Scene Standoff: It's a Wonderful Life vs. Singin' in the Rain
The "Lasso the moon" scene from 'It's a Wonderful Life' vs. the title track in the classic musical 'Singin' in the Rain'.
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"Lasso the moon" - It's a Wonderful Life
George (James Stewart) is trying to win over Mary (Donna Reed) and in this romantic speech he essentially claims that he will do anything for her. If she wants the moon he will somehow lasso that moon and bring it to Earth for her.
- Gareth's scene
'Singin' in the Rain' - Singin' in the Rain
Gene Kelly is one of the suavest, most dazzling performers in movie history, and here comes arguably his best performance. There is so much charm pouring onto the streets beneath him and a musical tone that is iconic in itself.
- Ellis' scene
Ellis - italics
Gareth - bold
PERFORMANCE
Not only is Gene Kelly's performance great but it's actually an iconic performance. The leaning on the lamppost on its own is an iconic moment.
He's so charismatic isn't he!
He really is.
James Stewart is also a charmer. He's in everything in the 40's and he's great in this.
WONDERFUL LIFE - 8/10 SINGIN' - 10/10
NECESSITY
Without this scene in It's a Wonderful Life then you wouldn't know they got together.
And Singin' in the Rain is necessary because it's literally the name of the film. If this scene didn't happen it wouldn't be called Singin' in the Rain.
It's weird that it's called Singin' in the Rain.
Yeah because this scene isn't really relevant to the plot.
WONDERFUL LIFE - 4/10 SINGIN' - 8/10
REFERENCABILITY
Every time it rains you sing the song and swing on a lamppost.
Even if you're not in it. Look out the window in a good mood and you'd probably sing it.
What about It's a Wonderful Life?
Well I hadn't heard of the "lasso the moon" quote before I watched the film.
So it's not too referencable.
WONDERFUL LIFE - 5/10 SINGIN' - 8/10
POPULARITY (using Letterboxd for reference)
Singin' in the Rain is a very strong 4.3.
It's a Wonderful life is a very strong 4.3.
WONDERFUL LIFE - 4.3 SINGIN' - 4.3
ICONIC RATING
On a scale of planets, how iconic are these scenes?
Planets?
Yeah we're scraping the barrel here.
For Singin' in the Rain I'm going with Mars. It's close to our planet and I feel like Singin' the film is close to a lot of peoples hearts.
Wow! I'm going with Pluto; it's not quite a planet but people know about it. It would take you a bit longer to get there and It's a Wonderful Life is quite long.
WONDERFUL LIFE - Pluto SINGIN' - Mars
THE FINAL STANDOFF
It's a Wonderful Life 0-4 Singin' in the Rain
A good musical number can define not just a musical film, but any film. And the musical number in Singin' in the Rain gave it it's title, despite the fact that besides this scene the song has very little to do with the plot of the film.
It's a Wonderful Life is a true Hollywood classic but so is this Gene Kelly masterpiece, and the score clearly shows a deserving winner.
There are many musical numbers already through to the second round. Dirty Dancing, Lion King, Back to the Future and many more have already won their battles. So how will Singin' in the Rain fair against these cinematic giants?
We're predicting very well, our video coming soon will tell all.
Current Standings: G - 10 E - 15
NEXT BATTLE:
SHREK VS. BRAVEHEART
Singin' in the Rain available to Rent or Buy now.