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' A MUSICAL MASTERPIECE '
They are both shy individuals carrying artistic dreams within themselves. Seb, an aspiring jazz musician devoted to preserving classic jazz, performs at a nightclub to make ends meet.
Mia, an aspiring actress in search of her breakthrough role, works at a coffee shop to supplement her income. One dreams of opening a jazz club to uphold what he believes is true music, but it is slowly fading away.
The other dreams of becoming a Hollywood star, stepping into the limelight with public adoration. They walk alongside each other, navigating the youthful night of their lives.
Amid the hustle and bustle far below the hill, where city lights twinkle and the cacophony of sounds fades into silence, their feet glide like skates on the endless melodies of "Someone In The Crowd" and "City of Stars."
Leaving the pool party in the middle of Christmas Eve, Mia took a solitary walk knowing that her friends hadn't returned home yet. Lost in thoughts of failed auditions and the vague career path of an actress, Mia stopped in front of a restaurant where she felt her heart race to the piano's tune. Stepping inside, she suddenly recognized a "familiar face" - the handsome Sebastian, a musician dressed like a debonair actor. After coincidentally crossing paths multiple times, they began to bond over their shared love for music and cinema.
Sebastian's passion for jazz was obsessive, even though he knew jazz now belonged to the older generation - the elderly and nostalgic fools longing for the past like him. Meanwhile, Mia, a barista near Hollywood, kept chasing her seemingly unrealistic film dreams.
Ever since Damien Chazelle’s La La Land premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August, it’s been hailed as the presumptive front-runner for half of this year’s Academy Awards, especially in the music, visual, acting, and directing categories. The New York Critics Circle and the Washington DC Critics Association have declared it the best film of the year. And it doesn’t even arrive in theaters until Friday, December 9th. Chazelle’s follow-up to his breakout film Whiplash (which was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, and won three, for editing, sound mixing, and J.K. Simmons as Supporting Actor) once again centers on music and performance, but it’s a very different film.
Where Whiplash was aggressive, manic, and confrontational, La La Land is an unabashedly sweet, melancholy throwback musical that channels 1950s and ‘60s Hollywood in its staging and tone. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star as two artists trying to make it in Los Angeles — she’s an actress, he’s a jazz musician — and losing their way professionally and personally. It’s a technically dazzling film, but it also feels like ready-made comfort food for cinephiles, full of old Hollywood references and the energy of the big classic MGM musicals. I recently talked to Chazelle about why it was such a difficult film to make, and why he’s ready for people to pick it apart.
➢ Original language: English
➢ Official name: La La Land
➢ Director: Damien Chazelle
➢ Writer: Damien Chazelle
➢ Genre: Comedy • Romance • Drama • Music • Musical
➢ Producer: Jordan Horowitz, Marc Platt, Fred Berger, Gary Gilbert
➢ Composer, Score: Justin Hurwitz
➢ Composer, Song: Justin Hurwitz
➢ Lyrics, Song: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
➢ Runtime: 2 hours 8 minutes
➢ Release date: December 12th, 2016
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North American film enthusiasts are surely still amazed by what director Damien Chazelle accomplished with Whiplash two years ago. The lingering impact of the nearly 10-minute drum solo performance by the music-obsessed character in the old work seems enduring. This year, the filmmaker continues to captivate audiences with other "dreamy fools" in his new musical piece. La La Land, after many years of anticipation, marks a fresh milestone in the 31-year-old director's career.
Set against the backdrop of the enchanting city that is Los Angeles, La La Land captivates its audience from the first five minutes with an exhilarating "kick-off" sequence that sets the tone. As hundreds of cars sit deadlocked in traffic at an intersection, seemingly frozen in place, suddenly the faces inside the cars burst forth with vitality. One person, then another, and soon a whole procession of individuals join in harmony to the tune of "Another Day of Sun." The entire city comes alive, dancing along in unison. In this way, Damien Chazelle constructs a grand outdoor Broadway stage.
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The whimsical dance sequence among the stars featuring two non-professional dancers - Ryan and Emma - satisfies fairy tale enthusiasts. In an instant, Los Angeles transforms into a true city of angels. Love, excitement, and passion for life remain intact through rose-colored glasses while simultaneously lifting the duo characters off the ground. Soaring and surreal, the work proves that youth and love are the most enchanting magic bestowed upon everyone by nature.
Through the dances, nights spent at jazz clubs, and movie screenings, Sebastian and Mia realize they cannot live without each other, despite both struggling with worries about the future. Sebastian must give up his love for jazz, while Mia accepts pursuing a career in writing and acting in her own screenplay. Like many other couples, they face the harsh reality that "life isn't a dream": they must compromise to survive together or risk losing everything. With Sebastian's stubbornness and Mia's unwavering optimism... how will they choose to follow their hearts and move forward?
