Here's to the fools who dream.

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2016)

Wow, wow, wow. I have now seen this movie twice in theatres and I guarantee it won't be the last.
Where do I begin? I had been anticipating this film for months; the fact that it was written and directed by the same genius that brought us "Whiplash", the talented actors involved, the colour palette showcased in its trailers and the name itself: "La La Land". It had me intrigued and I am so happy at how it turned out because this film exceeded my expectations and more.
The opening sequence throws you in the deep end and takes your breath away with a statement: "Prepare yourselves for an experience". I was locked in instantaneously. The choreography in this film is inventive and never lacking in energy or substance. Chazelle manages to pull off seemingly impossible shots of Los Angeles and has you begging the question of "how"; able to capture those big production numbers with long swift cuts. Not a moment seemed overlooked or underdeveloped, LA has never looked so beautiful. The editing, the cinematography, the directing is flawless and the movie presents this on a silver platter for the audience; an absolute pleasure for the senses.
Everyone will tell you it's a musical and on some level I agree but I see this film as a romantic comedy/drama with music propelling the story to new heights. The song and dance is so well infused into the narrative they simply whirl together into a delightful cocktail that sparkles with emotion in the form of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Like "Whiplash", the sound editing/mixing is superb, timing well with the score (which is mind-blowing). The lyrics are intelligent, clever and takes the audience seriously since it is key in progressing the plot. The production design is stunning and encourages characters to flourish; you feel as if you are dreaming on cloud and yet grounded in reality, simultaneously. A rare, charming film only works when all the clogs link in harmony. This one is clockwork.
The coupling of Emma and Ryan could not be more perfect. They are oozing with passion and charisma and I never doubted their chemistry for one single moment. The actors were able to shine brilliantly and I can see Emma Stone holding an Oscar as she has several powerful stand-out performances from high to low and never fails to surprise, which will cement her as one of the greats; also Gosling is awesome with some excellent comedic lines brought to the table.
One of the most important constructs of a film, if not the most important, is the story you are telling. Is this story original? Not particularly (classic boy meets girl) but the way of telling the story definitely is. The choice to make this a musical love story was risky considering the Hollywood of today is always concerned about making a blockbuster action hit but it paid off. Damien Chazelle has a unique way of expressing his love for storytelling and his love for jazz which sets him apart from a lot of directors today as it opens our eyes to fresh experiences and makes it feel like one of a kind. He is not afraid to play with the tropes that comes with this genre of film and that is daring. I was astonished that the feelings and emotions accompanied with "La La Land" were still there the second time around, the movie is full of sensations and is bursting at the seams.
Again, back to Chazelle, the same masterful control of pace and tension that we now come to expect from him is there. Stylistically, the film looks and acts like a classic musical but often we see sudden hints that this is modern day (modern cars, phones etc.) to remind us that this is set in the present. If we didn't have these reminders, the visuals would almost have you thinking that this is based sixty years, or more, prior. The opening of this film had me believing this (old B&W logos, shot in CinemaScope) and it is clear that it's a homage to the classics of which is it inspired but with a twist.
There is scene where Mia says she hates jazz, so Sebastian takes her to witness jazz live and shows her how he hears the music. It is a riveting scene and when Sebastian goes on about how exciting and new and creative jazz is, I can't help but feel that it captures the essence of the film. This, along with the constant prompts of when it is set, the film is aware of what it is and has metaphors embedded within the tale that kept me thinking well after the movie had concluded.
"La La Land" reignites a fire that had been lost from Hollywood and rejuvenated the romance/musical genre. It's refreshing to see a totally unique film, with surreal visuals and one that grasps the nature of Hollywood and Los Angeles in such an unconventional manner. The film is ultimately everything it had the potential to be. Chazelle steers away from the more clichéd and predictable ending which might leave some on a slightly bitter note but he had the balls to flip the traditional finale on its head and leave us with strong messages imprinted on our mind; opening the audiences' eyes to the entire meaning of the story, beyond the theme of 'follow your dreams' to the idea that dreams are possible when you are willing to strive for them, but life isn't a fantasy.
When combining all these elements together, you get one of, if not the best film of the year. "La La Land" left me speechless twice - it is one to be remembered and will go down as a classic in the many years to come.
It deserves all the praise it has and will receive. Well done and thank you for this masterpiece.