La La Land (2016)

User Review

• 

  FILM

  9 / 10

  I’m not too sure where to start with La La Land, it is strong in every suit, and one of the most enjoyable films I’ve ever seen in a cinema. The great highs and lows the film takes you through, the incredible performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the fluid and sinuous camera of Chazelle weaving through the one-take dance scenes, the stellar soundtrack and the gorgeous cinematography combine to bring a dazzling technical achievement, as well as a strong and emotional narrative. The retro theme the film went for was done subtly and blended in well, but confused me on my first viewing when I was shocked at the sight of an iPhone in what I automatically assumed was the 80s. There were throwbacks to old musicals like Singin’ in the Rain, references to old projecting techniques like Cinemascope, and a vivid colour palette which captured the feeling of the Technicolor era perfectly.
  
  After writing positive upon positive about this film, I feel obliged to nit-pick it as well. The biggest let down for me was John Legend, who isn’t terrible in his 5-10 minute screen time, but is overshadowed so much by the incredible performances of Gosling and Stone that he feels very out of place. The conversation where we are first introduced to him is also edited very unnaturally for a minute or so, which again felt out of place in a film that succeeds in every department throughout. There was the odd shot which didn’t quite work, like the one of Mia sulking in her dressing room, which seemed annoyingly out of focus, and the pair of them walking down the highway, which was lit very strangely.
  
  Apart from that, La La Land is a great film, a rare mix of sheer escapism, and masterful storytelling and direction. I feel hesitant to call it one of my all-time favourites, due to it being a recent release, but I can’t deny it.
  

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