A walk down memory lane
The opening scene of "La La Land" was a traffic in L.A, freeway, which might have turned out to be a rip-off of "Falling Down". The drivers (and passengers) sang and danced in a beat. Damien Chazelle may have thought of "West Side Story", but there was no mistake about his nostalgic mood during the rest of the movie. His latest was a love letter to MGM, even to Jacques Demy.
Sebastian Wilder, a jazz pianist, and Mia Dolan, a waitress/aspiring actress, didn't have the right first meeting during that winter in Los Angeles. Blamed it on the traffic, and let's not forget that the two were among the thousands of young artists who wanted to make their dreams come true in Hollywood. Young viewers might be confused about it, as reality TV shows provided a shortcut to them, as well as social climbers. Then again, there was a scene when Mia walked past a mural featuring the big stars of the studio era. This was the part where Mia and Sebastian met for the second time. And it went wrong again.
The two hit it off during the spring when Sebastian was performing a number one hit song during the 1980s. Older moviegoers might wonder why Chazelle associated 1980s music with spring. (It might be a retro thing.) Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who played Sebastian and Mia respectively, did their best to be Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn during that moment. Some viewers might have guessed Mia carrying her pair of dancing shoes in her bag, which she used during that tender moment (after a house party). Gosling and Stone weren't imitating Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse respectively, but critics don't mind at all. Nostalgia was the reason behind their heaps of praise on "La La Land".
In a year that saw superheroes dominating the big screen one more time, "La La Land" was like a wisp of fresh air. Chazelle had fine taste, recalling the best of the MGM musicals and Demy's "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg". The French filmmaker would blush if he were around (and saw this film), as the frequent use of bright colors and a love story at the right place at the wrong time would remind film enthusiasts of the bittersweet tale of Geneviève Emery and Guy Foucher. War would tear the young lovers (and their young daughter unaware of the sad ending between the two), while fame brought Sebastian and Mia to a crossroad. If Esther Blodgett and Norman Maine crossed the minds of some film enthusiasts, then they wouldn't be wrong at all. The final scenes of "La La Land" was reminiscent of "A Star is Born".
"La La Land" deserves all the accolades, as it will make moviegoers curious about the musicals. Hollywood won't see the likes of MGM musicals anymore, and Chazelle doesn't attempt to revive the genre. But he can consider a remake of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". (Possible title: Seven Gals for Seven Buddies). The final scene of Chazelle's latest is clearly a rip-off of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", but the director can be forgiven for this one. Mia became a huge star and had a loving husband (and adorable son). Sebastian remained single five years later. He managed to fulfill his dream of opening a bar where guests were treated to beer and REAL jazz music. (Sorry, Kenny G.) It was named Seb's, which was Mia's suggestion. (Mia also designed the logo.) The two looked at each other for one brief moment, which could make tears well in the audience's eyes.
The world needs dreamers. Sebastian remained a dreamer in L.A. He would always love Mia. If moviegoers have doubts, then Gosling's dreamy eyes should convince them.