La La Land was filmed using 35mm film and employed CinemaScope techniques with Anamorphic lenses, commonly used in the 1950s and 1960s. This approach allowed for wide-angle frames without distortion, and the colors appeared more authentic and vibrant compared to modern cameras. Set in modern-day Hollywood but artistically inspired by the 1950s, the film's visual design draws heavily from that era. Right from the opening scene, a classic atmosphere envelops La La Land with the lively rhythm of the samba song "Another Day of Sun," featuring over 100 daring dancers on a bustling freeway.
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☘︎ Characters and Cast:
‣ Sebastian: Played by Ryan Gosling
‣ Mia: Played by Emma Stone
‣ Laura: Played by Rosemarie DeWitt
‣ Bill: Played by J.K. Simmons
‣ Amiรฉe Conn: Played by Amiee Conn
‣ Terry: Played by Terry Walters
‣ Keith: Played by John Stephens (John Legend)
☘︎ Production Developing:
For most people, the story of Jazz in La La Land may stop at the dilemma between passion and life's burdens for the talented yet naive protagonist. However, for jazz enthusiasts, it also evokes a sense of lamentation seeing the beautiful, pure music slowly fading amidst the torrent of modern music. The main character of the film shares sentiments similar to the rock musician in "Only Lovers Left Alive" (Jim Jarmusch), expressing heartache when listening to the chaotic rock music of another era. Seb's dream of opening a jazz club is not just about nurturing his passion. For Seb, it represents the ambition of someone who venerates classic jazz (pure jazz).
Damien Chazelle, the filmmaker behind this movie, was only 31 years old! He studied jazz drumming throughout high school and dreamed of becoming a musician, much like the character Sebastian in the film. After his promising debut work, Chazelle wrote the screenplay for La La Land but struggled to find a sponsor.
Five years later, having gained prominence in Hollywood with "Whiplash," Chazelle finally found common ground and the trust of a film company to secure funding for La La Land. At that time, he had chosen Miles Teller and Emma Watson as the stars, but they both declined due to their commitments to the blockbuster "Beauty and the Beast."
Fate brought Chazelle to meet Emma Stone, a rising blonde actress with a hunger similar to Mia's: diligently auditioning since she was 15 years old! Stone even excelled beyond her character: she studied popping dance from a young age and had a passion for singing. Interestingly, when actor Ryan Gosling accepted the role of Sebastian, he revealed a comical audition story from his early days as an aspiring actor, and Chazelle incorporated that detail into the film because it resonated with the naive nature of the two characters. Both Stone and Gosling had worked together in two previous films but always as "opponents."
To master the intricate piano and dance sequences (filmed in detailed and clear shots), Ryan Gosling spent a full four months practicing piano and dancing. His efforts earned the actor, born in 1980, a Golden Globe nomination. Similarly, Emma Stone achieved another milestone with her third nomination, and she also won the Best Actress award at the Venice International Film Festival in September for her role as Mia.
☘︎ Post-production & Published:
The post-production phase of "La La Land" involved a comprehensive process to refine the film's visual and auditory elements. After principal photography concluded, meticulous editing ensured that scenes were seamlessly pieced together to create a compelling narrative flow. Sound design and mixing were crucial in enhancing the audio quality, integrating music, dialogue, and effects to immerse viewers in the film's world. Additionally, visual effects were utilized where necessary to enhance scenes or create special sequences. Color grading further enhanced the film's aesthetic, adjusting tones and colors to achieve the desired mood.
"I remember being nervous before showing the movie, when we were getting it ready for the Venice Film Festival. Not nervous in a way I've always been nervous before screenings, but nervous in a way that felt even more palpable to me than I'd ever experienced. I don't know if it's because it took longer to get this off the ground, or what exactly. But I feel so passionately about a lot of the things that make up this movie, whether it's musicals or the ideas in the film, the idea of reaching for a dream, whether it seems like it's gonna work out or not. I felt like my heart was way out on my sleeve. I felt very exposed. But maybe a musical always exposes. Nothing can go haywire quite like a musical going haywire." said by Damien Chazelle - the chief director of the movie La La Land.
To evoke an old-fashioned Los Angeles in the dreams of art lovers, Damien Chazelle painstakingly sought out corners of streets and establishments that retained a vintage charm. Additionally, the production team had to create replicas of old movie posters to fit the overall aesthetic of the film.
Apart from the acting and visuals, the film's soundtrack is unforgettable, featuring a variety of genres from rock and R&B to jazz and dance-pop. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone also performed duets in two songs, "A Lovely Night" and "City of Stars," imbuing them with a ballad-like quality. While La La Land may not be considered a masterpiece, it certainly captivates audiences with its charm, humor, and relatability. Each of us has a youthful period filled with innocent mistakes and dreams, much like Mia and Sebastian, so it's likely that when watching the film, you'll be moved because you can "see" yourself in it.
