bright colored background, with changing lights and vibrant music and choreography, and tied it to the dream ballet in Singin’ in the Rain.
Now, in the age of digital media and streaming, there has been a resurgence of new audiences for movie musicals. HBO Max in particular, is flooded with classic Hollywood musicals, such as The Wizard of Oz and Singin’ in the Rain. Streaming allows for shows before a generation’s time to be discovered and consumed. Without Max, I may never have been introduced to the magical world of Singin’ in the Rain.
Noah Isenberg’s insight into movie musicals, following the lens of Jeanine Basinger, offers valuable input into the magical genre of the movie musical. The movie musical reminds us of the enduring power of music, dance, and storytelling to unite, inspire, and uplift. Audiences are reminded of the movie musical’s ability to entertain audiences for generations to come, as it makes a comeback.
Sources:
Malia Paganucci 