A musical inspired by 50’s classics like Singin’ In the Rain created by Whiplash director Damien Chazelle set in modern day LA and starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone; La La Land has the premise of an instant classic. Having dominated the awards season including winning a record 7 Golden Globes; the buzz surrounding the film was massive and rightfully so. A side by side comparison with Whiplash, (a fantastic picture in its own right) only enhances Chazelle’s reputation with musically thematic films but offers an equally moving but rather more joyous occasion, which is just what the world needs after a pretty bummy 2016.
GOSLING N’ STONE
The story spans across a year following the lives of wannabe actress Mia (Stone) and jazz pianist Sebastian (Gosling), a traditionalist trying to ‘save’ the music he loves. Two brief and quite unpleasant encounters in traffic and a bar are followed by a chance meeting at a party. The chemistry between Gosling and Stone is wholly apparent, the electric scenes they share throughout the film are a testament to their talents, and the wonderfully choreographed and sung performance of the song ‘A Lovely Night’ is an absolute joy to watch.
Their rollercoaster romance further engrosses the viewer, and the outstanding performances from Gosling and Stone are key to distancing La La Land from typical romance stories. Any other year they’d easily take home Oscars for their stunning performances, but it seems like Casey Affleck and Natalie Portman lead the way in their respective categories, they’ll just have to be content with their Golden Globes I guess!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Technically speaking, La La Land is faultless. The visuals are astounding; particularly the dazzling effects inside the planetarium, where Sebastian and Mia waltz through the stars to a wonderful piece of music which enhances the magical romance of the story. The precise editing and sound combine beautifully especially in the film’s spellbinding epilog, perhaps the most impressive scene of the whole film. Finally; the costumes are so intricately designed as you see Mia and especially Sebastian rocking retro-style clothes, which subtly blend in with the contemporary setting and adds to the effortless charm of the film. The terrific production of this film is unique and truly leaves you wondering whether something like can be achieved again.
THE VERDICT
Arguably the best film released this decade, I have absolutely no doubt if not for Casey Affleck and Natalie Portman that La La Land would become the 4th film to win the big 5 Oscars (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay). That being said there’s no question it will still rake in a whole host of awards. It’s once in a generation where a film leaves one feeling so euphoric; wherein which every aspect of the film resonates constantly throughout an audience in such a way that it leaves you speechless. An infectious, moving soundtrack with visuals, performances and a story to match; Damien Chazelle has created a beautiful ode to classic musicals with his wonderful contemporary twist that has and will continue to dominate the awards season.
Rating: 10/10
Words by Elliott Jones