☘︎ Box Office:
According to Box Office Mojo by iMDbPro, here's all the statistics related to the box office of the movie:
✦ Budget: $30,000,000
✦ Opening revenue: $881,104 (5 theatres)
✦ In release: 388 days/55 weeks
✦ Wildest release: 3,236 theatres
✦ Gross domestic: $151,101,803 (33.8%)
✦ Gross international: $296,305,892 (66.2%)
✦ Gross worldwide: $447,407,695
☘︎ Nominees and Awards:
Academy Awards (Oscars):
- Nominated for 14 Academy Awards (2017), tying the record for most nominations with "All About Eve" (1950) and "Titanic" (1997).
- Won 6 Academy Awards:
- Best Director (Damien Chazelle)
- Best Actress (Emma Stone)
- Best Cinematography (Linus Sandgren)
- Best Original Score (Justin Hurwitz)
- Best Original Song ("City of Stars" - Music by Justin Hurwitz, Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul)
- Best Production Design (David Wasco, Sandy Reynolds-Wasco)
Golden Globe Awards:
- Won 7 Golden Globe Awards (2017):
- Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
- Best Director - Motion Picture (Damien Chazelle)
- Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy (Ryan Gosling)
- Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy (Emma Stone)
- Best Screenplay - Motion Picture (Damien Chazelle)
- Best Original Score - Motion Picture (Justin Hurwitz)
- Best Original Song - Motion Picture ("City of Stars" - Music by Justin Hurwitz, Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul)
BAFTA Awards:
- Won 5 BAFTA Awards (2017):
- Best Film
- Best Director (Damien Chazelle)
- Best Actress in a Leading Role (Emma Stone)
- Best Cinematography (Linus Sandgren)
- Best Original Music (Justin Hurwitz)
Other Awards:
- Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Won 8 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.
- Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards: Emma Stone won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
- Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards: Damien Chazelle won Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film.
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Like people often jokingly say: "There is no eternal love, only eternal moments of love..." If Mia, Sebastian, and the audience feel strongly enough, they will realize that all other practical matters become less important, and what matters most are the heightened emotions, the completeness experienced in love.
Director Damien Chazelle also acknowledges that this explanation may be humorous, foolish, or even illogical, but sometimes it's also true.
☘︎ Setting and Atmosphere:
Los Angeles as a Character: The city of Los Angeles is portrayed as a vibrant and diverse backdrop that reflects the dreams and struggles of its inhabitants. From the bustling streets of Hollywood to the tranquil Griffith Observatory overlooking the city, each location adds depth to the story and contributes to the film's overall atmosphere.
Retro Aesthetic: "La La Land" captures a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of old Hollywood musicals. The costumes, production design, and cinematography evoke a sense of nostalgia, blending classic elegance with modern sensibilities. This fusion of past and present creates a visually captivating and immersive experience for the audience.
☘︎ Character Involving - Strauss' Binary Opposite Theory:
1. Mia and Sebastian:
- Mia, an aspiring actress, represents ambition, optimism, and a longing for success in Hollywood.
- Sebastian, a jazz musician, embodies passion, tradition, and a yearning for artistic purity.
- Their contrasting dreams and personalities initially draw them together, but their individual pursuits ultimately create tension and challenges in their relationship.
2. Traditionalism vs. Innovation:
- Sebastian's love for classic jazz and desire to preserve its authenticity contrasts with the modern, commercialized music scene he encounters.
- This juxtaposition highlights themes of tradition versus innovation, showcasing the tension between preserving artistic integrity and adapting to contemporary demands.
3. Dreams vs. Reality:
- Both Mia and Sebastian are dreamers who envision successful careers in their respective fields.
- The contrast between their idealistic dreams and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry underscores the challenges they face and the sacrifices required to pursue their passions.
4. Stability vs. Risk:
- Mia represents stability, working a steady job while pursuing acting opportunities.
- Sebastian takes risks by following his passion for jazz, even at the expense of financial stability.
- This duality reflects the tension between comfort and ambition, highlighting the choices individuals must make in pursuit of their goals.
☘︎ Visual Style & Cinematography:
' DREAMY FOOLS' LOVE SONG '
The film's cinematography, led by Linus Sandgren, employs vibrant colors and sweeping camera movements to enhance the dreamlike quality of the story. The use of primary colors and contrasting palettes helps convey different moods and emotions throughout the film.
