La La Land
La La Land [2016]
Starring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling
Writing and Direction by Damien Chazelle, Music by Justin Hurwitz
Language: English
'City of stars, are you shining just for me? City of stars, there's so much that I can't see. Who knows? Is this the start of something wonderful and new?'
'Someone in the crowd could be the one you need to know, the one to finally lift you off the ground.'
'Climb these hills, I'm reaching for the heights, and chasing all the lights that shine! And when they let you down, get up off the ground, the morning rolls around and it's another day of sun!'
Who wasn't shocked when the Oscar was given to Moonlight instead of La La Land? I thought that finally the Academy had recognised the masterpiece of a musical this was, but my musical-loving self was left clinging to the hope that there had been another mistake, and that La La Land had really won. I was young when I first saw this movie in the theatre, and I have recently re-watched it, under the impression that I am now mature enough to better understand the true meaning behind this. And let me just say this: when you finally fully recognise how BRILLIANT this movie is, you will never be the same.
First of all, the score of the movie was AMAZING! Justin Hurwitz is a wizard: I have been humming 'City of Stars' for five years now and I have never become tired of it. The music really brought the vibrance of not only Hollywood but of the romance between the two protagonists to life. From the upbeat, brassy 'Someone in the Crowd', to the moodiness of the main theme, this music covered it all. Controversial opinion: of all the English musicals I have seen, this one may have had the best music.
The exuberance of Los Angeles also comes alive in this movie through set and costume design. Everything: from the cars on the roads to the many dresses Emma Stone wore, were so bright and hopeful, and anyone who has watched the movie will agree that it is a visual treat.
The direction and writing of this movie was done so beautifully. It was so poignant and nuanced, and I was left stunned. It is so rare that a story is written about two ambitious dreamers, and how they must wrangle against the odds to succeed. It was nice to have to see the reality first, the untold downside of Hollywood, before seeing the eventual rise to fame of the main characters. The movie really took me on a roller coaster of emotions, and I was left in tears by the time the ending finished.
None of the writing would have meant anything without a strong cast, and, let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The chemistry between the two leads was astounding, and I'm left wondering as to how the two aren't together in real life! I cannot imagine that Emma Watson was originally cast to play this role: I sincerely doubt that she could have evoked as strong an emotion in me as Emma Stone could. Ryan Gosling also shone in this movie, and, after seeing this, I am finding it difficult to appreciate any work he has done after this: this was the high point of his career, in my opinion at least.
Finally, the ending! I was left ugly crying by the time this finished. Just seeing the life that could have been, a life full of happiness and security sacrificed in the sake of ambition was so gut-wrenching. And to have all of this play out with the backdrop of music and dancing just made me fly (if that makes sense). I just re-watched the ending again before writing this so my grip on reality is not the firmest as I write this.
I think it is pretty safe to say that I loved this movie.
10/10
