What is the genre and primary premise of the film La La Land?

La La Land is a 2016 American musical romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. It tells the story of a struggling jazz pianist and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles while pursuing their respective dreams.

Who are the main stars of La La Land and what are their characters?

The film stars Ryan Gosling as Sebastian "Seb" Wilder, a jazz pianist with aspirations of opening his own jazz club, and Emma Stone as Amelia "Mia" Dolan, an aspiring actress whose aunt inspired her passion for performing. Their chemistry is central to the film's narrative.

What inspired Damien Chazelle to create La La Land?

Chazelle, who has a background as a drummer, was inspired by his fondness for musicals. He first conceptualized the film with Justin Hurwitz during their time at Harvard University, aiming to create a modern musical grounded in realism, contrasting with the often perfectly resolved endings of classic musicals.

What challenges did Chazelle face in getting La La Land produced?

Chazelle struggled for years to find a studio willing to finance an original contemporary musical without significant changes, such as altering the genre of the male lead's music or removing the bittersweet ending. The film industry considered contemporary jazz musicals an "extinct genre."

How did the success of Whiplash impact the production of La La Land?

After the critical and commercial success of his 2014 film Whiplash, which earned multiple Oscar nominations, Chazelle's project La La Land gained traction. Summit Entertainment eventually picked up the film, impressed by the success of Whiplash.

Who were originally considered for the lead roles before Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were cast?

Miles Teller and Emma Watson were initially in talks to star as the lead couple. Watson withdrew to participate in Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast remake, and Teller exited due to contract negotiations.

What specific classic musicals and films influenced La La Land's style and tone?

The film's style and tone were significantly influenced by Jacques Demy's musicals, particularly 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' and 'The Young Girls of Rochefort,' which emphasized dance and jazz. It also features visual allusions to Hollywood classics like 'Singin' in the Rain,' 'The Band Wagon,' and 'An American in Paris.'

How did Emma Stone prepare for her role as Mia?

Stone, who had loved musicals since childhood, drew from her own experiences of struggling as an aspiring actress in Hollywood. She also studied musical films that inspired Chazelle, including works by Jacques Demy and Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers collaborations, and practiced dance after having studied pom dancing and ballet as a child.

How did Ryan Gosling prepare for his role as Sebastian?

Gosling learned to play the piano for his role, with no hand models being used for the close-up shots. He also drew from his own experiences as an aspiring artist, with one audition disaster being incorporated into the film's narrative.

What technical choices were made during filming to achieve the desired aesthetic?

Director Damien Chazelle opted to shoot the film on celluloid film, not digitally, and utilized Panavision anamorphic lenses to achieve a widescreen CinemaScope look reminiscent of 1950s musicals. He also aimed to film musical numbers in single takes, similar to the style of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Where were the primary filming locations for La La Land?

Filming took place in over 60 locations throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, including iconic spots like the Griffith Observatory, the Warner Bros. studio lot, Angels Flight, and various streets and landmarks that capture the essence of the city.

What was the significance of using the Angels Flight trolley in the film?

The Angels Flight trolley, a historic funicular railway in Los Angeles, was used in a scene. It had been closed due to a derailment at the time of filming, but was temporarily reopened specifically for the production, adding a touch of vintage Los Angeles charm.

How long did it take to film La La Land, and what was notable about the opening sequence?

Principal photography took 40 days, finishing in mid-September 2015. The opening freeway sequence, filmed as a single tracking shot, required over 100 dancers and was shot in the Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange, aiming to convey the vastness of Los Angeles.

Who composed the music for La La Land, and who wrote the lyrics?

Justin Hurwitz, Chazelle's longtime collaborator, composed the score and wrote the music for the songs. The lyrics for most of the songs were written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with Hurwitz also contributing to some lyrics.

Which songs from La La Land received significant acclaim and awards?

The songs 'City of Stars' and 'Audition (The Fools Who Dream)' were particularly lauded, receiving numerous awards, including Academy Awards for Best Original Song for 'City of Stars'.

What was the initial planned release date for La La Land in the US, and why was it changed?

The film was initially scheduled for a July 15, 2016 release. It was later moved to a limited release starting December 2, 2016, and then December 9, 2016, to better align with the fall film festival circuit and Oscar season, as Chazelle felt the original date was not suitable.

How did La La Land perform at the box office?

