"La La Land," released in 2016, is a vibrant and emotive musical that has captivated audiences with its exploration of dreams, love, and the sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of success. The film begins on a Los Angeles freeway, where we meet the main characters: Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician with dreams of owning a jazz club. Their initial encounter is less than ideal, but as their paths cross repeatedly, a romantic relationship blossoms.
The narrative of "La La Land" is a profound exploration of the tension between dreams and reality, ambition and love, and the sacrifices often necessary in the pursuit of success. The bright, colorful world of Hollywood is juxtaposed against the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, underscoring the challenges faced by those chasing their dreams (Bean, n.d.).
The movie received widespread acclaim, particularly at the 89th Academy Awards where it tied the record for the most nominations for a single film with 14, alongside "All About Eve" (1950) and "Titanic" (1997). The film won six Oscars, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle, Best Actress for Emma Stone, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("City of Stars"), and Best Production Design. It was also mistakenly announced as the Best Picture winner due to an envelope mix-up, although that award ultimately went to "Moonlight." Additionally, "La La Land" made a clean sweep at the Golden Globe Awards, winning all seven of its nominations and setting the record for the most wins by a film at this event.
Key Themes and Significance
"La La Land" is a film rich in themes and motifs that are beautifully interwoven into its narrative and visual storytelling. Here's a more detailed exploration of its key themes, supplemented with quotes and scenes from the movie:
Duality:
The film opens with a portrayal of duality, showing Sebastian and Mia first in a different aspect than their "true" selves. This duality is a recurring theme, as both characters grapple with the tension between their everyday realities and their dream selves. The song "City of Stars" poignantly reflects this theme: "City of stars, are you shining just for me? City of stars, there's so much that I can't see. Who knows?" This line encapsulates the uncertain journey towards realising dreams and the unseen destiny that awaits both characters (Chazelle, n.d.).Cars and Journeying:
In "La La Land," cars symbolise the journey of the characters, both literally and metaphorically. The film's setting in L.A., a city known for its heavy reliance on cars, underlines this theme. The first encounter between Mia and Sebastian occurs in a traffic jam, mirroring their stalled aspirations. As their relationship progresses, the theme of journeying becomes more evident, with scenes such as Sebastian helping Mia find her way, symbolising his role in guiding her towards her dreams (Chazelle, n.d.).Identity:
The struggle to express and find one's identity is a central theme. Mia's auditions, where she often feels unseen and unappreciated, highlight this struggle. Sebastian faces a similar challenge in maintaining his identity as a jazz musician. Mia urges Sebastian to name his club "Seb's" instead of "Chicken on a Stick," symbolising the importance of embracing one's true self, as echoed in Mia’s line: “I think you should call it Seb’s because no one will come to a place called Chicken on a Stick” (Judy, 2021).Romance with Dreams:
The primary romance in the film is between the characters and their dreams. Mia and Sebastian's relationship, while central to the story, ultimately takes a backseat to their individual aspirations. This theme is beautifully encapsulated in Mia’s song: “(singing) And here’s to the fools who dream / Crazy as they may seem. / Here’s to the hearts that break. / Here’s to the mess we make” (Chazelle, n.d.) (Judy, 2021).Powerful Ending Explained + "What If" Dream Sequence
The ending of "La La Land" is a poignant convergence of its themes of love, dreams, and sacrifice. In the final scenes, a panoramic 'what if' sequence unfolds, showing an alternate reality where Mia and Sebastian stayed together, supporting each other's dreams. This dreamlike montage represents not only what their lives could have been but also underscores the sacrifices they made for their careers. The sequence is filled with vivid imagery and callbacks to earlier moments in the film, illustrating a life of mutual support, love, and success.
As the dream sequence concludes, we return to the reality where Mia and Sebastian have achieved their individual dreams but at the cost of their relationship. In the final moments, they share a meaningful look, a non-verbal exchange that conveys gratitude and acknowledgment for the role each played in the other's life. This look is a silent thank you and goodbye, encapsulating the theme of love and sacrifice. The film ends with both characters looking into the distance, accepting their separate paths and the choices they've made. This powerful ending leaves the audience reflecting on the nature of dreams, love, and the sometimes bittersweet outcomes of life's choices.
As the dream sequence concludes, we return to the reality where Mia and Sebastian have achieved their individual dreams but at the cost of their relationship. In the final moments, they share a meaningful look, a non-verbal exchange that conveys gratitude and acknowledgment for the role each played in the other's life. This look is a silent thank you and goodbye, encapsulating the theme of love and sacrifice. The film ends with both characters looking into the distance, accepting their separate paths and the choices they've made. This powerful ending leaves the audience reflecting on the nature of dreams, love, and the sometimes bittersweet outcomes of life's choices.
Why is "La La Land" So Well-Made?
"La La Land" is acclaimed for its intricate blend of powerful storytelling, evocative music, and visually stunning cinematography. The film effectively captures the essence of ambition, the beauty and pain of love, and the nostalgic allure of Hollywood. The final dream sequence, illustrating what Mia and Sebastian’s life could have been, underscores the film's core message about the sacrifices made in the pursuit of ambitions and the impact of those sacrifices on personal relationships. This sequence serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and the difficult choices that come with chasing dreams (Bean, n.d.).
In conclusion, "La La Land" is an ode to the dreamers, a celebration of love and ambition, and a reflection on the bittersweet nature of life's choices. Its exploration of the delicate balance between achieving one's dreams and nurturing personal relationships makes it a profoundly relatable and emotionally resonant film.
References:
Bean, T. (n.d.). La La Land (2016) | The Definitive Explanation. Colossus.https://filmcolossus.com/la-la-land-2016-explained
Chazelle, D. (n.d.). La La Land Themes. GradeSaver.
https://www.gradesaver.com/la-la-land/study-guide/themes
Judy, A. (2021, May 7). 55 Most Memorable La La Land Movie Quotes. AnQuotes.com.
https://www.anquotes.com/la-la-land-quotes/#:~:text=13,%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%94%20Mia
※ Important: The content of this post is mostly taken from ChatGPT, and it had been arranged in a nice format by me. You should be fact checking these given points/examples in this post should you be using them for grading purposes. Thank you.
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