La La Land
Eren Odabasi

Review by Eren Odabasi

La La Land 2016

★★★★½

Watched 08 Jan 2017

As a well-crafted musical, this would be considered a wonderful film in any case. All the colors, beautiful sets and costumes, memorable songs and dances, elegant camerawork, and two great central performances from Gosling and Stone provide plenty to enjoy in this charming experience.
But there is so much more to this than simply being a well-made crowdpleaser. First, it is a joy for those who can catch at least few of the many references, including those to the works of masters such as Vincente Minnelli and especially Jacques Demy.
More importantly, La La Land presents a unique brand of homage or vintage. It strikes a delicate balance between a contemporary atmosphere and a retro touch; replacing the aggressive, in-your-face formalism and self-awareness of postmodern homage with its own kind of gentleness, nostalgia, or even innocence.
Despite the straightforward and predictable story arc it follows, it successfully transcends the banal American motto of 'follow your heart, fight obstacles, don't let go of your dream.' The last fifteen minutes elevate this film above most comparable American films (mostly success stories) and turn it into a touching tale of second thoughts and could-have-beens. It is not marked by melodramatic excess or pronounced regret; but it carries a beautiful, subtle sense of sadness and longing.

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