Los Angeles usually gets a bad rap. Often depicted as
a seedy place where dreams die and careers vanish, it’s a wonder why it’s still
popular. The lure of fame and fortune is its driving force with the
chance of making it big as addictive as gambling. ‘La La Land’ explores
the city where Hollywood resides with glee. A musical about love and
desire that may not change anyone’s thinking about the area but the film makes
it look as glossy as any big movie coming from it.
Living in Los Angeles in the hope of making it big, Mia
(Emma Stone) aspires to be a famous actress. Waiting tables to earn a
crust, she hopes to be discovered by the many power players she serves.
Her routine is brightened by the appearance of Sebastian (Ryan Gosling).
A jazz musician playing dingy bars while waiting for his big break, he falls
for Mia’s charms. As their romance blossoms so do their growing
careers. While enjoying the trappings of success, their love is tested in
ways that only a strange city like Los Angeles can create.
‘La La Land’ is a throwback to the glossy musicals of the
1940’s/50’s. Whilst set in modern day, it has a classic feel echoing past
melodic spectacles. The staging and vibrancy of the dance/music numbers
are superb, perfectly capturing the wondrous energy of the leads. The
romance between Mia and Sebastian isn’t anything new, going through the clichéd
motions of many romantic dramas. What it succeeds in is the performer’s
genuine chemistry and the effective blending of mundane reality and sparkling
set pieces.
Damien Chazelle’s direction isn’t always perfect with the
pacing dragging the narrative. Like so many recent films, he doesn’t know
when to stop. He does, however, show much flair in the stylised look and
structure in the lover’s romantic entanglements. Los Angeles has never
looked so enticing as it captures Mia and Sebastian’s imaginations but
potentially destroying them too. The mix of music, drama, humour and some
fantasy make for an engaging package.
Although slow in places, ‘La La Land’ maintains a
consistency in tone and colour. The music is great with the actors diving
into their roles with gusto. The movie musical genre always re-invents
itself with ‘La La Land’ another fine addition sure to further enhance its
reputation.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie
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