Contrasting Clockwork Orange and Singing in the Rain

     Singing in the Rain / Clockwork Orange


The song Singing in the Rain that was performed in the movie with the same name and in the European movie Clockwork Orange, provided very different views to me. Singing in the Rain (the movie) theme was a more of a joyous tune. Gene Kellys character played a silent movie actor, that had potential in recreating silent pictures with that of talking/singing.  Gene Kelly's performance of the Singing in the Rain song, was more spirited to the new evolution of music within the film and overall with Gene Kelly's character of the film. Being glee in a manner of bringing new viewpoint to motion pictures, much like the movie "Pleasantville", where color was introduced to a black and white world.  Gene Kelly help introduce Talkies, which helped open up censorship of acting and communication.

During Gene Kelly's song, a police man intervened and wanted Gene Kelly to stop parading in the rain like a buffoon, Gene Kelly obeyed and gave his umbrella to a passerby. This showed Gene Kelly's character was joyful and proud with a lawful manner.

Clockwork Orange however provided a much different outlook. To me, Clockwork Orange seemed to be a precursor to the movies Disturbing Behavior  and Funny Games. Disturbing Behavior showed the technical aspects of transforming a dysfunctional kid into a proud example of society, with its drawbacks.  Funny Games was about two boys had the pleasure of torturing using motions of art and camera play.

In the case of Clock Work Orange, the kid (Alex) still has obsession with sexual fantasies, leading to rape and violence. Alex still shows a loyalty to classical music and oldies music, but has a sexual streak that consumes him. He hurts people, rapes women, and uses drugs  in a form of sadistic art pleasure. Also he is not to well with the cops, until the government try to recreate his behavior. He takes interest.

To sum up, the song Singing in the rain provided a light and dark perspective. For the movie, Singing in the Rain, the song provided happiness in introducing evolution of music and expression. Clock Work Orange was the same but the music was derived into torture, drugs and expression of sexual fantasy. Which was a rebelling feeling of the 60's-70's.

It was interesting that Clockwork Oranges music was using sensitizing techniques, to depict the futuristic european setting and attitude of the main character Alex. Singing in the Rain song for Gene Kelly was more of a musical score resembling a happy go lucky character.