The colors of La La Land

Poorvi
3 min readMay 5, 2024

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In the amazing movie “La La Land,” colors aren’t just there to look pretty. They’re like feelings painted on the screen, making the story even more exciting. The director, Damien Chazelle, uses lots of different colors to make us feel like we’re right there with Mia and Sebastian, experiencing their love and dreams. Whether it’s the bright clothes they wear or the magical places they go, each color helps tell the story and make it feel real.

Opening scene of la la land
Opening scene of la la land
  1. Vibrant Costumes and Sets: “La La Land” dazzles from the outset with its kaleidoscope of colors, as Mia and Sebastian dance their way through traffic in a breathtaking opening sequence. The film’s costumes burst with energy and personality, reflecting the characters’ dreams and aspirations. During the musical numbers, such as “Another Day of Sun” and “Someone in the Crowd,” the vibrant attire of the performers contrasts with the muted tones of everyday life, transporting the audience into a world of whimsy and wonder.
Coloured Lighting and the Aura of Hollywood in Damien Chazelle’s
Coloured Lighting and the Aura of Hollywood in Damien Chazelle’s

2. Lighting as a Mood Setter: Lighting serves as a silent orchestrator of emotion in “La La Land,” casting its spell over each scene. Warm, golden hues bathe romantic moments, infusing them with a nostalgic glow reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. In contrast, cooler lighting accents the melancholy and introspection that pervades the characters’ journeys. Whether it’s the golden hour of sunset or the ethereal glow of moonlight, lighting in “La La Land” is a masterful tool for evoking mood and atmosphere.

3. Color Grading for Visual Splendor: The meticulous process of color grading imbues “La La Land” with a dreamlike quality, enhancing its visual appeal. Bold and vibrant tones leap off the screen, enveloping viewers in a world of enchantment and possibility. From the vivid sunsets over Los Angeles to the neon-lit streets of the city, each frame is a canvas alive with color, inviting audiences to lose themselves in its beauty.

4. Symbolism in Every Shade: Colors in “La La Land” are more than just aesthetic choices; they’re powerful symbols that convey deeper meaning and emotion. Yellow, a recurring motif throughout the film, symbolizes hope, optimism, and the pursuit of dreams. Blue, on the other hand, represents melancholy, longing, and the harsh realities of life. These symbolic associations enrich the storytelling, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on a profound level.

In conclusion, “La La Land” is a symphony of color and emotion, where every shade is carefully orchestrated to captivate and inspire. From the vibrant costumes to the evocative lighting, each element contributes to the film’s mesmerizing visual tapestry. Through the language of color, Damien Chazelle invites us to embark on a journey of love, dreams, and the pursuit of artistic excellence — a journey that resonates long after the final curtain falls.

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Poorvi

UX/UI Designer | Fascinated with the human mind and its behavior | Kind of Bookworm