The film was a major commercial success, grossing $472 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million. It became Ryan Gosling's second highest-grossing film at the time.

What was the per-theater average for La La Land during its limited opening weekend?

In its opening weekend, La La Land earned $881,107 from five theaters, achieving a per-theater average of $176,221, which was the best average of the year.

How was the critical reception of La La Land?

La La Land received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for Chazelle's direction and screenplay, the performances of Gosling and Stone, the cinematography, music, and overall visual style. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 91% approval rating, and Metacritic assigned it a score of 94 out of 100.

What major awards did La La Land receive?

The film garnered numerous accolades, including a record-tying fourteen nominations at the 89th Academy Awards, winning six. It also won a record seven awards at the 74th Golden Globe Awards and received eleven nominations at the 70th British Academy Film Awards, winning five.

What record did Damien Chazelle set at the Academy Awards for La La Land?

At age 32, Damien Chazelle became the youngest winner of the Academy Award for Best Director for his work on La La Land.

What was the infamous Best Picture Oscar gaffe involving La La Land?

During the 89th Academy Awards ceremony, presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced La La Land as the Best Picture winner due to an envelope mix-up. The actual winner was Moonlight, and the error occurred after the La La Land cast and crew had already accepted the award on stage.

What was the 'GoslingGate' incident?

GoslingGate refers to a prank at the German Goldene Kamera awards in 2017, where comedians presented an award for 'Best International Film' to a Ryan Gosling impersonator for La La Land. The incident sparked criticism about the award ceremony's integrity and contributed to its eventual cancellation.

How is La La Land regarded in terms of its legacy?

Since its release, La La Land has been widely regarded as a modern classic, celebrated as one of the best films of the 2010s and the 21st century, and recognized as a standout musical and romantic film of all time.

What cultural impact has La La Land had since its release?

Many elements of the film, including its visual style, color palette, musical numbers, and costume design, have been referenced and parodied in popular culture, including award show skits, short films, and commercials.

What is the status of a stage musical adaptation of La La Land?

As of February 2023, a stage musical adaptation of La La Land was announced to be in the works for Broadway, with original composer Justin Hurwitz and lyricists Pasek and Paul returning to contribute new songs.

What was the nature of the criticism regarding La La Land's treatment of race and jazz?

Some critics raised concerns about the film's portrayal of race and jazz, with Gosling's character, Sebastian, being described by some as a 'white savior' for his efforts to preserve jazz. Critics debated whether the film adequately addressed the genre's roots and cultural context.

What was the inspiration behind the film's opening scene on the freeway?

Chazelle wanted the opening scene to capture the vastness of Los Angeles and serve as a vibrant introduction to the city's dream-chasing culture. He compared the freeway, filled with cars and dancers, to the yellow brick road leading to the Emerald City in 'The Wizard of Oz'.

How did the filmmakers achieve the specific widescreen look of La La Land?

The film was shot using the Super 35mm film format with Panavision anamorphic lenses, aiming to replicate the 2.55:1 aspect ratio characteristic of classic CinemaScope musicals, giving it a distinctively grand and nostalgic visual quality.

What was the significance of the 'A Lovely Night' scene?

The 'A Lovely Night' scene, featuring Gosling and Stone dancing, was particularly iconic and challenging to shoot. It was filmed during the 'magic hour' at sunset, requiring eight takes over two days to capture the perfect lighting and performance.

How did the film's ending contribute to its critical discussion?

The film's bittersweet ending, where Mia and Sebastian achieve their dreams but not together, sparked considerable discussion. It resonated with audiences and critics for its realistic portrayal of pursuing ambition and the compromises often involved, contrasting with typical Hollywood endings.

What role did Justin Hurwitz play in the film's creation beyond composing?

Justin Hurwitz was instrumental from the very beginning, collaborating with Chazelle on the initial concept while they were at Harvard. He composed the entire score and music for the songs, and also co-wrote some of the lyrics, making him a key creative partner.

What was the critical consensus regarding the film's overall appeal?

Critics widely praised La La Land for breathing new life into the musical genre with its assured direction, compelling performances, and heartfelt emotional core, often describing it as a 'thrillingly assured' and 'irresistible' cinematic experience.

What specific locations in Los Angeles were featured prominently in the film?

