La La Land

Definition

La La Land is a 2016 musical film directed by Damien Chazelle that pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals while telling a modern love story between an aspiring actress and a jazz musician in Los Angeles. The film combines stunning visuals, original music, and heartfelt performances, contributing to the revival of interest in the musical genre and leaving a lasting impact on contemporary cinema.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. La La Land won six Academy Awards, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle and Best Actress for Emma Stone, showcasing its critical acclaim.
2. The film's opening number, 'Another Day of Sun,' was filmed on a busy Los Angeles freeway and features impressive choreography, highlighting the film's commitment to traditional musical elements.
3. La La Land's original score and songs were composed by Justin Hurwitz, with standout tracks like 'City of Stars' becoming widely popular and winning an Oscar for Best Original Song.
4. The film explores themes of ambition, dreams, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic success, resonating with audiences in a relatable way.
5. La La Land received both commercial success and significant box office earnings, helping to reignite interest in musicals in contemporary cinema.

Review Questions

• How does La La Land utilize traditional musical elements to enhance its storytelling?
  • La La Land employs traditional musical elements like song and dance to enrich its narrative. The characters express their emotions and ambitions through music, with numbers like 'Another Day of Sun' setting the tone for their dreams in Los Angeles. The choreography and visuals enhance the emotional depth of the story, allowing audiences to connect with the characters' journeys while celebrating the history of musicals.
• In what ways does La La Land reflect both homage to classic Hollywood musicals and modern cinematic techniques?
  • La La Land pays tribute to classic Hollywood musicals through its vibrant colors, choreography, and romantic themes while incorporating modern cinematic techniques. It combines nostalgic references with innovative camera work and editing styles that create a seamless flow between fantasy and reality. This blend not only honors past works but also makes the genre accessible to contemporary audiences.
• Evaluate how La La Land has influenced contemporary cinema and the musical genre since its release.
  • La La Land has significantly impacted contemporary cinema by revitalizing interest in the musical genre, inspiring filmmakers to explore similar themes and styles. Its critical acclaim and box office success demonstrated that musicals can thrive in modern filmmaking. By blending traditional elements with current storytelling methods, it has encouraged a new generation of filmmakers to experiment with music-driven narratives, potentially leading to a resurgence of the genre in future productions.

Related terms

Musical Genre: A film genre characterized by the inclusion of songs sung by the characters that are integral to the narrative, often accompanied by elaborate dance numbers.

Hollywood Golden Age:

The period from the late 1920s to the early 1960s when the studio system dominated American filmmaking, producing many iconic films and stars.

Jazz Influence: The impact of jazz music on popular culture and film, which is notably present in La La Land through its score and themes, reflecting the genre's historical significance in American arts.