I took myself to see La La Land last night and I can safely say, I now realise exactly why everyone's going so ape shit about it.
In fact, I could literally sit here and cry about it, its that overwhelming for me. It's not even the film itself that overwhelms me, its the mere thought of Damien Chazelle (Writer/Director) and his mind blowing talent, that just gives me all these feelings!
La La Land, is an American musical comedy drama, that is every bit as magical as its title suggests.
Written and Directed by the aforementioned, Damien Chazelle, musical arrangements by frequent collaborator Justin Hurwitz and choreography by Mandy Moore (not that one).
What an unbelievable combination of talent - I could puke at the sheer magnitude.
La La Land is basically one massive, primary colour laden, love letter to Hollywood and that is exactly why I adore it.
It wont be to everyone's taste I don't think, but its a real cinema lovers film - I don't just mean people who like to watch films regularly, I mean people who appreciate the craft of making movies and have a real love of cinematic history.
You can tell that Damien Chazelle and in fact everyone involved in this movie, has a real deep passion for the movie making craft and its decadent history.
The film opens with a musical number, reminiscent of the street dancing scene in Fame, but don't let that put you off because the film is sooooo much more than it's surprisingly small amount of musical numbers, its a heart bursting love story, accompanied by the trials and tribulations of trying to make it in Hollywood. It's laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, fun and colourful. A total joy to watch - I was either laughing, beaming or crying the whole way through.
I'm not going to elaborate on the story at all - spoilers are no good for anyone so I'll just go straight to the performances.
Ryan Gosling has a voice like actual velvet, its this gorgeously rich, deep, baritone that basically licks your ears. Not a trace of stage school voice to be heard. He also moves confidently and tap dances beautifully. His performance was charming and affecting - we all know that Gosling is mesmerising; even when he's asleep, I should imagine.
Miles Teller was originally promised Gosling's part following the completion of Whiplash (also Damien Chazelle) but ultimately Gosling got the part and as much as I am psychotically in love with Miles Teller, Iam so pleased he didn't - Not because I don't think he could do it, he absolutely could. He's an amazing dancer and a good singer but he is just too cocky. Gosling is confident in a suave and sophisticated, self assured way - Miles Teller is confident in a cocky college frat boy, type of way. That would have just completely changed the tone of this innocently funny and adorable film.
Emma Stone just doesn't even really need words - she is as captivating and precious as always. Absolutely stunning performance.
The supporting cast and background artists were comprised of a huge multi coloured melting pot of all shapes and sizes (plus sized dancers and actors were well represented here, that's another reason why I love Damien Chazelle) including John Legend (that voice is just like melted chocolate isnt it??), Finn Wittrock and J.K Simmons, who were a pleasure to watch as always.
The musical arrangements, costume design, choreography set design, cinematography, editing etc are all a perfect mixture of old and new Hollywood that deserves even more awards than have already quite rightly been received.
The innocent humour and beautiful score alone make this an absolute joy to watch, everything else is a wonderfully magical bonus.
In fact, I could literally sit here and cry about it, its that overwhelming for me. It's not even the film itself that overwhelms me, its the mere thought of Damien Chazelle (Writer/Director) and his mind blowing talent, that just gives me all these feelings!
La La Land, is an American musical comedy drama, that is every bit as magical as its title suggests.
Written and Directed by the aforementioned, Damien Chazelle, musical arrangements by frequent collaborator Justin Hurwitz and choreography by Mandy Moore (not that one).
What an unbelievable combination of talent - I could puke at the sheer magnitude.
La La Land is basically one massive, primary colour laden, love letter to Hollywood and that is exactly why I adore it.
It wont be to everyone's taste I don't think, but its a real cinema lovers film - I don't just mean people who like to watch films regularly, I mean people who appreciate the craft of making movies and have a real love of cinematic history.
You can tell that Damien Chazelle and in fact everyone involved in this movie, has a real deep passion for the movie making craft and its decadent history.
The film opens with a musical number, reminiscent of the street dancing scene in Fame, but don't let that put you off because the film is sooooo much more than it's surprisingly small amount of musical numbers, its a heart bursting love story, accompanied by the trials and tribulations of trying to make it in Hollywood. It's laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, fun and colourful. A total joy to watch - I was either laughing, beaming or crying the whole way through.
I'm not going to elaborate on the story at all - spoilers are no good for anyone so I'll just go straight to the performances.
Ryan Gosling has a voice like actual velvet, its this gorgeously rich, deep, baritone that basically licks your ears. Not a trace of stage school voice to be heard. He also moves confidently and tap dances beautifully. His performance was charming and affecting - we all know that Gosling is mesmerising; even when he's asleep, I should imagine.
Miles Teller was originally promised Gosling's part following the completion of Whiplash (also Damien Chazelle) but ultimately Gosling got the part and as much as I am psychotically in love with Miles Teller, Iam so pleased he didn't - Not because I don't think he could do it, he absolutely could. He's an amazing dancer and a good singer but he is just too cocky. Gosling is confident in a suave and sophisticated, self assured way - Miles Teller is confident in a cocky college frat boy, type of way. That would have just completely changed the tone of this innocently funny and adorable film.
Emma Stone just doesn't even really need words - she is as captivating and precious as always. Absolutely stunning performance.
The supporting cast and background artists were comprised of a huge multi coloured melting pot of all shapes and sizes (plus sized dancers and actors were well represented here, that's another reason why I love Damien Chazelle) including John Legend (that voice is just like melted chocolate isnt it??), Finn Wittrock and J.K Simmons, who were a pleasure to watch as always.
The musical arrangements, costume design, choreography set design, cinematography, editing etc are all a perfect mixture of old and new Hollywood that deserves even more awards than have already quite rightly been received.
The innocent humour and beautiful score alone make this an absolute joy to watch, everything else is a wonderfully magical bonus.