Key locations included the Griffith Observatory, the Warner Bros. studio lot, Angels Flight, the Colorado Street Bridge, the Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, and various streets and highways throughout the city, all contributing to the film's romantic portrayal of Los Angeles.

How did the film's editing process reflect its thematic concerns?

Director Damien Chazelle spent nearly a year editing the film with Tom Cross, focusing intently on achieving the right tone. This meticulous editing process was crucial for balancing the film's fantastical musical elements with its grounded emotional narrative.

What is the significance of the film's title, 'La La Land'?

The title 'La La Land' is a nickname for Los Angeles, often associated with the city's reputation as a place where people pursue unrealistic dreams. This aligns with the film's central theme of artists striving for success in the city.

How did the film's soundtrack contribute to its critical success?

The soundtrack, composed by Justin Hurwitz, was highly acclaimed, particularly for its original songs like 'City of Stars' and 'Audition (The Fools Who Dream),' which earned numerous awards. The score and songs were integral to the film's emotional resonance and nostalgic atmosphere.

What specific criticism did Rex Reed levy against La La Land?

Rex Reed criticized the film's screenplay as 'old-fashioned' and 'reeking of mothballs,' and felt the movie 'sags badly in the middle,' comparing it unfavorably to worn-out furniture needing repair.

How did the film's reception intersect with discussions of race and privilege in the post-election era?

Following Donald Trump's election, La La Land's critical success, alongside the film Moonlight, sharpened discussions about racial sensitivity and white privilege in Hollywood. The film faced backlash from some who felt its praise was disproportionate, particularly concerning its handling of jazz and its protagonist's role.

What was the primary goal of the film's cinematography?

The cinematography aimed to capture the vibrant, dreamlike quality of Los Angeles while also evoking the aesthetic of classic Hollywood musicals. Shot on film with anamorphic lenses, it sought a rich, textured visual experience that enhanced the romantic and nostalgic tone.

How did the film's portrayal of Los Angeles contribute to its narrative?

Chazelle intentionally focused on the distinctive qualities of Los Angeles, such as its traffic, sprawl, and skylines, rather than trying to emulate other cities. This approach highlighted the city as a unique backdrop for dreams and aspirations, central to the characters' journeys.

What is the meaning behind the climactic dance sequence in the epilogue?

The epilogue features Mia and Sebastian imagining an alternate reality where their relationship thrived alongside their careers. This sequence serves as a poignant reflection on paths not taken and the bittersweet nature of success, acknowledging their enduring love despite their separate lives.

What specific elements of La La Land have been cited as influential in subsequent popular culture?

The film's opening sequence, its use of color, the staging of musical numbers, and costume designs have been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including award show parodies, television sketches, and even music videos, demonstrating its significant cultural footprint.

La La Land Wiki: La La Land: A Cinematic Symphony of Dreams and Reality

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Plot Synopsis

Aspiring Artists in Los Angeles

La La Land chronicles the intertwined journeys of Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian "Seb" Wilder, a dedicated jazz pianist, as they navigate the challenges of pursuing their artistic dreams in contemporary Los Angeles. Their initial encounters are marked by the typical frustrations of city life, but a shared passion for their respective crafts soon sparks a profound connection.

Romance and Shared Ambitions

As their relationship deepens, Mia and Seb find mutual inspiration and support. Seb encourages Mia to write her own one-woman play, while Mia champions Seb's ambition to open his own traditional jazz club. Their shared experiences, from chance encounters to romantic evenings at the Griffith Observatory, form the emotional core of the narrative.

Balancing Dreams and Relationships

The film poignantly explores the tension between personal ambition and romantic commitment. Seb's decision to join a commercially successful but artistically compromising jazz fusion band, driven by financial necessity and Mia's encouragement, leads to conflict. Mia confronts Seb about abandoning his true passion, culminating in a significant argument that strains their relationship.

A Bittersweet Epilogue

Following a period of separation, Mia achieves success as an actress and marries another man. During a chance visit to Seb's newly opened jazz club, they share a poignant, unspoken acknowledgment of their past and the life they might have had. The film concludes with a visually stunning montage, reflecting on their enduring love and the paths not taken.

Principal Cast

Ryan Gosling

Portrays Sebastian "Seb" Wilder, a jazz pianist with a deep reverence for the genre's history and a dream of opening his own club. Gosling learned to play the piano for the role, performing all musical numbers without a hand double.

