One of the most talked about films from 2016, La La Land was hated by some and loved by others. I had been excited about the film since it was announced especially given Ryan Gosling’s experience with tap dancing and Emma Stone’s Broadway experience. I was not dissapointed. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is undeniable as their third film together stole my heart and transported their audience to a whole new world.
At the start of the film, I knew only the gist of the storyline and that Jimmy Fallon had parodied the film at the 2017 Golden Globes. I was instantly taken aback at the beautiful cinematography and the classic choreography synonymous with classic musicals. Emma Stone as a barista working towards her acting career in a world full of look-a-likes is both endearing and relatable. Who hasn’t felt like they are replacable and one in a million in their profession? Ryan Gosling is every bit reminiscent of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly as the brooding jazz pianist. Gosling’s character, Sebastian, is both unapproachable and passionate about a lost art in a world content with Samba Tapas bars.
The Story line is artfully constructed and heartbreakingly beautiful. La La Land reminds of essential life lessons including the impact of your first true love, success isn’t always what you imagined, and that despite your best efforts sometimes life doesn’t turn out as you planned.
Instead of focusing on high and long notes, the music focuses on emotion in a way that forces the viewer to feel what the character’s feel and they feel virtually every emotion. The most remarkable part of La La Land is it’s ability to provide an escape from reality. I saw the film twice in the movie theater and was amazed by the relief I felt in a world undercut with love songs. I left the movie theater wishing I could stay for a little while longer and escape the cruel realities of life outside the musical.
My favorite part of the film is without a doubt the epilogue in which you travel through the characters’ stories as they might have turned out. Ultimately La La Land says this: you can think about all of the different possible ways that your life will turn out but it won’t necessarily be where you end up and that is okay. You will end up happy one way or another and in the meantime enjoy the ride especially if it includes Ryan Gosling and a classic car.
La La Land is proof that the classic musicals of Old Hollywood are still alive and successful. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are pure magic together and I will spend the rest of my life longing for the City of Stars.