(buz'be bur'kle) n. A Study in Style

In a career spanning over five decades, Busby Berkeley became one of Hollywood's most iconic and innovative filmmakers. As a master of musicals, Berkeley's unique style and craftsmanship captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. A Study in Style, a featurette celebrating his distinct approach, takes the viewer on a fascinating journey through the world of Busby Berkeley, showcasing his groundbreaking methods and the magic that ensued. Born in April 1895, Berkeley initially began his career as a dancer and a choreographer. However, it was his shift to filmmaking that truly showcased his artistic vision and innovative spirit. Berkeley's style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, complex set designs, and elaborate choreography, captivated the Hollywood establishment, leading to his appointment as a director at Warners Bros. In the late 1920s, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a celebrated figure in the industry. Berkeley's breakthrough came with the introduction of the "berkeleymount" in the 1930 film Whoopee!, which revolutionized the depiction of musical numbers. This ingenious technique involved creating a platform to raise and lower various set elements, creating elaborate backdrops and incorporating complex camera movements, allowing for a fluid transition between musical numbers and story sequences. This innovative approach, coupled with Berkeley's penchant for elaborate set designs, made his musicals instant hits. One of Berkeley's most famous creations was the 1932 film 42nd Street, starring Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers. This movie showcased Berkeley's mastery of the "mass choreography" technique, where numerous performers could be filmed from high angles, creating a breathtaking spectacle that left audiences in awe. This technique, combined with Berkeley's use of abstract patterns and geometric shapes, elevated the musical genre to new heights, making 42nd Street a classic of its kind. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Berkeley continued to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, experimenting with new techniques and styles. His 1936 film, Gold Diggers of 1937, was another groundbreaking achievement, featuring a 22-minute musical sequence that included numerous elaborate sets, hundreds of dancers, and a complex storyline that effortlessly integrated the musical numbers into the narrative. Berkeley's work during this period also reflected the social and cultural context of the time. His 1940 film, Buck Privates, poked fun at military service with a lighthearted and irreverent tone, showcasing his ability to balance entertainment with social commentary. Moreover, his depiction of women as empowered and independent individuals in films such as Gold Diggers of 1933 and Babes in Arms demonstrated his commitment to presenting a more progressive vision of femininity. One of the most fascinating aspects of Berkeley's style was his ability to marry commercial appeal with artistic integrity. His movies were always infused with a sense of spectacle and grandeur, yet they never sacrificed storytelling or character development. This dichotomy is exemplified in the 1941 film Babes in Arms, which featured a memorable musical sequence set in a lavish, Art Deco-style night club. Here, Berkeley expertly balanced the demands of a commercial spectacle with a narrative that explored the themes of creativity, family, and the struggles of the entertainment industry. In the years that followed, Berkeley continued to work in film, although his influence began to wane. His later work was marked by a more commercial approach, which compromised his artistic vision. Eventually, he became disillusioned with the Hollywood establishment and shifted his focus to television, working on various projects until his retirement in the 1960s. Despite his departure from the film industry, Busby Berkeley's legacy endures. His innovative style and groundbreaking techniques paved the way for generations of filmmakers to explore and experiment with new forms of cinematic expression. His commitment to preserving the artistic integrity of film while still entertaining the masses has become a timeless and universal standard. A Study in Style, a featurette celebrating his enduring impact, serves as a fitting tribute to this cinematic giant, showcasing the timeless magic of Busby Berkeley and cementing his place as one of the most iconic and influential figures in Hollywood history.