Golden age of Hollywood musicals - Movie Review Example

The 1930s is referred to by many as the Golden age of Hollywood musicals and rightly so. In more ways than one, the musicals of the era have been successfully able to embody the complexity of the epoch by transcending sociopolitical or economic representations to profoundly affect the emotions and feelings of each and every member of the audience. Grant (2012) recounts that Depression-era musicals invited the creation of numerous subgenres an example of which is the revue musical. However, the most significant contribution in the field was a result of the efforts of Warner Bros.

which initiated the production of several noteworthy backstage musicals such as 42nd Street (1933) and Gold Digger (1933) in a progressive sequence (Grant 2012). For Grant (2012), the beauty of these masterpieces lies in their positive portrayals of the cheerful messages of triumph, accomplishment, success and the fruits of group efforts. The most intriguing aspect of this observation is how the depictions of these backstage musicals presented a stark contrast from the economic realities of the Depression-era as represented by the opulence, grandeur and magnificence of visual projections, which perhaps is an unmistakable reason behind the popularity and success of these productions.

Babington and Evans’s (1985) insight regarding the Golden Diggers of 1933 (1933) notes that the backstage play essentially “upstages the depression”, this statement notes that the background of the production is related to an accurate chronology of historical events in such a manner that it goes beyond the supposedly standard parameters for a genre of its kind. Another factor which develops the assessment to establish the ways in which Gold Diggers of 1933 and 42nd Street, reflect upon the time of their release emerges from their ability to integrate the political event of the time in a manner which may even come across as opportunistic.

Observing the premise of this argument, Babington and Evans (1985) refer to the incorporation of a small but significant part of Roosevelt’s platform speech within the script of 42nd Street. While, this characteristic has been attributed by certain audiences as a cunning way of making the musical more marketable the fact remains that the use of Roosevelt’s speech in the production may also have been a reflection of the political affiliations or preferences of Hollywood’s producers at the time (Babington and Evans 1985).

The genre of Hollywood Musicals is a unique, whimsical and fascinating world in itself. Grant (2012) sees the birth of this variety of entertainment as “the most intense interaction and synergy between movies and music” and this phrase essentially represents the crux of these masterpieces. As an art form, Hollywood Musicals invite the components of acting, music, choreography, dance and sound to depict a magnificent and phenomenal display of the evolution of the films. Marshall and Stilwell (2000) move beyond the basic components of Hollywood Musicals by attributing the presence of musical moments as the single most important feature of the genre.

This notion gives birth to the concept of sound entertainment and asserts that the energy, passion and zeal of musical performances that are guided by a consistent narrative are what make Hollywood Musical an enthralling viewer experience. My opinion regarding the most significant aspect of Hollywood Musicals which essentially dictates the level of success that is achieved by them is similar to that of Marshall and Stilwell (2000) who attribute the accomplishments of this genre to what has been achieved in the field of sound entertainment.

The passion of music holds the ability to establish a connection between the audience and the performers. It is certainly this mix of power with passion and musical excellence which determines the audiences’ reaction of the production. When asked to choose which film I like best, I would have to select 42nd Street. I appreciate this musical because it offers a complete viewer experience by learning from the weaknesses of prior backstage musicals and improving on areas that seek betterment. By offering an extensive range of characters and displaying exemplary musical genius, the film holds immense distinction because of the fervor of its humorous dialogues and the memorable exchanges between its actors.

Thus, 42nd Street successfully blends dance, songs, music and story to provide a complete experience to the viewer. Another integral part of this film is the choreography of Busby Berkeley. The dance sequences which have been formulated by Berkeley can be best described as revolutionary, original and creative, as their presence in the film ultimately offers the audience an unforgettable time. References Babington, B., & Evans, P. W. (1985). Blue skies and silver linings: Aspects of the Hollywood musical.

Manchester [Greater Manchester: Manchester University Press. Grant, B. K. (2012). The Hollywood film musical. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Marshall, B., & Stilwell, R. J. (2000). Musicals: Hollywood and beyond. Exeter, England: Intellect.