His physical acting/dancing and just his overall screen presence was captivating. This guy is truly talented. And he stood out among the other great performances in this film.
Besides his wonderful dancing in "Make 'Em Laugh", I particularly loved his facial expressions after he walked into the brick wall. It was Jim Carrey like. The guy was just simply amazing.
You don't see talent in this caliber anymore.
I think this is the difference between movies of today and yesteryear. Jim Carrey can pull faces and look funny. But he doesn't hold a candle to Donald O'Conner, who could do just about anything.
I just three months of training Debbie Reynolds went from a non-dancer to dancing beside Gene Kelly without missing a beat. Could Jim Carrey do that? I don't think so.
You misread my post. I was referring to the rubber facial expressions Jim Carrey is known for. Which Donald O'Conner similarly did amazingly I must say in the "Make 'Em Laugh" number.
I wasn't comparing Jim Carrey as an equal to Donald O'Conner. Jim Carrey is not a triple threat like Donald O'Conner, not even close.
Don't get me wrong, Jim is great at what he does in comedy. However, I believe Donald O'Conner overall is more talented.
I even said this to people I know, they don't make talent like we see in this film anymore. The versatility is completely nonexistent in this Twilight generation or even since the 60's we haven't seen anything that remotely resembles Donald O'Connor.
Actually, you misread my post. I wasn't criticising you or your opinion. I made no mention of you or your opinion.
shareI did not misread your post.
I wasn't criticising you or your opinion
I think this is the difference between movies of today and yesteryear. Jim Carrey can pull faces and look funny. But he doesn't hold a candle to Donald O'Conner, who could do just about anything.
I just three months of training Debbie Reynolds went from a non-dancer to dancing beside Gene Kelly without missing a beat. Could Jim Carrey do that? I don't think so.
Jeez Germaine, calm down! If you want to think I am attacking your views or whatever else is blowing your gasket then I say "Whatever".
shareI just three months of training Debbie Reynolds went from a non-dancer to dancing beside Gene Kelly without missing a beat. Could Jim Carrey do that? I don't think so.
Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Criedshare
O'Connor was indeed a revelation. He also shines in CALL ME MADAM (1953).
In my case, self-absorption is completely justified.
First of all i agree,Donald was brilliant,so was Jean Hagen,Debbie and Cyd,however as brilliant as they were,Gene Kelly was the best thing about this movie,why?
Well because that 4 minute scene when he is Singin in the Rain is not only one of the greatest expressions of being in love ever put on film,but it captures wonderfully the joy of being alive.
Sure D O'Connor is great
but you can't have
a dance trio
without
D Reynolds and
Gn Kelly
D O'Connor
D Reynolds and
Gn Kelly
super smoooth here
They don't miss a beat
But that J Hagen is
so bad that
S in Rain
loses plenty of points
Otherwise
it would be remembered today
and same goes for
D O'Connor
D Reynolds and
Gn Kelly
Sure Real Adults
identify with
D O'Connor
D Reynolds and
Gn Kelly
to this day
But millipedes
and those
who don't know the language
and don't know the faith
just don't get
how great you can't miss with
D O'Connor
D Reynolds and
Gn Kelly
[harp] 🎻 [saint] [candle] [piano]
♪  Not even Mad Scientists
get it right every time
I love all three of the main performances, but you're right, Donald O'Connor is outstanding. I can't believe he wasn't even nominated for an Oscar that year. I think its one of the greatest supporting performances ever.
Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Criedshare
His great talent was rewarded by being given the lead in B movies about a talking mule.
shareI have always enjoyed O’Connor’s dancing more than Kelly’s, especially in this movie. Watching them side by side, I see more fluidity in O’Connor’s technique. He was also more light on his feet than Kelly. I prefer O’Connor any day of the week.
Just watched it for the first time. He stole the movie! GK was bland.
shareNobody steals a movie. No actor steals a scene. I fucking hate this stupid expression that everybody uses. A scene, a film, is the product of multiple talents at the same time, ALWAYS.
That being said, Donald O'Connor is my favourite person in that movie. His performance flabbergasted the 12 years old that I was the first time I saw SitR. He might just be the reason I went hard into old Hollywood, many years after that.
Incredible performance. Mesmerizing. Perfect.
... but Gene Kelly wasn't bland at all... what an awful take! (sorry, I'm sure you are a wonderful person ;) )
I saw it again, the new 4k UHD. I don't know why I said bland. The character might have been bland. But that's most musicals for you.
And yeah, actors can steal movies from the lead actor. Ever saw The Dark Knight?
There's nothing wrong with that expression. It's perfectly acceptable, even if you don't like it.
share