HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT: Easter Parade

This week’s selection for Hit me with your best shot was "Easter Parade". The film follows a simple plot, but the production design is luscious. Fred Astaire and Judy Garland are radiant in the lead roles, bringing loads of charm and charisma. As mentioned, the overall production is spectacular. The costumes, the music, the dancing, the singing. It’s a delightful experience for the viewer and it seemed that the actors had a grand time as well. My favourite shot showcases the great pageantry that the film evokes.

Click below for my favourite shot...



My favourite shot comes from the opening night of Hannah Brown (Judy Garland) and Don Hewes’ show. Although "Easter Parade" is light-hearted and fun, this scene shows that the talent involved is of the highest caliber. In this scene, Fred Astaire commands the stage while the background dancers lend their support. It may as well be a solo performance as all eyes are focused on this dancing machine. In this particular shot, Astaire seems almost unreal as he leaps into the air. The scene actually features a nifty camera trick where Astaire is in slow-motion while the other dancers move at normal speed. It becomes obvious that we are dealing with a expert dancer and not some movie star experimenting in the musical genre.