To all the fools who dream.
La La Land is a film that follows two struggling artists: the jazz pianist, Seb (Ryan Gosling) and the aspiring actress, Mia (Emma Stone). For years, Mia and Seb, two very clearly talented people, have seemed to be unable to achieve any success in their lives. And after both enduring a long day, they meet – thus, the story begins.
As the story begins to unravel, you miserably think that it will contain every cliché in the book. But each idea, the dialogue, the scenes – they are all constructed differently, pulling away from what you think might happen. It was frilly at times in a way that made you giddy and want to laugh. The dialogue was witty and quick, getting quite a few laughs from the other moviegoers. But there were also so many ups and downs in the story, with raw emotion etched into the characters.
The characters were dreamers, unsure if their dreams would ever come true but pushing for them anyway. Mia and Seb were unique, interesting and so very flawed. They drag each other into their similar but so very different worlds, but at the same time, it feels like you are being dragged in too.
The directing was amazing. It was what drew me in the most on my first time watching the film. The long takes draw out the film more, especially in the dances in which some were done in one take. The always vibrant colors and unique camera angles and shooting techniques set this film apart from so many others and just yanks you in.
And don’t let the musical aspect of the film deter you. The dances were fun, making you want to be a part of them. The singing wasn’t broadway but the imperfection in their voices made it so much more emotionally powerful and realistic. That was the part I loved most about the film. With all its cleverness and cuteness, there was the awkwardness, the flaws, and the struggles of real life. The characters had to fight to find themselves to be able to achieve their dreams, making you think about your own dreams in life.
I gave this film 5/5 stars.
And so, to all the fools who dream, La La Land is a must see.
