🎊🎊red_line_ninety_two🎊🎊’s review published on Letterboxd:
LA LA LAND is a genuine throwback. From its opening logos to the end credits, it looks, and feels like, the genuine article. Damien Chazelle, 3 films into his career, has made his name known as one of the great modern directors.
LA LA LAND follows the story of two struggling artists, jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling, charming as ever), and actress Mia (Emma Stone, who seems to look more and more like a classic movie star with each new film), as they navigate life in an alternate Hollywood that, aesthetically, seems to still be in the 50s. But through a series of chance encounters (isn't it always this way?), they fall in love, singing and dancing their way through the city of dreams.
The film's greatest asset is its willingness to be optimistic. It's not your typical "Hollywood/fame sucks" film, which is slowly becoming a cliche, thanks to shows like BOJACK HORSEMAN, or even EMPIRE. LA LA LAND is a true escape from the troubles of everyday life, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
LA LA LAND also looks great, as is to be expected from a musical. Chazelle uses Cinemascope, and milks the process for all it's worth, with stunning vistas, sets, and even intimate closeups. The look of the film feels so fitting to the script, that it's hard to imagine it any other way.
The stars of Chazelle's vision are electric. Ryan Gosling feels just right for a role that was almost played by Miles Teller, who, while a great actor, doesn't have the classic Hollywood look that Gosling does. His performance feels so natural, and it should cement his status as one of the most talented actors of our time.
Emma Stone, on the other hand, is absolutely stunning. Her large, doe-like eyes, and her attitude, make her feel like a star from long ago. She'd sit comfortably alongside Debbie Reynolds and Myrna Loy, and should soon be regarded as one of the greats.
Justin Hurwitz's music is fantastic. While on the inital viewing, I couldn't really remember the words to any of the songs, the intricate melodies and harmonies still stay with me.
That's not to say the film is without fault, although the faults are small. John Legend's extended cameo, while fun, almost stops the film dead in its tracks, and the song performed by him sounds generic and forgettable. But maybe that's the point? Another (small) fault with the film is that it does not feel like 128 minutes, but more like 188 minutes. The film feels long, but not bloated.
LA LA LAND is a miracle. It's a film that will leave you dancing, and maybe even leave you with just a touch more hope than when you came in. Damien Chazelle, you can rest well knowing you've made a genuinely amazing picture.