La La Land, written and directed by Damien Chazelle, follows aspiring actress Mia, played by Emma Stone, and jazz purist Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling, as they navigate the challenges of pursing career success in Los Angeles. What does it take? How do you get there? And, above all, what will it cost? These are the questions our protagonists face, and consequently, the ones they make us examine as well.
In many ways La La Land is similar to the musical The Last Five Years. However, ultimately, La La Land is much more uplifting. Both depict a young couple trying to navigate their relationship while each person pursues a career in a fame-seeking spotlight industry, but Mia and Sebastian’s treatment and support of one other is far more positive.
Above and beyond the positivity, however, the defining characteristic of La La Land lies in that it returns to a style of film that hearkens back to the movies that graced the silver screen from the ‘30s to the ‘50s. As the film begins, that familiar arch of blocked letters fills the screen, announcing that this movie has been filmed in “Cinemascope” and instantly, we are transported back in time.
The movie makes no apologies for its throwback style; scene after scene is a tribute to the classics that have come before, reveling in the charm and elegance of bygone eras while marrying it to a modern setting. The first scene goes immediately into the film’s big ensemble number “Another Day of Sun” which takes place amid the standstill LA traffic, and later, romance builds between the leads through song and dance as they try to locate where Mia has parked her car. In the same way, the costuming, helped along by the current popularity of retro styles, seamlessly incorporates modern clothing with old Hollywood flair.
While Gosling and Stone dance on the LA hillside during “A Lovely Night” with the scenic background and the wind blowing, it’s hard not to think of Gene Kelly and the iconic sets he danced on, or to imagine Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers during the dreamlike ballroom number. Both actors hold up their own on the floor in each of the gorgeous dance numbers choreographed by Mandy Moore (known for her work on Dancing with the Stars and other productions), completing the truly beautiful effect. Even the cinematography itself is reminiscent of the older models, at times using softened edges, close tracking shots, and a dramatic use of shadows.
For those who already love the old films, La La Land is a delight from start to finish. For those who are new to this style of movie, La La Land is the perfect introduction. It is a new story in the old style adorned with flowing dance and beautiful music. The song “City of Stars” ties everything together with a golden thread, holding a significant place in the film as Sebastian’s own creation, and also as the thoughtful echo to the overall story about the dreams that take flight in Los Angeles.
If you are an old movie lover, a jazz fan, a dance enthusiast, or a dream chaser, this movie is for you. It is humorous and charming, and exquisitely beautiful. I recommend it highly.
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