I first heard about La La Land from my friend Michael, who after watching it (for the first time of the three times he has seen it so far) would simply not shut up about it. So, after hearing the hype about it for so long, I was pumped to finally be able to go and actually see La La Land, after tests and unexpectedly long homework assignments had taken all my free time beforehand. By this point I had heard all the raving reviews, had friends dancing around to the soundtrack and singing their favourite song at every possible moment... saying my expectations were very high is a bit of an understatement. I was really hoping that the movie would live up to my expectations, but I needn't have worried--oh, did it ever.
For those unaware, La La Land tells the tale of a struggling actress and an aspiring pianist in Los Angeles, how their paths cross, and yet, ultimately separate once again. The idea isn't unheard of or particularly unexpected, but through twirling vibrant splashes of colour, moody and smokey jazz beats, and of course, the tangible connection between Mia and Sebastian, it presents itself in a unique and unforgettable new way.
I am no movie critic and won't pretend to try, but I just have to talk about the music in this movie. The soundtrack. Is incredible. Just, just go listen to it. I'll even give you the Spotify link. It interweaves the unexpected and unstable aspects of pursuing a career in performance with the thrill and exhilaration of chasing after your dreams in a city that can either make or break you. No song is purely happy, or purely sad-- nothing is that black and white. It's a plethora and amalgamation of emotions and colours and hellos and goodbyes, a mix that is constantly changing and growing, only to once again return to the simple theme it began with.
My personal favourite has to be the song entitled "Epilogue" on the soundtrack, simply because of the story it tells. It manages to encapsulate the transience nature of each and every moment in time, no matter how passionate and long-lasting it may seem at the time. The idea that there is a life, a wonderful and fulfilling life at that, that simply is not to be, is heartbreaking and yet so realistic. There are so many different paths we can each take in our life, that alter by just a few different choices, and yet result in such drastically different lives. I think this concept contributes to why this movie affects so many people so strongly; the idea of having an encounter like Mia and Sebastian's is thrilling and yet heartbreaking at the same time, because to us as humans, lost love is such a tragedy and yet something that happens all the time.
For me, the music is really the best way to capture the mood of the movie, so beware-- even long after the movie is over, the hauntingly melancholy tunes will stick with you. It isn't a movie that you just forget about the day after watching it, it makes you feel deeply, and desire to go chase a dream as passionately as Mia and Sebastion do in La La Land. So in summary, go watch La La Land! Or at least listen to the soundtrack-- trust me, you won't regret it.
