BY now the word is out, so is the film, and people are going crazy for La La Land. It just won every category it was nominated for at the Golden Globes, but is it any good?
Written and directed by academy award nominee Damien Chazelle, the movie tells the story of Mia (played by Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in modern day Los Angeles, a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts.
And with a set-up like that the filmmakers surely have a recipe for success in an industry that loves to pat itself on the back. A guaranteed hit amongst the lovies and darlings of Hollywood or so it might seem.
But tasty ingredients don’t always turn into a satisfying meal, it needs a skilled head chef and assistants who blend and mix each element in the correct manner, and cook it for just the right amount of time.
The director, Chazelle, is the man behind ‘Whiplash’, so we’re off to a good start there. Emma Stone (‘Birdman’) is such a good actress there are few who can match her and the chemistry she shares with her onscreen partner, Gosling, is unquestionable.
In case you are are not aware La La Land is a musical, but the songs aren’t crowbarred in, they naturally occur and are both complementary to the story and wonderfully lyrical at the same time.
The film looks great, with rich colours that can only be truly appreciated on a large screen and sets that deliberately try to recreate the atmosphere of the great Hollywood musicals of the past.
If the hauntingly beautiful music, romantic settings, terrific performances or heartwarming storyline don’t stir the emotions deep within you, wait for the ending that is so well executed, it will have you clearing your throat or reaching for the kleenex in an effort to keep it together.
This is a movie for the senses that fires on all cylinders and which we score a la la lavish, 5 out of 5 stars.
Paul O’Rourke
