“So excited to see this one. “”They don’t make ’em like this anymore!”” is the comment that keeps getting repeated about it. This being an old Hollywood style romantic musical. From Whiplash director Damien Chazelle, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are struggling artists in Los Angeles, she an actress and he a jazz pianist, who are searching for love, fulfillment, and purpose.
I’m of two minds about this movie. Yes, it’s beautiful and artistically I love everything about it. But take out the music and the fantasty elements that it allows for, and you have a decent but unremarkable story that we’ve all heard before. However, I think the artistry is enough to overcome that. If these movies were coming out of the woodwork, I think I’d be more hesitant to praise this film, but I can see why it makes sense to stick to a solid and familiar foundation. I’m just saying that I would have preferred a little more unconventional style, but that is purely opinion.
The music grew on me throughout the film. Again, I’m more into modern musicals, particularly rock operas, and this was very much going for classic. By the time the tunes were familiar, I was loving them. It just took me a little while to get there.
I know we’ll be talking about this more as awards season progresses. For now, while it’s not my favorite of the contenders, the magnitude of it and the flawless execution are solid enough for me to support it as the frontrunner it appears to be. Besides, I could watch Ryan Gosling sing and dance until eternity. That right there is worth recognition!
La La Land – \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/”