Electrifying, charming, and swelling with vibrant performances, La La Land is a true cinematic masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (16 January 2017)

In the age of countless romantic films lacking originality and falling victim to tiresome formula, Damien Chazelle, the intelligent mind behind the exhilarating music-theme drama 'Whiplash' in 2014, makes a return to the director's seat to deliver arguably one of the most sensational romantic tales in recent years 'La La Land'. Crafted in a style of an old romantic film-noir from the 1950s through slick editing and vibrant storytelling, this film shines with the powerful cinematic appeal of actress Emma Stone and supporting actor Ryan Gosling, both of whom blossom on screen in a romance that not only feels original, it almost magical in every sense. It is sweet, it's sexy, and most importantly vastly unpredictable. And if the cast performances and sensational musical numbers tightly grips your attention, Damien Chazelle also has a sweet appetite for visual storytelling; an aspect this film greatly embraces. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this follows Mia (played by Emma Stone), a struggling actress who crosses paths with a passionate jazz pianist Sebastian (played by Ryan Gosling). As the two bond and a boiling romance develops between them, their separate careers grow further and further in the entertainment industry which puts a rift on their relationship.
Damien Chazelle effectively breathes life into the romance genre, operating on both narrative and technical elements have been abandoned since the Golden Age of Hollywood back in the 50s. Opening up with a vibrant musical number on a crowded highway, this film mixes elements of classic musicals with a gripping love story that gracefully comes to life on both a narrative and visual scope. The pinnacle to the film is a love story between two individuals of different backgrounds who grow further and further in love and before too long, are progressively drawn into each other's remarkable world. And rather driving the story on overbearing melancholy, Chazelle proceeds the story through a sense a humanity and spirit without feeling the need to rely on redundant formula. To add icing on the cake, the film expresses a sense of spirit and sensation through a series of musical numbers that are not only evoke nostalgia of classic 50s musicals but play out very provocatively. During these scenes, we are introduced to both Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone's surprising singing abilities arguably very few knew they've processed. And these scenes blossom with beautiful cinematography by Linus Sandgren (of David O. Russell's 'Joy' and 'American Hustle') who strives to not only capture the energy of these of the duo's lively performances but also the colorful palette of nighttime Los Angeles and the character's outfits.
Emma Stone and Ryan Goslings are both the apex of the picture, and explode on screen with performances that can only be described as mesmerizing; and even that sounds like an understatement. Emma Stone who rose to Oscar territory with her performance in the Oscar-winning picture 'Birdman', shines her light with charm and vibrancy in her role. And the biggest surprise comes not only from her ability to drown herself in a dramatic characterization but also with her lively singing ability which she displays on screen a good number of sequences. Down-to-Earth and swarming with humanity, Stone breathes life into her character. Working along her side is co-star Ryan Goslings who steps in the shoes with her romantic partner Sebastian, a jazz musician with a passion to igniting a future for jazz music and disillusioned by the fading light the classic music genre has evolved in America's culture. When he crosses paths with Emma Stone's Mia, he almost desperately tries to his artful world upon learning of her lack of appeal in the classic style of music. His performance along with his singing ability is a thing of beauty, and by far the most enthralling performance he's ever ignited in this career. The chemistry these two share is brought by Damien Chazelle's engrossing direction which renders their romantic spark simply irresistible, even during long periods without them on screen together. The romance between these characters never feels contrived or hokey but thoroughly uncompromising.
La La Land is an electrifying romantic masterpiece swelling with vibrant performances by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and best of all boasts an outstanding directorial exertion from Damien Chazelle. Furthermore, it ignites life into a dimming romantic genre. In a stunning conclusion, La La Land takes a soft spot as one of the best films of 2016.