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La La Land (12A)
Directed by Damien Chazelle
5/5
WRITER-DIRECTOR Damien Chazelle changes direction after his 2014 triple Oscarwinner Whiplash to create a blissful treat.
Outstanding on its own creative merits, La La Land is also an affectionate reinvention of Hollywood musicals. Unlike so many recent examples, it’s not simply another cinematic reboot of a proven stage success.
Its title is eminently apt. La La Land is defined as “a euphoric dreamlike mental state detached from the harsher realities of life” and that has long been the emblematic description of Hollywood. Unlike most Hollywood products, however, Chazelle creates genuine dramatic resonance in his film.
The compelling protagonists, both living on the fringes of Tinseltown, are Emma Stone’s vividly created aspirant actor Mia and dedicated jazz pianist Sebastian, flawlessly played by Ryan Gosling.
Their moving, character-driven rocky romance creates a poignant storyline, which Chazelle employs to give his picture a genuine emotional charge, along with some of the most enjoyably staged musical numbers in years.
La La Land opens unforgettably, with a stunning musical number set on a gridlocked Los Angeles freeway.
Suddenly, stranded drivers exit their cars, and Mia and Sebastian, meeting for the first time, join in a stunningly staged high-spirited song-and-dance number that alone makes the film a must.
What better way to meet cute is there than on a frazzled freeway? We follow them through four stressful Tinseltown seasons, with Sebastian joining a successful band.
He has to go on tour, leaving Mia to follow her heart and her dreams. Saying their dramatic roles fit Gosling and Stone like gloves sounds cliched. It’s not. Their dancing shoes fit their dancing roles perfectly, too.
Well-chosen Los Angeles locations add authenticity to a truly charming blend of romance, emotional truth and memorable musical numbers, adding up to a film that gives real pleasure. It made me want to see it again as soon as possible.
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