La La Land – A Bittersweet Ode to Love and Dreams

Film: La La Land

Genre: Romance, Drama, Musical

Director: Damien Chazelle

 

La La Land, an award-winning film directed by Damien Chazelle, takes us on a nostalgic journey to the era of dreams and missed opportunities. Set in the early 1960s or 70s, the film beautifully captures the struggles of two individuals, Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz pianist, as they pursue their artistic ambitions in a world disconnected by slow and limited means of communication.

The film explores the power of love and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams. Mia and Sebastian, played by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling respectively, meet and find solace in each other’s company. Their shared dreams and passions create a deep connection, leading them to embark on a beautiful love story.

However, fate intervenes, and they are torn apart by the demands of their individual careers. Mia becomes a successful actress, while Sebastian opens his own jazz club. Both achieve their dreams but sacrifice the love they found in each other’s arms. Years later, they reunite, each reminiscing about what could have been, acknowledging their deep love for one another but understanding that their paths have diverged.

The film’s narrative evokes a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on an era when communication was not as instantaneous and interconnected as it is today. It portrays the challenges faced by individuals in maintaining relationships and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of personal aspirations. Mia and Sebastian’s story resonates with the audience, reminding us of the choices we make and the roads we leave unexplored.

Damien Chazelle’s direction showcases his expertise in capturing the essence of classic Hollywood musicals. The film seamlessly integrates memorable song and dance sequences into the narrative, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. The performances by Stone and Gosling are heartfelt and genuine, adding depth to their characters’ emotional journey.

While the film’s pacing may be slower compared to contemporary cinema, it serves as a deliberate choice to emphasize the longing and contemplation that come with missed opportunities. The cinematography, accompanied by a beautifully composed musical score, creates a visually stunning experience that transports viewers into the characters’ world.

La La Land ultimately poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of love and the pursuit of dreams. It reminds us that amidst our aspirations, we should not overlook the importance of connection and the potential regrets that may arise from prioritizing personal ambitions over matters of the heart.

In a time where communication has become instantaneous and interconnected, La La Land’s portrayal of a bygone era serves as a poignant reminder to cherish and nurture the relationships that matter most to us. It encourages us to reflect on the choices we make and the sacrifices we are willing to endure in our pursuit of happiness.

Overall, La La Land is a bittersweet ode to love and dreams, showcasing the beauty and complexity of human relationships. It is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, inviting contemplation on the choices we make and the impact they have on our lives.

 

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La La Land – Film Review

I watched film ‘La La Land’ and honestly was very amazed to know that this film had won many awards! With great expectations I went and I was thoroughly getting bored at the pace with which the film was moving! So very slow…really unimaginable that at this current era – a film like this could actually win any award!

The film is actually placed in the early 60’s or maybe 70’s era when there were no cell phones! So you can imagine how pathetically non-connected this world was during that period – such a lot of efforts went in connecting/ communicating with loved ones…standing in the queue to make an expensive STD or ISD call…and those who were not well off…or even were middle class citizens – mostly depended on letters and vey occasional phone calls. So one can imagine the bridge that got created between people in absence of proper or fast and inexpensive means of communication !

This is what exactly happens between Mia (an aspiring actress) and Sebastian (a jazz pianist)! They meet and since they both were struggling with their respective dreams, they connect well. They live-in and are happy in each other’s company.

Fate gives them a chance…and Sebastian gets a regular job which makes him go on tours often and for longer periods of time. Mia misses him and continues to go for auditions….when suddenly even she gets a break to become an actress.

They both part ways to fulfil their respective dreams. 5 years later Mia is shown as married to another man plus she is also a mother to a daughter. Sebastian though is alone, and had opened his own club and played his passion – his way! Both had their dreams fulfilled….but both had missed the ‘LOVE’ of their lives…each other!

Mia imagines (oh! It is common for women to thrive on their dreams and imaginations…after all since childhood girls are made to imagine that one day their Prince Charming will come and woo them and blah blah) that life could have been sweeter with Sebastian as her lover and husband….but their dreams and aspirations did not allow it to happen! Sebastian also looked sad upon seeing her – yet they smile at each other…knowing very well that they both love each other dearly…but cannot belong to each other in this life!

This emotion/ love/ sacrifice is very commonly seen in films of yesteryear…which actually means that when the ways and means of communication was not so technologically advanced – as it is now – people suffered from misunderstandings, delayed communications leading to unnecessary worries & apprehension. Love stories in the current generation at least cannot blame delayed communication..or out of sight/ out of mind fundas because now we all are well connected. So in case someone is unable to communicate or connect …he should more or less understand that he is basically being ignored and it is time for him to move on…unlike what happened earlier…they kept waiting on and on and on thinking that their lover must have sent a letter or a postcard that must have gone missing..misplaced and thus wasted an entire life waiting for someone who is probably living ‘happily ever after’ with someone else!!

Coming back to the film – so what does it want to convey to we, the people? That LOVE is all important – more important than fulfilling some silly dream or aspiration….that you picked up from a failed or frustrated Aunt of yours? Mia goes through hell trying to prove herself to half listening directors and producers! Was all the humiliation she went through at all worth it? And at what expense? She anyways lost the one she loved dearly…someone she could actually live happily ever after with – for they both understood each other so well….and loved each other too! As an actress Mia would act for 10 to 15 years more…then retire and remember fondly the days of her struggle…and the days she spent with Sebastian…..half heartedly pretending to love her husband and daughter –and  performing her duties mechanically for the rest of her life!

Sad life – very sad…having to pretend/ act all the time…endlessly!! At least Sebastian did not have to pretend to love someone…he remained a bachelor…lost in her thoughts! That is a lonesome life. Sad again.