The changing seasons, particularly the transition from summer to winter, symbolize the evolving relationship between the main characters, Mia and Sebastian. The seasonal backdrop underscores the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of their love story. The musical numbers in "La La Land" transport viewers into a whimsical world where everyday moments are transformed into song and dance. These sequences, set against iconic Los Angeles locations like the Griffith Observatory and the freeway overpass, infuse the film with energy and charm.
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☘︎ Sound Effects/Music:
Special effects encompass a wide range of techniques used to create or enhance visual elements in a film. In "La La Land," certain scenes may have utilized visual effects to achieve specific aesthetic or narrative goals. For example, the seamless blending of practical sets with digital enhancements may have been employed to create the film's dreamlike musical sequences or to enhance the appearance of iconic Los Angeles locations.
Some effects in "La La Land" may have been achieved through practical means, such as practical lighting setups, props, and physical set constructions. These practical effects contribute to the film's authenticity and help create a tangible world for the characters to inhabit.
The music in "La La Land," composed by Justin Hurwitz, is integral to the film's identity and emotional impact. The original score features a blend of jazz, classical, and contemporary elements, reflecting the characters' passions and aspirations. The score underscores key moments in the story, heightening drama, romance, and nostalgia.
As a musical, "La La Land" features several elaborate musical sequences that seamlessly integrate song and dance into the narrative. These musical numbers are choreographed to evoke specific emotions and advance character development. Songs like "City of Stars" and "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" serve as emotional anchors, expressing the characters' hopes, dreams, and fears.
Full soundtrack: La La Land (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
☘︎ Media Producer:
| Summit Entertainment |
Summit Entertainment is the Producer of the movie "La La Land"
Summit Entertainment, LLC is an American film production and distribution company. It is a label of Lionsgate Films, owned by Lionsgate Entertainment and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Summit Entertainment was founded in 1991 by film producers Bernd Eichinger, Arnon Milchan, and Andrew G. Vajna (Carolco Pictures and Cinergi) to handle film sales in foreign countries. Summit officially launched in 1993 by Patrick Wachsberger, Bob Hayward, and David Garrett under the name Summit Entertainment LP as a distribution and sales organization.
On February 1, 2009, it was announced that Lionsgate would acquire Summit Entertainment, along with its library of six films and rights to the Twilight franchise, but two days later, these merger negotiations broke down due to concerns over changing content. On January 13, 2012, Lionsgate officially acquired Summit Entertainment for $412.5 million. Lionsgate continues to operate Summit Entertainment as a label.
Marc Platt Productions is the Producer of the movie "La La Land"
Marc Platt Productions is an entertainment company that produces feature films, television, streaming content and live theatre. Marc Platt's projects have garnered a combined 41 Oscar nominations, 36 Tony nominations, 33 Golden Globe nominations and 48 Emmy nominations, and have grossed over $5 billion worldwide.
Among his films are Aaron Sorkin's critically acclaimed The Trial of the Chicago 7 which earned six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture; La La Land which tied the record for the most Oscar nominations in history with 14, winning six; Bridge of Spies which earned six Oscar nominations including Best Picture; Disney's Mary Poppins Returns and Into The Woods which both earned multiple Academy Award nominations; Legally Blonde; Nine; Drive; Rachel Getting Married; Wanted; The Girl on the Train; and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
| Lionsgate |
Lionsgate is the Distributor of the movie "La La Land"
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 20,000+ title film and television library, one of the largest and most valuable in the world, and a collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for global audiences.
- By Lionsgate
| Entertainment One (eOne) |
Entertainment One (eOne) is the Distributor of the movie "La La Land"
eOne enables every step in the entertainment value chain from development and production to marketing and distribution. With the reach of a studio and the flexibility of an indie, we share bold stories with audiences around the world. Through strategic partnerships and global distribution network, eOne produces and distributes premium television content across genres, platforms and territories.
eOne develops key partnerships with top creative talent to influence every part of the movie business around the globe.
- By eOne
Focus Features is the Marketer of the movie "La La Land"
Focus Features acquires and produces specialty films for the global market, and holds a library of iconic movies from fearless filmmakers. Our mission: to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection.Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet- based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
- By Focus Features
| Interscope Record |
Interscope Record is the Recorder of the movie "La La Land"
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by the Universal Music Group. The label was founded in 1990, and operates as part of UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M label group. Interscope has over 100 signed artists and operates in Santa Monica, California. Notable artists include Madonna, Carly Rae Jepson, 50 Cent and Lady Gaga.
- By Lanapedia
☘︎ Resources:
- iMDb
- VNExpress
- Tuoitre
- TMDB
- The Verge
- Box Office Mojo
- Ashley Hajimirsadeghi
- Rotten Tomatoes
- Dantri
- Youtube Music
" HERE'S TO THE FOOLS WHO DREAM "
- Mia Emma Stone (La La Land)
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@kevngyn._