corktown Common
thursday, july 7, 2022

singin’ in the rain

With the short film Esmerelda’s Castle

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly’s Singin’ in the Rain is both a timeless exemplar of the musical genre and a nostalgic behind-the-scenes parody of classical Hollywood. The film follows a hapless trio of silent film performers struggling to adapt to the coming of sound, propelled by Gene Kelly’s boundless energy, Debbie Allen’s infectious charm, and Donald O'Connor’s underappreciated slapstick chops. Naturally, they prevail by being themselves and reconnecting with the joy of dance, song, and comedy, including famous numbers like “Be a Clown,” not to mention the iconic title song sequence.

Local filmmakers Rachel Cairns & Sarah Hempinstall’s short Esmerelda’s Castle similarly explores the liberating power of performance, but in a more ambiguous fashion. Disaffected office worker Lydia finds escape from her boorish boss in a mysterious underground cabaret – only to realize that the delightful drag queen on stage looks strangely familiar. With its charming musical performance and rich, eccentric production design, Esmerelda’s Castle is a perfect blend of sweetness and suspense.