The Paramus NY Film Critics Series ended its Fall Series with “La La Land”! The film is written and directed by Damien Sayre Chazelle. Chazelle made his directorial debut with the musical “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench” and in 2014 he wrote and directed his second feature film “Whiplash” which went on to receive five Academy Award nominations.
“La La Land” is a beautiful and magical film like you’ve never seen before. The film is described as an American romantic musical comedy-drama. It follows a jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles.
Sebastian and Mia are both very passionate people looking to follow their dreams and become successful. Sebastian wants to open his own Jazz Club as Mia attends audition after audition hoping to book a role that will change her life and career.
The film opens up with a huge musical dance number that instantly draws you in and excites you for the film. This scene also introduces you to Sebastian and Mia through their first encounter.
“La La Land” follows the pair as they dance, sing, take adventures, and fall in love around Hollywood. The film is mesmerizing from the scenery to the music, the dancing, and the way it makes you feel. “La La Land” pulls on your heartstrings making you laugh, cry, and sway in your seat to the musical numbers.
It has several unexpected surprises with intricate scenes including the ending of the film. (We won’t give it away.)
Following the film, the audience had the opportunity to watch an interview between Alison Bailes and Damien Sayre Chazelle.
Damien loved musicals growing up. The film was described as a balance between nostalgia and the now, between dreams and reality. He took many aspects of the musicals he loved and tied it into his film.
When casting, they decided not to go with professional singers, and used Ryan and Emma to humanize it, to make people feel they could be in it. When watching the film it was very evident that Ryan and Emma worked very hard in preparing for the film. Ryan learned piano for the film and even the close ups were of him. They decided to have a piano double just in case, but did not end up using them.
Many people came together to make this film magnificent. The composer, Justin Hurwitz was someone who Damien went to college with. Another very important person in making the film turn into the wonderful production was choreographer Mandy Moore.
There was also a live discussion with Alison Bailes and NYFCS producer Mark Ehrenkranz. Alison described La La Land was the most beautiful film ever. The audience was left in awe of the film.
We don’t want to give too much away because this film is a must see.
“La La Land” will premiere this Friday, December 9th!
Leave a Reply