La La Land, released in 2016, is a dazzling romantic musical that captivated audiences and critics alike with its nostalgic charm, vibrant cinematography, and heartfelt performances. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film stars Ryan Gosling as Sebastian Wilder, a passionate jazz pianist, and Emma Stone as Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, La La Land weaves together a story of love, dreams, and the bittersweet realities of pursuing one's passions in the City of Stars.
Plot and Narrative
The film opens with a show-stopping musical number on a gridlocked Los Angeles freeway, immediately setting the tone for the magical realism that permeates the story. Mia and Sebastian's paths cross multiple times before they finally connect, their initial encounters marked by frustration and misunderstanding. As they fall in love, they encourage each other to pursue their dreams – Mia's of becoming a successful actress, and Sebastian's of opening his own jazz club.
Their relationship blossoms through a series of beautifully choreographed dance numbers and tender moments set against iconic Los Angeles locations. However, as their careers begin to take different paths, they face the challenge of balancing their love for each other with their individual ambitions.
The narrative takes unexpected turns, exploring the compromises and sacrifices that come with chasing one's dreams. Sebastian joins a popular jazz fusion band led by Keith (John Legend), which brings him financial success but takes him away from his purist jazz roots. Mia, meanwhile, pours her heart into a one-woman show that fails to attract an audience.
The film's bittersweet ending, featuring an extended dream sequence that imagines an alternate life for Mia and Sebastian, has become one of its most talked-about and debated elements. It leaves audiences pondering the choices we make and the paths not taken in pursuit of our goals.
Characters and Performances
Ryan Gosling's Sebastian is a complex character – passionate about jazz to the point of obsession, yet struggling to reconcile his purist ideals with the realities of making a living. Gosling brings a quiet intensity to the role, making Sebastian's love for music palpable in every scene.
Emma Stone shines as Mia, infusing the character with vulnerability, determination, and charm. Her journey from struggling actress to star is both inspiring and heartbreaking, culminating in a powerful audition scene that showcases Stone's range as a performer.
The chemistry between Gosling and Stone, in their third on-screen pairing, is electric. Their dance numbers are filled with a palpable joy and connection that makes their romance feel authentic and magical.
Supporting characters, including John Legend as Keith and J.K. Simmons as a restaurant owner, add depth to the world of the film. Rosemarie DeWitt as Sebastian's sister Laura provides a grounding presence, reminding Sebastian of his responsibilities beyond his dreams.
Music and Choreography
The film's score, composed by Justin Hurwitz, is a character in itself. From the energetic opening number "Another Day of Sun" to the wistful "City of Stars," the music captures the hope, romance, and melancholy of the story. The songs, with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, range from upbeat jazz numbers to tender ballads, each advancing the narrative and revealing character depths.
The choreography by Mandy Moore (not the singer) is a stunning blend of classic Hollywood style and contemporary flair. Dance numbers like "A Lovely Night" and "Someone in the Crowd" pay homage to the golden age of musicals while feeling fresh and modern.
Cinematography and Visual Style
Linus Sandgren's cinematography is a love letter to both Los Angeles and classic cinema. The film is awash in rich, saturated colors that evoke the technicolor musicals of the 1950s. Long, unbroken takes during musical numbers create a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, while dreamlike sequences like the Griffith Observatory dance defy gravity and reality.
The film's visual style evolves with the seasons and the characters' journeys. Early scenes are bathed in the warm glow of endless summer, while later moments take on cooler tones as reality sets in. Iconic Los Angeles locations like the Griffith Observatory, the Colorado Street Bridge, and the Watts Towers become integral parts of the story's landscape.
Themes and Symbolism
La La Land explores several interconnected themes:
The pursuit of dreams: Both Mia and Sebastian grapple with the challenges of pursuing their passions in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.
The balance between love and ambition: The central conflict of the film revolves around whether Mia and Sebastian can maintain their relationship while also achieving their individual goals.
