“We came together, fell apart and broke each other’s hearts. 
Remember when…” (Alan Jackson, 2003)

This song and theme fit well into the classic movie musical genre of boy meets girl, boy gets girl,  boy loses girl, and in the end… boy gets girl.

As we open the Guide to AFI’s pick for Best Musical film (2006) and gather clients, students, and family members around the DVD player feel free to reminisce and  “remember when.”

Welcome to the August 2018 ~~  Edition Singin in the Rain.

This film mirrors the classic movie musical theme quite well and will lead to some great discussion topics for your older generation clientele and intergenerational family members.  Begin where the film begins with Don and Kathy’s first meeting ~ a jump from high atop a  moving cable car into the front seat of a moving vehicle ~ what a great entrance!  Take time to discuss first meetings and first impressions of life partners.

As the film progresses and Don and Kathy’s relationship grows closer, discussion topics for all generations can include:

• What characteristics make a good relationship?

• How can you say what you mean and mean what you say when expressing your feelings is not easy? (Don: “Kathy I’m trying to say something to you, but I’m such a ham, I’m not able to without the proper setting.”) 

• What happens to a seemingly stable relationship when outside forces (Lina~ the woman scorned), invade the relationship? (Lina: “I want that girl off the lot at once! She ain't gonna be my voice…(Donny) everybody knows you're in love with me.”)

The entrance of the woman scorned allows group discussion to take my favorite turn:

• What is the role of the secondary character?

• How does he or she help to move the story forward?

Whether this secondary character is there to block the relationship (Lina) or move it forward (Cosmo to Kathy: “We have been looking for you inside every cake in town!”), they are essential to the classic movie musical,  as well as to the modern-day Romantic Comedy. (You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle).  As the story unfolds discuss:

• How do friendships/family relationships help or hinder the development of a relationship with a life partner?

• How do relationships with family and friends change/grow when a partner is introduced?

As Don and Kathy navigate their movie musical relationship we come to the point of boy loses girl. Through Lina’s interference and desire to save her career,(“Seldon you’re sunk! You have a five-year contract, you’ll do what R.F. says!”), Kathy is forced  to dub Lina’s voice at a live performance and vows never to see Don again “on or off the screen”.  This declaration can open a great discussion about the ramifications of deception in relationships.  When deception is practiced, how can trust and love be recovered? Is it as simple as an apology, a hug, and for Kathy and Don a song? (You Are My Lucky Star )

You decide as you, your clients, students, and intergenerational family members Sing, and Remember When in the Rain!

~~Lori