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La La Land


A masterpiece.

La La Land is in one word: spectacular. It truly is a triumph of a film. Every scene is a meticulously crafted work of art. Every element of the film shines. Everything plays together in unison, creating a cinematic symphony.

What is really amazing about La La Land is that even though the film soars in the clouds, there are certain moments that are so grounded in reality that they pierce through those clouds and the audience's hearts.

Courtesy of Lionsgate
The production design is stunning. Every scene's background is precise and picturesque. The production design is complemented by - or rather contrasted with - the costume design, that is simple yet striking; for Emma Stone, it's just a matter of varying her dresses' colors, while Ryan Gosling dons a solid white shirt (with different ties) and black pants throughout. Altogether, the aesthetics and lighting beautifully - and are further accentuated in the scenes occurring at night - ensure that the main actors are always the "someone in the crowd" that grabs the audience's attention.

The cinematography serves as the channel through which to fully experience the film. It really showcases the design as elaborated on in the previous paragraph, as well as the actors' interactions as they traverse the scene's backdrop.




La La Land would obviously not be the film that it is if not for the soundtrack. The score is mellifluous and unbelievably cohesive throughout (you can listen to how effortlessly it all comes together in the epilogue), even though each tune builds up a different mood. The songs are also enchantingly written. Together, they inject the magic and life into so many of the scenes.

Courtesy of Lionsgate
If every other cinematic element made up the melody of a song, its singing would be provided by the acting. Both Stone and Gosling come into their own and deliver charming performances. It's especially in the acapella "real" moments mentioned previously, where everything else is toned down, that the actors step up and breathe life into the screenplay. And on top of that, they also do a superb job with the literal singing and dancing.

The screenplay is great, for sure; it's nothing extraordinary. It is, however, written in an uncharacteristically mature manner, unlike other films of a similar genre, that places realism and practicality over serendipity and the expectations of the audience. In spite of this, it is heartfelt and puts you through a potpourri of emotions. Writer-director Damien Chazelle (known for Whiplash) surely had a vision for the film, a vision that he has executed to perfection, and a tremendous amount of credit has to be given to him for La La Land.

La La Land is definitely a must-watch. It's an inspiring tribute to following your passion and chasing your dreams. Every aspect of the film synthesizes to create the magical, dreamy, memorable experience that it is.

Courtesy of Lionsgate




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