"La La Land" To Dream Or Not To Dream | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"La La Land" To Dream Or Not To Dream

For all the dreamers out there, this one is for you.

255
"La La Land" To Dream Or Not To Dream
Media Brew Pub

"Here's to the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem . . ."

Emma Stone belts her heart out, bringing audience members to tears in Damien Chazelle's "La La Land."This film is not only aesthetically pleasing in cinema-scope but the narrative of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a jazz pianist is genuine and all too real, tbh.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead — no specifics, but still there are a few giveaways.

Yes, there are musical outbursts of dancing and singing that don't seem realistic--but, c'mon. I mean, it's a musical, people! Get. With. It. "La La Land" brings to light this notion of cinematic magic, this ultra high sense of whimsical ethereal-ness of song and dance a la "Singin' in the Rain." After taking in all the beautifully shot scenes, one begins to notice how Chazelle simultaneously crafts the nature of Mia and Sebastian's relationship within the constantly changing background of Los Angeles and how incredibly fitting it is today in a world dominated by millennials.

It is here, within the highs and lows of their relationship, that makes their story truly special. Even before they met, each had their own individual dream. For Mia, she aspired to become an actress, a star in the pictures. For Sebastian, he wanted people to appreciate and reallylisten to jazz, to open his own jazz club. Their passions drove the film, and that's what made it exciting to watch. In wanting to remain true to their dreams, however, there were decisions that were made that certainly made it difficult for their relationship to endure.

Unlike the traditional Hollywood romance wherein the said boy and girl live happily ever after, Mia and Sebastian don't. Now before chaos ensues, let me explain why this is okay. Despite the fact that this is a film, where all these fantastical instances of breaking into a perfectly choreographed dance or synchronized singing are dramatized, the relationship between these two characters isn't.

What Mia and Sebastian had, what their story represents is a real and genuine telling of what happens when two people are caught at a crossroads between choosing what it is that they love, what they live for vs. who they love. And at the end of the day, each person fulfilled their dreams, albeit alone. Mia landed the audition, traveled to Paris and became a prominent actress. While, Sebastian's jazz club became a success; he played and listened to the music that he loved.

I have to admit it, it took me some time to get to the conclusion that them notending up together was okay. As a hopeless romantic, I'm down for any on-screen romance that involves Stone and Gosling #alldayeveryday. But in all seriousness, "La La Land" portrays relationships as they are. They are difficult. They are messy. And that's okay, because if they didn't hurt then that means they didn't matter.

Mia and Sebastian's story matters.

In reality, things don't work out. One has to move on and keep dreaming because that's what makes life worth living.

So from all the dreamers out there, myself included, thanks, "La La Land."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2307
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16908
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3619
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments