Gold Diggers of 1933

 

This film was exceptionally intriguing to me with the plot and setting. The fact that the cast was performing a large scale production in the Great Depression makes me aware of the almost inherent commitment that was expressed throughout the film. 

The opening act of "We're in the Money" (Rogers) was incredibly nostalgic and familiar to me. It has most definitely been played in other films and I can almost recall listening to the instrumentals play in the background of the slapstick Bugs Bunny special or a Looney Tunes show. There are musical numbers like this one; upbeat, full of excitement, and peppy. Like "Pettin' in the Park" which was a pretty sly take on getting up close and personal with a romantic partner. I was pretty surprised when I saw this because of how modesty was of a different nature in the 1930s. Although women's fashion did  

This week's readings discuss the ideas of Siegfried Kracauer in that synchronized dancing paved the way to a totalitarianism state that led to the rise of Adolf Hitler. Kracauer started with The Tiller Girls; A beautifully synchronized dance group that he describes as machines rather than entertainers. This idea of his is brought about because everyone has a role to play that is no more specific and independent that the other dancers before them. He discusses their similarities to Fordism in this way. They are all cogs of a machine working efficiently. Taking it a step further to play into what Kracaur is communicating about popular culture; the synchronized dancers are quick and consistent in their shows, this is the product.