Nostalgia and tradition vs. progress: Sebastian's love for traditional jazz clashes with the evolving music scene, symbolizing broader themes of holding onto the past while moving forward.
The magic of Los Angeles: The city itself is portrayed as a land of opportunity and dreams, albeit one that can also crush aspirations.
The power of art: Throughout the film, music, dance, and acting are shown as transformative forces that can inspire, heal, and connect people.
Symbolism is used throughout the film, from the recurring motif of the seasons to represent the stages of Mia and Sebastian's relationship, to the use of color to reflect emotional states and character arcs.
Critical Reception and Awards
La La Land was met with near-universal acclaim upon its release. Critics praised its innovative take on the musical genre, the performances of Stone and Gosling, and Chazelle's direction. The film's visual style and music were particularly singled out for praise.
The film was a major player during the 2017 awards season, winning seven Golden Globe Awards and six Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Emma Stone and Best Director for Damien Chazelle, who became the youngest person to win the award. The film famously was mistakenly announced as the Best Picture winner at the Oscars before the error was corrected and "Moonlight" was revealed as the true winner.
Impact and Legacy
La La Land's success sparked renewed interest in the movie musical genre, paving the way for films like "The Greatest Showman" and "In the Heights." Its innovative blend of classic musical elements with contemporary storytelling and cinematography techniques has influenced subsequent films in the genre.
The film's soundtrack became a bestseller, with "City of Stars" winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The music continues to be popular, with covers and tributes appearing regularly on social media and music platforms.
La La Land's portrayal of Los Angeles has also had a lasting impact, with fans of the film visiting locations featured in key scenes. The Griffith Observatory, in particular, has seen an increase in visitors eager to recreate Mia and Sebastian's magical dance sequence.
Conclusion
La La Land stands as a testament to the enduring power of the movie musical and the magic of cinema itself. Through its vibrant colors, memorable music, and heartfelt performances, the film captures the joy, pain, and bittersweet nature of pursuing one's dreams. It reminds us of the transformative power of art and the difficult choices we sometimes must make in the pursuit of our passions.
The film's exploration of the tension between love and ambition resonates with audiences of all ages, asking us to consider what we're willing to sacrifice for our dreams and what truly matters in life. Its bittersweet ending, with its poignant "what if" sequence, leaves viewers contemplating their own choices and the roads not taken.
Ultimately, La La Land is a celebration of dreamers and artists, of those who dare to reach for the stars even in the face of repeated failure. It's a love letter to Los Angeles, to jazz, to classic Hollywood, and to the power of perseverance. While it may not offer easy answers or conventional happy endings, it leaves us with a renewed appreciation for the journey of life and the magic that can be found in everyday moments.
As Mia sings in her audition, "Here's to the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem." La La Land encourages us all to keep dreaming, to find the music in life's challenges, and to dance among the stars whenever we can.
10 FAQs about La La Land
Who directed La La Land?La La Land was directed by Damien Chazelle.
Who are the main stars of La La Land?The film stars Ryan Gosling as Sebastian and Emma Stone as Mia.
Is La La Land based on a true story?No, La La Land is an original story written by Damien Chazelle.
What genre is La La Land?La La Land is a romantic musical comedy-drama.
How many Academy Awards did La La Land win?La La Land won six Academy Awards, including Best Actress and Best Director.
What is the significance of the title "La La Land"?"La La Land" is a nickname for Los Angeles and also means a state of being out of touch with reality.
Was La La Land a box office success?Yes, La La Land was a major box office success, grossing over $440 million worldwide.
Who composed the music for La La Land?The music was composed by Justin Hurwitz, with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
What is the most famous song from La La Land?"City of Stars" is arguably the most famous song from the film, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Why is the ending of La La Land controversial?The bittersweet ending, which shows an alternate reality where Mia and Sebastian end up together, has been debated by viewers for its portrayal of love versus individual dreams.
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