I encountered an interesting video on YouTube of a more recent interview of Debbie Reynolds. She talks about how, surprisingly, she had no formal dancing experience when she was cast as Kathy. Thus, she had to undergo rigorous rehearsals, eight hours a day for two months, before shooting began.
I found this surprising because she plays such a convincing performance in the film, with her dancing being extremely technical and well-done. In the interview, she talks about her determination to keep up with her co-stars who had much more experience than her. I find this fascinating as it mirrors her character in the film; both are talented performers but had to work extra hard to prove themselves in an industry of veterans. Overall, knowing this detail now almost adds another layer of authenticity to the film.
I also found it interesting in the video that they address there being two directors and how that worked in the making of the film. Reynolds talks about how Gene Kelly directed the actors while Stanley Donen mostly worked behind the scenes with the crew and cameras. Given the technicality both in the cinematography and the mise en scene, it is not surprising that they would divide and conquer.
Ultimately, this video highlights the tedious work put into the making of such a grand film, reminding us how it has become such an acclaimed production.
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