Review of La La Land (2016)

General Information

• Director: Damien Chazelle
• Main Cast:
  • Ryan Gosling (Sebastian Wilder)
  • Emma Stone (Mia Dolan)
  • John Legend (Keith)
  • Rosemarie DeWitt (Laura)
  • J.K. Simmons (Bill)
• Genre: Musical, Romance, Drama
• Runtime: 128 minutes
• Studio: Summit Entertainment

Plot

La La Land is a modern musical that follows the lives of two aspiring artists in Los Angeles. Mia Dolan (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling), a jazz musician, meet and fall in love while pursuing their dreams in a city known for crushing the hopes of many. Their romance is as vibrant and dreamy as the city itself, but the struggles of balancing love with personal ambition and the harsh realities of life in Hollywood threaten to tear them apart. As both characters try to make a name for themselves in their respective fields, the film explores themes of ambition, love, and sacrifice, ultimately asking whether one can truly have it all.

Highlights

1. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s Chemistry
   • One of the key elements that makes La La Land so compelling is the undeniable chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Their performances are both captivating and natural, giving life to the love story that forms the emotional heart of the film. Stone’s portrayal of Mia is heartfelt and relatable, capturing the determination and vulnerability of an aspiring actress. Gosling’s Sebastian is charming and passionate, fully embodying the artist’s pursuit of creative freedom. Together, they bring an enchanting energy to the film that makes their relationship both captivating and believable.
2. Stunning Direction and Cinematography
   • Damien Chazelle’s direction, coupled with Linus Sandgren’s cinematography, creates a visually stunning film. The musical numbers are visually arresting, from the opening freeway dance sequence to the grand, sweeping dance in the observatory. The vibrant colors, gorgeous cityscapes, and meticulous framing of each scene evoke the classic Hollywood musicals of the past while keeping a fresh, modern sensibility. The film’s cinematography often mirrors the emotional tone of the narrative, with wide shots representing the characters’ dreams and close-ups highlighting their personal struggles.
3. The Music and Songs
   • The score and original songs by Justin Hurwitz are a standout feature of La La Land. The music plays an integral part in expressing the emotional core of the story. Songs like “City of Stars,” “Another Day of Sun,” and “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” beautifully complement the narrative, blending classic jazz with modern sensibilities. The music helps set the tone, with its upbeat and melancholic moments seamlessly reflecting the highs and lows of Mia and Sebastian’s journey. Hurwitz’s Oscar-winning score creates a perfect balance between whimsical and heartfelt, making the film an unforgettable musical experience.
4. Themes of Ambition and Sacrifice
   • La La Land is as much a story about pursuing dreams as it is about the compromises and sacrifices required to achieve them. Both Mia and Sebastian must navigate the tension between their professional ambitions and their relationship. The film thoughtfully explores whether it’s possible to achieve personal success and still maintain a romantic relationship, with both characters facing tough decisions about love, career, and self-actualization. These themes resonate deeply with anyone who has ever had to balance their dreams with the reality of life.
5. The Emotional Depth
   • While La La Land is undeniably romantic, it doesn’t shy away from the complexities and bittersweet nature of pursuing one’s dreams. The film’s ending, in particular, is a striking and emotional conclusion that offers no easy answers but feels emotionally true to the characters’ journeys. It’s a mix of joy, sadness, and reflection that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

Criticisms

1. Predictability in the Plot
   • While the film’s emotional beats are powerful, some elements of the plot are predictable. The romantic journey follows a somewhat conventional arc, and certain character decisions feel inevitable given the nature of the film’s themes. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience, as the film succeeds in elevating its familiar story through strong performances, direction, and music.
2. Tone Shifts
   • The film’s tone can sometimes shift abruptly between whimsical fantasy and grounded reality. While this dynamic mirrors the nature of pursuing dreams, it may feel uneven for some viewers, particularly when the story shifts from light-hearted musical moments to the more somber and reflective themes toward the end.

Verdict

La La Land is a visually captivating, emotionally resonant modern musical that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of pursuing dreams. The outstanding performances by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, combined with the stunning direction, music, and cinematography, make it a standout film in the musical genre. While its plot may feel familiar and its tonal shifts somewhat jarring at times, La La Land succeeds in creating a heartfelt and unforgettable experience that resonates with anyone who has ever chased a dream. The film’s emotional depth and its bittersweet ending elevate it beyond being just another romance, making it one of the defining films of the decade.

Rating: 9/10