‘La La Land’ – Love letter to dreamers
La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle, is a film praising those who dare to dream and love with abandon. The film sends young dreamers the message: “Keep dreaming, keep being foolish.” It reminds us that no matter what the future holds, the purity and passion of young love remains unmatched. Two years after stunning audiences with Whiplash, Chazelle captivated audiences once again with a heartfelt musical that has become a modern classic.
Set against the dazzling backdrop of Los Angeles, La La Land captivated audiences from the first moments. In a traffic jam at a sunlit traffic jam, the city suddenly comes alive as people burst into song and dance to Another Day of Sun, turning a mundane moment into a vibrant spectacle. Broadway style. In that way, Damien Chazelle built a large outdoor broadway stage.
The two main characters of the film, Seb (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone), are two timid people holding artistic dreams. Seb, an artist who worships classical jazz, tries to make a living by performing in tea rooms, while Mia, an actress looking for her first role, works part-time at a coffee shop.
The film unfolds as a love letter to Los Angeles and its artistic appeal. Seb dreams of opening a jazz club to preserve the music he believes is dying, while Mia longs for a breakthrough as a Hollywood actress. Their journeys beautifully intertwine as they find solace in each other’s company, sharing their dreams and dancing under the city’s starry sky. Musical pieces in the film, such as Someone in the Crowd and City of Stars, serve as poetic interludes, capturing the innocence and magic of young love.
One of the most memorable scenes is the dreamlike dance between Seb and Mia among the stars, a scene that feels like a fairy tale come to life. As they spin through the universe, Los Angeles transforms into the City of Angels, where anything is possible. Chazelle’s direction proves that love and youth are the most enchanting forces, capable of lifting us to new heights.
Jazz plays a central role in the film, becoming a character in its own right. Chazelle masterfully blends traditional and modern jazz with R&B, pop and electronic influences, creating a soundtrack that is both nostalgic and modern. The intimate jazz club scene evokes memories of iconic musicians like Louis Armstrong, set in smoky, dimly lit basements where music flows freely throughout the night. These moments capture the essence of jazz’s golden era, evoking a sense of longing for a time when the genre dominated.
For many people, La La Land is a story about the tension between passion and reality. Seb’s deep love for jazz music reflects the struggle for survival of modern-day artists trying to maintain tradition in a rapidly changing world. His character is reminiscent of the musician in Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive, who laments the decline of rock music. Seb’s dream of opening a jazz club is more than just personal fulfillment; it was about preserving the purity of classic jazz, a musical form he considered sacred.
The film’s success is largely due to the music composed by Justin Hurwitz, Chazelle’s close collaborator. Unlike Whiplash, where existing songs were reinterpreted, La La Land’s songs are original compositions, meticulously crafted to fit the emotional arc of the characters. Songs like City of Stars, Another Day of Sun, and Someone in the Crowd are more than just musical breaks; they are integral to the storytelling, each note enhancing the emotional depth of the film.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone shine as Seb and Mia, recreating the chemistry that made them such a beloved duo in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Stone’s acting was especially radiant, her expressive face and graceful movements breathed life into the character Mia. Gosling, with his silky charm and subtle vulnerability, delivers a role that is both familiar and fresh. Their on-screen collaboration, complemented by sumptuous costumes and choreography, produced some of the most memorable cinematic moments of the year. Stone’s classic yet simple wardrobe accentuates the character’s charm, while Gosling’s sleek suits maintain a balance between nostalgia and modernity.
The film’s story is structured around four seasons, reflecting the cycle of love. However, La La Land is especially suitable as a Christmas watch, with the magical moment when Seb and Mia find each other under twinkling lights, capturing the warmth and excitement of the holiday season. Regardless of where their love story will eventually lead, at that moment, they are completely immersed in the joy of youth and love.
In a world where cynicism often reigns, La La Land is a celebration of the beauty of foolishness in love. As Mario Puzo said in The Godfather, “Idiots die”, but in Chazelle’s universe, “Idiots are loved”.
