Review - La La Land (2016)

An ode to the dreams

La La Land though disappoints with its plot, is brilliantly executed and charming cinematic piece.

Confession - I am not into musicals. I don't hate them, but thanks to Bollywood, my appetite for them is pretty scarce. I have liked some musicals, but I feel they don't work well with English movies. Still, when Damien Chazelle (his Whiplash (2014) floored me completely) announced that he was going to make a musical, I was thoroughly excited. As it is evident from Whiplash, his ear for music is extremely nuanced. What is better than a musical to exercise his music faculties? Now I would take the liberty of saying this - if Whiplash was a rehearsal, then La La Land is a full-house concert. The film, at least from music point of view, is a masterpiece. Also, this is Chazelle at his best - his effective way of weaving music within the story, his brilliant choice of shots, and his visual play of light and shadows - they are all present, in their flourishing glory and dazzling execution. But unfortunately, there is an issue - the trouble is, Chazelle's own script has failed him.

Mia and Sebastian are struggling artists in contemporary Los Angeles - the former an actress and the later a jazz pianist. They meet, they fight, they fall in love. They separate. They reunite. It's something which you have seen hundred of times. It is an old fashioned plot-line and you expect something new, fresh and unique from Chazelle. Even though a brilliant director, he is not a very good writer. His script suffers from predictability, expanded conversations, clichés and filler scenes. 

But where the story falters, the concept prevails. La La Land deeply connects with you on many façades, making up for shortcomings of the script. The plot for the film may be overly simplistic, but the themes are ever resounding. Have you ever felt disappointed when you've failed at something which you really want to attain? Have you felt the heartache when you've looked back in your life and absence of someone special had made every success trivial? Have you cried when you just grow apart with someone with no apparent reason? Life never gives everyone everything. We all have an empty space in our hearts which was once occupied by someone dear, but now there is only a void, an unfillable void which will be there forever.

Talking about the leads,  Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are outstanding. They are both are immensely attractive, but the best part about them is their charm. Their amiable screen presence leads to a strong connection between them and the viewers, so when the emotions hit hard, you can see yourself snuffling and wiping a drop of tear rolling down your eyes. That's the effect of Stone/Gosling pair, their chemistry, physics and biology. Though both are equally good, Stone walks away with this film with her deeply realized portrayal of Mia. Her moments in the film will leave you in awe and wonder, and with some meaty scenes enqueue,  she has become a bit closer to the Oscar statue. Gosling has also played his part beautifully, without being overshadowed by Stone's prowess. 

Apart from the actors and the director, La La Land belongs to composer Justin Hurwitz, whose music is the soul of the film. Every single song of the film is carefully structured and beautifully rendered. City of Stars is a tribute to Los Angeles with a soothing feel to it, and its second reprisal by both Gosling and Stone is a lot more upbeat and playful. Auditions (Fools Who Dream) is another marvel backed up by flawless singing by Stone (and equally good acting). The piano melody for Mia and Sebastian is a haunting, touching composition which instills a sense of longing in your heart.

La La Land's  languid first half is extremely stretched, but the second half makes you almost forget (and forgive) that the first half was a slog. And even with its way too simplistic story-line, the film works - because of its execution, its masterful direction, its lovable pair and its unforgettable music. La La Land is all about dreams which are achieved and yet never fulfilled; an old forgotten love which brings joy and yet sadness.

3.5/5