An Imperfect Gem!

Rating: 8/10 (10 December 2016)

Damien Chazelle's 'La La Land' is made with pure ambition & genuine skill. A Romantic-Comedy Drama packaged as a Musical, this recent Oscar Frontrunner is a dazzling watch.
However, Despite its luscious beauty & an extraordinary performance by Emma Stone, the film is somehow fumbles in its later half, that takes away its glory to some part. But, a small glitch doesn't shun away its undeniable merits!
'La La Land' Synopsis: A jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) falls for an aspiring actress (Emma Stone, at her best) in Los Angeles.
'La La Land' is a love-story, that has some of the most beautifully choreographed musical numbers in years. Each & Every song is exquisite & a treat for the eyes. I was awed by the detailing & the overall presentation. Hats off to the team!
And Chazelle's world works, even when its not being a musical. Yes, the love-story between its leading characters is warm & believable. You watch & later explore these two people in love & how their dreams come their ways. 'La La Land' is a love-story for sure, but it also indulges in themes like life itself & how dreams cannot be compromised, even when they damage relationships, at times. Chazelle treats the narrative with realism all through the first-hour.
And that's exactly why the second-hour underwhelms. The addition of a sub-plot (featuring John Legend, who offers Gosling to play with him), is clichéd & seems out of place for a film, that so beautifully mounts itself on such magic in the first-hour. Chazelle's Screenplay takes risks & adds extravagant musical numbers & drama, & makes them come together, but he seems to have given in to clichés & a lackluster middle-point. I wasn't impressed by the sub-plot nor by the difference of opinion the couple get into there after. Chazelle's Screenplay picks up again & the culmination is affecting. How I wish he dared to add something more, rather than adding a turn, we've experienced an umpteen number of times in such stories.
Chazelle's Direction is fantastic & there's no doubt on that. While his Writing lacks perfection, his Direction is superior at all times. 'La La Land' is a visual spectacle with soul & Chazelle's true skill as a storyteller, comes to the front. Surely some Oscar calling awaits him!
Linus Sandgren's Cinematography is top-class. Tom Cross's Editing is terrific. Justin Hurwitz's Score is enchanting. 'La La Land' is a true musical ride, as the songs here are chart-busters! Art & Costume Design are marvelous.
Performance-Wise: Emma Stone owns 'La La Land', with a career-best performance. Stone, fearless & relentless, emerges a big winner here, delivering a performance that comes straight from the heart. She beautifully conveys her dreams of being an actress, who sadly hasn't gotten a chance to shine & how truly she falls for a man. Stone is faultless & may I say, that she has never looked this gorgeous before. Ryan Gosling, on the other-hand, is nicely understated as the jazz musician, who'd never let his passion be bygone, even though its nearly dead. Gosling expresses with ease & his approach to love, is real. Also, the on-screen chemistry between Stone & Gosling, is infectious! A special mention for J. K. Simmons & Rosemarie DeWitt, who shine in brief roles.
On the whole, 'La La Land' doesn't utilize its potential entirely, but its still a solid effort that shouldn't be missed. Its definitely among the better films we've seen this year & this film deserves to be experienced in the cinemas (I saw it at IMAX & it only heightened the impact). NO where else.
And, I miss you Los Angeles! See you soon!