Gene Kelly's Influence On The History Of Cinema

891 Words2 Pages

Gene Kelly once described his career by stating, “I never wanted to be a dancer... I wanted to be a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates” (IMDb). The events of Kelly’s life and career would almost reflect this sentiment if it were not for the incredible impact Kelly had on the history of cinema. Though he claims in an interview found in He’s Got Rhythm:The Life and Career of Gene Kelly by Cynthia Brideson that his career was more incidental than anything, it was his innovative style, charisma, and challenge of classism in the dance industry that proved him to be a true revolutionary in the world of musical cinema. Gene Kelly challenged the style of studio musicals in not only his form of dance. He challenged the way dancing was viewed by society. Gene Kelly’s legacy can be detailed by his influence on the dance styles found on stage and screen, in modern cinematography and editing, and in the his challenge of the stereotypes …show more content…

Part of the trepidation Kelly had when being contracted with MGM Studio was because of his background. Kelly famously and sincerely asked, “Who wants a choreographer from Pittsburgh?” (Brideson, 2). Despite Kelly’s questioning of his own belonging as a hollywood choreographer, his roots are what made him unique. His claim to an unrefined, gritty, and unglamorous upbringing is directly translated into his dancing and his character. Whereas someone such as Fred Astaire was the pinnacle of upper-class dignity in his coattails and bow ties, Gene Kelly brought what he felt made him what he was into his career. Gene Kelly would not be caught in a tuxedo if he could help it. He rather preferred to dress casually and in a style that reflected where he was from, just like how the way he danced was a reflection of the city of

Open Document