by Afra Nariman

La La Land (2016)

Director: Damien Chazelle

Stars: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend

REVIEW:

Paints an enclosed portrait of Los Angeles with such a stroke of love and a kind of hope, without being dishonest about the difficulties of living in such an environment, or “making it” in the “city of stars.” The film shows us that approaching these circumstances from a place of love is the binding element that allows the film’s portrait of two individuals trying to achieve their individual dreams in the city of stars, a tangible possibility — but with pain being unavoidable along the way. 

Jacque Demy’s influence is abundantly clear; the film pays homage to Demy’s musicals, while still singing in its own unique voice. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s performances are both wonderful and nuanced; and their on-screen chemistry is great. 

MY RATING /5:

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