Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The musical genre is one of the oldest and most beloved in the history of cinema. From the golden age of Hollywood to the present day, musicals have enchanted and entertained millions of viewers with their catchy songs, dazzling dances, and colorful costumes. Some of the most iconic and influential musicals include “The Wizard of Oz”, “West Side Story”, “Grease”, and “The Sound of Music”.
However, in recent years, the musical genre has faced some challenges and declines. With the rise of new technologies and trends, musicals have struggled to find their place and audience in the modern film industry. Some of the reasons for this include the high cost and risk of production, the lack of originality and innovation, and the competition from other forms of entertainment, such as streaming services, video games, and social media.
That is why the success and acclaim of “La La Land”, which was released in 2016 and directed by Damien Chazelle, is so remarkable and impressive. The movie, which stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as two aspiring artists who fall in love in Los Angeles, is a modern musical that pays homage to the classic musicals of the past, while also offering a fresh and original perspective on the themes of dreams, love, and art. The movie, which won six Oscars and seven Golden Globes, among many other awards, is a rare and exceptional example of a musical that captivated and charmed the world.
What makes “La La Land” so special and successful? How did it manage to revive and reinvent the musical genre? And what can we learn from its message and magic?
A Nostalgic and Innovative Homage
One of the main strengths of “La La Land” is its ability to balance nostalgia and innovation. The movie is a homage to the classic musicals of the past, especially the ones produced by MGM in the 1940s and 1950s, such as “An American in Paris”, “On the Town”, and “Singin’ in the Rain”. The movie references and recreates many of the elements and scenes of these musicals, such as the opening number on a freeway, the tap dance on a hilltop, the planetarium sequence, and the dream ballet finale. The movie also uses the same techniques and technologies of these musicals, such as the widescreen format, the long takes, the bright colors, and the live singing.
However, the movie is not just a copy or a parody of these musicals. It is also an innovative and original work that updates and adapts the musical genre to the contemporary context and audience. The movie explores the realities and challenges of the modern entertainment industry, such as the competition, the rejection, the compromise, and the fame. The movie also reflects the diversity and complexity of the modern society, such as the multiculturalism, the individualism, the globalization, and the digitalization. The movie also experiments with new forms and genres of music, such as jazz, pop, and rock.
By combining nostalgia and innovation, “La La Land” creates a unique and appealing musical that honors the past and embraces the present. The movie also bridges the gap and connects the generations of musical lovers, from the old to the new, from the traditional to the modern.
A Romantic and Realistic Story
Another strength of “La La Land” is its ability to balance romance and realism. The movie is a romantic story that follows the relationship of Sebastian and Mia, two aspiring artists who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles. The movie depicts their romance with passion and humor, showing their chemistry, their attraction, their compatibility, and their happiness. The movie also celebrates their romance with music and dance, using songs and choreographies to express their emotions, their desires, their conflicts, and their resolutions.
However, the movie is not just a fairy tale or a fantasy. It is also a realistic story that shows the difficulties and dilemmas of pursuing one’s dreams, especially in the competitive and demanding field of entertainment. The movie portrays the struggles and sacrifices of Sebastian and Mia, who have to face obstacles, setbacks, failures, and choices. The movie also questions the compatibility and sustainability of their romance, as they have to balance their personal and professional goals, their individual and shared dreams, their loyalty and ambition.
By combining romance and realism, “La La Land” creates a compelling and relatable story that touches and inspires the audience. The movie also challenges and subverts the expectations and conventions of the musical genre, as it does not offer a simple or happy ending, but a complex and bittersweet one.
A Musical and Emotional Journey
The final strength of “La La Land” is its ability to create a musical and emotional journey for the audience. The movie is a musical that uses music as a powerful and expressive tool to tell the story and convey the theme. The movie features an original and memorable score composed by Justin Hurwitz, who collaborated with Chazelle on his previous film “Whiplash”. The score consists of various musical motifs and themes that recur and evolve throughout the film, creating a sense of continuity and coherence. The score also includes several original songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who are known for their work on Broadway musicals such as “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Greatest Showman”. The songs range from upbeat and catchy numbers, such as “Another Day of Sun” and “Someone in the Crowd”, to intimate and emotional ballads, such as “City of Stars” and “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)”.
The movie is also an emotional journey that engages and moves the audience with its humor, drama, and sentiment. The movie makes the audience laugh with its witty and clever dialogue, its funny and charming characters, and its humorous and ironic situations. The movie also makes the audience cry with its dramatic and poignant moments, its tragic and heartbreaking twists, and its nostalgic and melancholic tone. The movie also makes the audience feel with its immersive and captivating cinematography, its stunning and spectacular visuals, and its immersive and captivating sound.
By creating a musical and emotional journey, “La La Land” delivers a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and enlightening. The movie also leaves a lasting impression and impact on the audience, as it invites them to reflect on their own dreams, love, and art.
A Masterpiece of Cinema
“La La Land” is a masterpiece of cinema that deserves all the praise and recognition it has received. The movie is a modern musical that revives and reinvents the genre, while also paying tribute to the classics. The movie is a romantic story that balances romance and realism, while also subverting the clichés. The movie is a musical and emotional journey that engages and moves the audience, while also inspiring and challenging them. The movie is a celebration of the power of music and the beauty of life, while also acknowledging the hardships and sacrifices of pursuing one’s dreams and love.
“La La Land” is a movie that captivated and charmed the world, and it will continue to do so for years to come.
