Since I recently had a baby, I haven't been out to the theater much. I saw this movie long after everyone else and I must admit I came into the movie expecting to love it.
And I did.
Biased or not, critically acclaimed or not, I loved every second of this movie. I won't say it's void of all flaws because that isn't true, but it's rare to experience something as sensational as this. It's the perfect blend of "Singin' in the Rain" and "Casablanca" - a treat at the movies. From the moment everyone was dancing on their cars in the opening act to the closing emotional montage in the club this was a whimsical ride.
Mia (Emma Stone) is an aspiring actress. She auditions tirelessly hoping for her big break but as each audition is interrupted by phone calls and disinterested judges, it seems as though the closest she will ever come to stardom is serving coffee to celebrities on a studio film lot. Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is an aspiring jazz pianist. He wants nothing more than to own his own club to preserve the sanctity of jazz music.
Through a series of happenstance meetings, the two fall in love and help each other pursue their passions. They feel like they can conquer the world when they're together and for a while they do. Mia writes a one-woman play and encourages Sebastian to change the name of his future club to "Seb's" instead of "Chicken on a Stick." Their relationship is met with obstacles, however, as Sebastian gets distracted with an offer to tour with an electronic jazz band (sounds really weird but strangely works?) and misses her play that only runs for one night. It seems that as hard as they fight for their love things still work against them.
There are so many things to say about "La La Land." But it would take a long time and a very good memory to make a comprehensive list of everything that makes this movie special. Director Damien Chazelle is so attentive to the small things and his affection for the material makes it all the more lovable. It's amazing that the 31-year-old director had the confidence to take on something so big and execute it to such perfection. While there are many things to say, I have listed four things that stood out to me upon first viewing.
COLOR
The film opens on a highway traffic jam. Everyone is listening to their own music in their respective cars until one girl starts singing. She comes out of the car in a bright yellow dress and begins to dance. Soon, in true musical fashion, she is joined by all of the other drivers dancing atop their cars. Of course the grandiose nature of the number is great in its own right but it's the colors that stood out the most to me. In most scenes, there are vibrant reds, blues, greens, and yellows. These bright, pure colors - shot in Cinemascope - capture the optimistic tone of the whole film and emanate passion and excitement. Even though things aren't always happy in the movie, the colors capture the optimism harbored by the main characters.
CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSIC
"La La Land" is a musical. In many ways, it is like all of the other musicals you and I are accustomed to with frequent (sometimes long) song and dance numbers. There's even a weird flying dream sequence kind of like those in "An American in Paris" and "Singin' in the Rain" (though this one wasn't as long and boring, in my opinion). Nevertheless, the choreography is fantastic. In one scene Mia and Sebastian are strolling down the street with a purple-lit sunset for a backdrop. Since they both *happen to bring tap shoes along with them, they engage in a delightful little tap number on and around the street bench. It's cute and silly. The choreography isn't too over-the-top nor is it too simplistic and it's one of the best scenes in the movie.
The music is equally wonderful. The piano motif that accompanies most of the major events in the film is simple and lovely as is "City of Stars," a recurring song. Other good numbers include "Another Day of Sun," "A Lovely Night" and Mia's audition "The Fools Who Dream." At first I thought Emma Stone's voice wasn't that great, but that audition scene perfectly matched her range and captured her strengths as a singer. Though they're not the strongest of singers, their talents still fit the bill.
CHARACTER
I mean this in that the characters themselves are great but also that this film has got ~character. It's full of life and pizazz and has a spice to it that is sometimes hard to find in film. It feels fresh and hopeful. The feel of the movie along with a great cast and fun characters add depth. The characters are unique and relatable. The leads are accompanied by a good supporting cast including JK Simmons, John Legend, and Tom Everett Scott (my man from "That Thing You Do!") But this film is nothing without our two stars.
Emma Stone is a solid actress. She exudes confidence but also vulnerability. The plot mirrors Stone's own story to stardom in some ways and that's a neat lens through which to view her performance. She's delightful, likable, witty and charismatic. Gosling, too is perfect for this role bringing the perfect mix of irritable and lovable. Their chemistry brought a realism to the sweeping romance.
THE ENDING
The bittersweet end is what turns "La La Land" from a good movie to a great one. The thing is some times things just don't work out the way you want them to. The last City of Stars montage depicts a bright future for the two if only Sebastian had done things differently. It's as if he is singing of his regret and relives the choices and pivotal moments that would have allowed them to be together. It's incredibly emotional and bittersweet, but isn't that how life is?
I know this might not be your ~thing. I've always loved musicals and maybe you hate them. But if there's a musical that's worth it, it's this one. It can restore your faith in the power of cinema. It's magical, it's heartwarming. I loved it and I think you can too. 9/10
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