La La Land (2016)

Review

128min

Genre:        Comedy, Drama, Musical, Romance

Director:     Damien Chazelle

Cast:          Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend…and more

Writer:       Damien Chazelle

-Synopsis-

Writer/director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) takes his Jazz sensibilities to Tinseltown in an all-singing, all-dancing musical dramedy, starring Ryan Gosling as a jazz musician who falls for Emma Stone’s aspiring young actress in L.A. in this modern interpretation of a “Golden Age” Hollywood genre staple, for both new and old generation alike.

Following one of the most impressive film debuts in living memory with 2014’s excellent ‘Whiplash’, Chazelle turns back the clock on Hollywood with a stylish and charming romance and ode to the classic period of the film industry, a musical tribute to the “dreamers” of this world, for a cynical generation of audiences who’re only comfortable with the genre in scathing satire or family animation form… and for good reason.

‘La La Land’ follows the story of “Sebastian” (Ryan Gosling); a cynical Jazz purist and working pianist in the clubs and restaurants of modern day Los Angeles, whose life is irrevocably changed when he meets and slowly falls for “Mia” (Emma Stone), a small-town girl and wide-eyed aspiring young actress, trying to make it in the cutthroat world of film & TV. Together they try to balance a burgeoning relationship with their showbiz hopes and dreams, and the inevitable compromise that comes with it, in this singin’ & dancin’ love-letter to the unique and often ludicrous “city of stars & dreams” in which it’s set.

‘La La Land’ is a throwback to a bygone era of cinema with the performances and music to prove it; from ensemble “broadway” numbers and groovy swing pieces, to lounge solos and poignant instrumentals, composer Justin Hurwitz crafts a wonderful soundtrack of mostly original compositions and some new arrangements of classics. All of which are complimented by expertly choreographed, simple but elegant dance numbers, ably executed by Gosling and Stone as well as an extensive background cast.

Anyone with an appreciation for classic Hollywood will see echoes of ‘Top Hat’, ‘A Star is Born’ and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ in Chazelle’s work, not to mention any number of other romantic musical comedies, and there’s undoubtedly a “Fred & Ginger” vibe to the story. But there are enough additional layers and a Jazz club “cool factor”, not to mention plenty of witty banter and contemporary comedic timing, to make this a distinctly modern film too. Indeed at times it feels like a light-hearted satire about the absurdity of show-business and the vacuous nature of the people in it.

If you like us have a deep-seated weariness when it comes to big flamboyant musicals which aren’t a clear parody or ironic in any way, ‘La La Land’ has an ominous start which threatens overbearing levels of song & dance over the next two hours, as Chazelle signals his intent and sets audience expectations. But thankfully the musical element of the film is balanced out over its course, even petering out in the third acting, resulting in a balanced comedy/drama with plenty of charm, poignancy and some good old fashioned Hollywood magic, but with Jazz-infused musical integrity.

Indeed Chazelle can’t resist smuggling-in his thoughts on his beloved music genre, using “Sebastian’s” narrative to muse about the timelessness of real art and the struggle between commercial success and artistic integrity, and the compromises life forces those who dream to make. All of course while waxing lyrical about the perpetually dying but never truly dead art-form of Jazz, which we truly hope his films will help to “revive” and bring back some real artistry and skill to popular music.

Despite all the positives, ‘La La Land’ doesn’t quite stand head & shoulders above some of the other award season releases to justify its dominance in terms of nominations and critical acclaim, in our opinion anyway. Ultimately its likely success with critics and award shows probably comes down to the factors which made ‘The Artist’ such a critical hit, novelty & nostalgia. But unlike the 2011 silent film, this is a thoroughly captivating and emotionally rounded experience, and will be unique for audiences not familiar with early classic cinema.

As far as we’re concerned Chazelle deserves a huge amount of credit for having the nerve to craft a 21st century musical rooted in early 20th century tradition; all-in-all an enchanting and rare cinematic experience in today’s cynical culture, which is never unintentionally farcical or cringeworthy, and one which makes us re-think our stance on whether heartfelt live-action musicals have a place in modern cinema.

The Bottom Line…

A delightful and unapologetically hopeful ode to old Hollywood and the movie magic which spawned a generation of dreamers, ‘La La Land’ is a hugely impressive second film from a writer/director who perfectly translates his musical sensibilities to the silver screen. Whether you’re a fan of musicals or naturally averse to them; Damien Chazelle’s effective balance of charm, humour and expertly choreographed performances combines seamlessly with real heart and genuine bitersweetness, plus a distinct lack of cynicism, all of which conspire with two accomplished central performances to win you over at all costs… and leave you whistling while tapping your toes all the way home.

Similar films you may like (Home Video)

Top Hat (1935)

Fred Astaire stars as an American dancer starring in a London show who hopelessly falls for a fellow dancer (Ginger Rogers), only for this unlikely romance to suffer through a case of mistaken identity and a cross-Europe voyage in this smash-hit classic Hollywood era romantic comedy/musical.

Directed by Mark Sandrich and Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Edward Everett Horton among others.

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