I have a vivid memory of seeing this movie in theaters numerous times because I loved it so much. What movie do you ask? A movie that changed my life … La La Land.
You may remember La La Land from the 2017 Oscar debacle when La La Land almost, but not quite received the Academy Award for Best Picture, with Moonlight (2016) revealed as the true winner.
Now that I’ve refreshed your memory, allow me to re-introduce La La Land.
Besides the Best Picture fiasco, La La Land took home Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Score, Best Cinematography, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), and Best Achievement in Production Design.
In this contemporary movie musical, Director Damien Chazelle blends modernity and Old Hollywood, taking audiences into an extraordinary world of technicolor exploring the relationship between protagonists Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and jazz musician, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling).
La La Land pays homage to different elements of Old Hollywood with its coloring and extravagant music numbers. The opening song, “Another Day of Sun” invites viewers into the vibrant movie musical through a grand opening number on a Los Angeles highway. These dancers, trapped in the hustle and grind of everyday life, abandon their vehicles, and take to the rooftops, joyously dancing and serenading under the California sun, with flashes of bright primary colors, seen commonly throughout the film. What else would you do in a movie musical? A number like this echoes the charm and romance of classic movie musicals, capturing the enchanting atmosphere of La La Land, where dreams and ambition reign.
The soundtrack is an integral part of this film, with “Another Day of Sun” setting a precedence of the role music and song play within La La Land. My friend, Aislinn, and I would listen to the soundtrack constantly.
We grew up doing theatre together, and when La La Land came out in 2016, during the peak of our theater era, we both found a great love for this movie. We also loved going to the movies – and still do, and after seeing it together once, we thought why not see it again, and maybe again? Even today, almost 10 years later, now 20 and 22 years old, we still reminisce on this period of our lives and La La Land’s influence.
In conversation with Aislinn about our love for La La Land, she shared, “I think what I like so much about La La Land is how it portrays two ordinary individuals through a stunning theatrical perspective. The sets and musical numbers elevate the story to the point where reality and imagination blur together and it inspired me to have dreams beyond what I thought were realistic.”
To her point, La La Land’s enchanting melodies blend seamlessly alongside the captivating cinematography. In the planetarium scene, Mia and Sebastian’s dance amidst the stars serves as a visual metaphor for their feelings of love and inspiration, as they transcend into a realm of bliss. Audiences witness their emotions transforming into a dance among the stars, revealing their deep connection and shared dreams. Additionally, the epilogue delves into the what-if scenarios, portraying a universe where Mia and Sebastian fulfill their aspirations side by side, utilizing dreamlike sequences and surreal imagery reminiscent of the classic movie musical storytelling techniques.
In its ode to Old Hollywood, La La Land intertwines hope and possibility with elements of technicolor to create a magical and inspiring movie musical.
Sources:
Malia Paganucci 
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