Evan Popplestone’s review published on Letterboxd:
La La Land is a film whose critical reputation started out rapturously, with near-universal rave reviews. However, come awards season, with 7 Golden Globe wins plus 6 Oscars under its belt, it underwent something of a backlash, with several critics electing to attack it over its characterisation of a white man as a self-proclaimed saviour of jazz - a form of music that originated in African-American communities in New Orleans. Some audience members have also expressed disappointment that its bittersweet core story isn't quite as joyously escapist as they expected.
Now that the furore has long since died down, it is much easier to appreciate La La Land for what it is - a beautiful piece of cinema. At surface level, it's a striking hymn to the audiovisual alchemy of old Hollywood movies, the near-mystical allure of jazz and the importance of following the madness of one's own dreams. Deep down, it's a love story of the most heartbreaking kind: one between two people who clearly shared a special connection but, for one reason or another, never quite made it as the lifelong partners they thought they would be. Moreover, it's about how following one's dreams is an often painful process as we have to tearfully slam some doors shut in order to step through others.
It's nostalgic and modern all at once. The visuals are striking in the inventive dexterity of the camerawork and rich use of colour. The music is stirring and emotive. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have a spectacular sense of chemistry with each other.
It's a wonderful movie, plain and simple.
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