Emma Stone

Embodies Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress struggling through auditions, whose journey is inspired by her aunt's passion for performing. Stone's performance earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress.

John Legend

Appears as Keith, Seb's former bandmate and a musician who invites Seb to join his successful, albeit commercially oriented, jazz fusion band.

J.K. Simmons

Plays Bill, the restaurant manager who fires Seb for deviating from the setlist, highlighting the artistic compromises often demanded in performance.

Production Insights

Vision and Influences

Director Damien Chazelle conceived La La Land with a deep affection for classic Hollywood musicals, particularly the works of Jacques Demy. He aimed to ground the genre in realism, exploring the struggles of artists while celebrating the unique spirit of Los Angeles. The film's visual style draws inspiration from 1950s CinemaScope musicals, emphasizing vibrant colors and fluid cinematography.

Score and Choreography

Justin Hurwitz composed the film's evocative score and songs, collaborating with lyricists Pasek and Paul. The musical numbers, choreographed by Mandy Moore, were often filmed in single, uninterrupted takes to capture the raw emotion and energy of the performances. The dedication to authentic piano performance by Ryan Gosling was a key element.

Casting and Development

Initially, Miles Teller and Emma Watson were considered for the lead roles. After their departures, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were cast, marking their third collaboration. Chazelle noted their chemistry evoked classic Hollywood pairings. The project faced challenges securing financing due to its original musical nature, with Chazelle persevering after the success of his previous film, Whiplash.

Cinematic Craftsmanship

Filming Techniques

Shot on 35mm film with Panavision anamorphic lenses, La La Land emulates the widescreen aesthetic of classic musicals. Chazelle prioritized capturing musical numbers in long takes, demanding extensive rehearsals from the cast. The iconic opening freeway sequence, filmed over two days with over 100 dancers, required meticulous planning to achieve its dynamic, sweeping effect.

Capturing Los Angeles

Los Angeles serves as a character in itself, with filming locations chosen to reflect its unique blend of glamour and everyday reality. From the Griffith Observatory to the historic Angels Flight railway, the city's landmarks are integrated into the narrative, symbolizing the pursuit of dreams. Chazelle sought out locations that evoked a sense of nostalgia and cinematic history.

The Magic Hour

Key romantic sequences, such as the "A Lovely Night" scene, were strategically filmed during the brief "magic hour" sunset to achieve a specific romantic and ethereal quality. The dedication to capturing these moments in single takes, despite the challenges, underscores the film's commitment to immersive storytelling.

Musical Score

Original Compositions

Justin Hurwitz's score is central to the film's emotional resonance. The original songs, including the Oscar-winning "City of Stars" and "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)," were crafted to reflect the characters' aspirations and the film's themes of love, loss, and perseverance.

Memorable Numbers

Key musical numbers like the vibrant opening "Another Day of Sun" and the charming duet "A Lovely Night" have become signature elements of the film. The soundtrack album achieved significant commercial success, further cementing the film's musical legacy.

Release and Distribution

Global Premiere and Rollout

La La Land premiered at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2016. Its theatrical release began in the United States on December 9, 2016, with a limited release that gradually expanded, supported by festival screenings and critical buzz.

Home Media

The film was released on Digital HD on April 11, 2017, followed by physical media releases on Blu-ray, Ultra HD Blu-ray, and DVD on April 25, 2017, making it accessible for home viewing.

Critical and Commercial Reception

Box Office Success

Against a modest $30 million budget, La La Land achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $472 million worldwide. This financial triumph underscored the viability of original musical films in the contemporary market.

Critical Acclaim

The film garnered widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Damien Chazelle's direction and screenplay, the performances of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the musical score, and its cinematography. Review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic awarded it exceptionally high scores, praising its blend of fantasy and realism.

Awards and Recognition

Golden Globe Record

La La Land set a record at the 74th Golden Globe Awards, winning all seven of its nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song ("City of Stars").

Academy Award Dominance

The film received a record-tying fourteen nominations at the 89th Academy Awards, ultimately winning six awards: Best Director, Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("City of Stars"), and Best Production Design.

Best Picture Gaffe

The ceremony was marked by a significant error when presenters incorrectly announced La La Land as the winner of Best Picture. The mistake was rectified after cast and crew had already accepted the award, with Moonlight being the actual winner. This incident became one of the most memorable moments in Oscar history.

