Old-School Charm

When watching a film in the cinema, it’s not a frequent occurrence to file through the exit knowing you’ve just seen something beautiful. A mix of comedy, drama, and musical, La La Land is the wistful escape seasoned movie-goers search for, and it’s fair to say Whiplash director Damien Chazelle has outdone himself.

Aspiring actress Mia’s (Emma Stone) day-to-day of failed auditions and coffee pouring is upturned when she meets Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a struggling jazz pianist longing for a return to the golden 1940s and 50s. Conflicting dreams and newfound successes bring strain though, and threaten to drag their ‘head-in-the-clouds’ romance back down to reality.

Right from the wordplay in the title, La La Land mixes Old Hollywood charm with the new Los Angeles to create just the right amount of nostalgia. And with flickering neons, and the run-down facades of all-but-deserted jazz haunts, you can’t help but feel caught up in a bit of reminiscence. Allusions to classic cinema abound, noticeably in the film’s fantastic incorporation of old-time cinematic style and choreography. 1955’s Rebel Without A Cause receives an especially memorable tribute, with Chazelle recreating the visit to the Griffith Observatory with a magical waltz between Mia and Sebastian.

Stone And Gosling Bring Class

The on-screen connection between leads is frequently the ‘maker’ or ‘breaker’, but in La La Land its undoubtedly the former. A down-and-out musician and a struggling actress don’t appear the most original character models on the surface. Luckily, Stone and Gosling make these their very own from start to finish. Gosling owns the old-soul, vintage style of Sebastian, while an elegant Stone delights as the bold, but inwardly unassured Mia, but it’s their on-screen combination that deserves the real admiration.

La La Land ultimately sees authentic, beautiful lead performances, in roles that have earned both leads Best Actor and Actress nods at the Golden Globes. It’s really no surprise though, as Chazelle’s snappy script, combined with plentiful doses of witty banter brings their chemistry vibrantly to the fore. The pair’s musical talents are equally impressive, completing an outstanding partnership that should absolutely continue.

Here’s To A Score That Dazzles

Just like Stone’s Mia, you really don’t need to be a jazz fan to love the music of La La Land. As a musical, the soundtrack and score (from the brilliant Justin Hurwitz) are undoubtedly some of the film’s standout features, and definitely what you’ll be humming after the credits roll. Reminiscent of a Broadway-style production, vivacious number ‘Another Day of Sun’ sets a hopeful, toe-tapping mood right from the start. Stone and Gosling’s charming and bittersweet duet in ‘City of Stars’ is the real highlight though — definitely watch this space for an Oscar. It combines effortlessly with the melancholic, dreamy melody of ‘Mia and Sebastian’s Theme’, and delicately encapsulates the film’s nostalgic tone.

Best Original Song and Original Score nominations will no doubt be calling, and considering the lead performances, don’t expect La La Land‘s nominations to end there. With six Golden Globe wins already, Chazelle will more than likely leave the Dolby Theatre with something golden again come February.

La La Land has been in cinemas since December 16, with a DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital HD release yet to be announced.