Enduring Legacy

Modern Classic Status

La La Land is widely regarded as a modern cinematic classic, celebrated for its nostalgic yet contemporary take on the musical genre. Its artistic achievements, emotional depth, and technical execution have solidified its place in film history.

Critical Reappraisal

The film continues to be lauded in retrospectives and critical lists, often cited as one of the best films of the 21st century. Its exploration of ambition, love, and the ephemeral nature of dreams resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Cultural Resonance

Pop Culture References

Elements of La La Land, from its visual style and musical numbers to its iconic moments, have been widely referenced and parodied in popular culture, including award shows, television sketches, and other media, attesting to its significant cultural footprint.

Artistic Influence

The film's distinctive aesthetic, color palette, and narrative themes have influenced subsequent works in film and other artistic mediums, inspiring creators to explore similar blends of romance, melancholy, and artistic aspiration.

Stage Adaptations

Broadway Musical

A stage adaptation of La La Land is in development for Broadway, with original composer Justin Hurwitz and lyricists Pasek & Paul returning to contribute new material. Bartlett Sher is attached to direct, promising a faithful yet fresh interpretation of the beloved story.

Parody and Satire

The film also inspired a popular theatrical parody, So Long Boulder City, which humorously reinterpreted Mia's one-woman play. This spin-off highlighted the cultural impact and fan engagement generated by the original movie.

Notes

Reference Notes

This section contains specific attributions and notes referenced within the article content, ensuring proper sourcing and context for the information presented.

The article draws upon multiple sources for its information, including reviews from major publications like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, as well as analyses from The New York Times and The Guardian. Specific details regarding the film's production, casting, and critical reception are attributed to these sources, providing a comprehensive overview.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the La La Land Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

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La La Land

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Plot Synopsis 📖

⭐ Aspiring Artists in Los Angeles

❤️ Romance and Shared Ambitions

⚖️ Balancing Dreams and Relationships

✨ A Bittersweet Epilogue

Principal Cast 🎭

🌟 Ryan Gosling

🌟 Emma Stone

⭐ John Legend

⭐ J.K. Simmons

Production Insights 💡

✍️ Vision and Influences

🎶 Score and Choreography

🎬 Casting and Development

Cinematic Craftsmanship 🎥

🎞️ Filming Techniques

🏙️ Capturing Los Angeles

⏳ The Magic Hour

Musical Score 🎵

🎼 Original Compositions

🎤 Memorable Numbers

Release and Distribution 📅

🌍 Global Premiere and Rollout

🏠 Home Media

Critical and Commercial Reception 📊

💰 Box Office Success

⭐ Critical Acclaim

Awards and Recognition 🏆

🏅 Golden Globe Record

⭐ Academy Award Dominance

⚠️ Best Picture Gaffe

Enduring Legacy ✨

🏛️ Modern Classic Status

⭐ Critical Reappraisal

Cultural Resonance 💬

📺 Pop Culture References

🎨 Artistic Influence

Stage Adaptations 🎭

🎤 Broadway Musical

😂 Parody and Satire

Related Topics 🔗

🎬 Cinematic Musicals

⭐ Damien Chazelle's Filmography

🌟 Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone Collaborations

Notes 📝

📌 Reference Notes

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Plot Synopsis

Aspiring Artists in Los Angeles

Romance and Shared Ambitions

Balancing Dreams and Relationships

A Bittersweet Epilogue

Principal Cast

Ryan Gosling

Emma Stone

John Legend

J.K. Simmons

Production Insights

Vision and Influences

Score and Choreography

Casting and Development

Cinematic Craftsmanship

Filming Techniques

Capturing Los Angeles

The Magic Hour

Musical Score

Original Compositions

Memorable Numbers

Release and Distribution

Global Premiere and Rollout

Home Media

Critical and Commercial Reception

Box Office Success

Critical Acclaim

Awards and Recognition

Golden Globe Record

Academy Award Dominance

Best Picture Gaffe

Enduring Legacy

Modern Classic Status

Critical Reappraisal

Cultural Resonance

Pop Culture References

Artistic Influence

Stage Adaptations

Broadway Musical

Parody and Satire

Related Topics

Cinematic Musicals

Damien Chazelle's Filmography

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone Collaborations

Notes

Reference Notes

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Considerations