La La Land

La La Land
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Name	La La Land
Director	Damien Chazelle
Producer	Marc Platt, Jordan Horowitz, Fred Berger
Starring	Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt

La La Land is a 2016 American romantic musical film written and directed by Damien Chazelle, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as two aspiring artists in Los Angeles. The film features a mix of jazz, classical music, and pop music, with Justin Hurwitz composing the original score. The film's success can be attributed to the collaboration of Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment, and Black Label Media, with support from Telsey + Company and Cutting Edge Group.

Production

The production of La La Land involved a team of experienced professionals, including Damien Chazelle, who drew inspiration from French New Wave films, such as those by Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut. The film's cinematography was handled by Linus Sandgren, who worked closely with Damien Chazelle to create a unique visual style, reminiscent of Hollywood's Golden Age, with influences from Singin' in the Rain and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. The film's choreography was designed by Mandy Moore, who incorporated elements of ballet and jazz dance, inspired by the works of Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly. The production team also included David Wasco, who designed the film's production design, and Mary Zophres, who created the costume design, drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood and Paris.

Plot

The plot of La La Land follows the story of Sebastian Wilder, a jazz pianist played by Ryan Gosling, and Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress played by Emma Stone, as they navigate their careers and relationships in Los Angeles. The film features a range of Los Angeles landmarks, including the Griffith Observatory, Warner Bros. Studios, and Hollywood Boulevard, as well as references to Classic Hollywood films, such as Casablanca and Roman Holiday. The story is also influenced by the works of Federico Fellini and Jacques Demy, with nods to 8 1/2 and The Young Girls of Rochefort. The film's narrative is intertwined with the music, featuring original songs by Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul, with performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, as well as John Legend and Callie Hernandez.

Music

The music in La La Land was composed by Justin Hurwitz, with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The film features a range of original songs, including "Another Day of Sun", "City of Stars", and "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)", which were performed by Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and John Legend. The film's score was influenced by the works of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans, with nods to jazz and classical music. The music was recorded by the Hollywood Studio Symphony, with contributions from Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The film's soundtrack was released by Interscope Records and Universal Music Group, featuring performances by Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and John Legend, as well as Mekhi Phifer and J.K. Simmons.

Release

La La Land was released in United States on December 9, 2016, by Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Telluride Film Festival. The film was released in United Kingdom on January 12, 2017, by Lionsgate UK and Studiocanal UK, and in Australia on December 26, 2016, by Roadshow Films. The film's release was supported by a range of marketing campaigns, including partnerships with Apple Music and Spotify, as well as promotions by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety (magazine). The film's home video release was handled by Lionsgate Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, featuring bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage.

Reception

La La Land received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its direction, acting, cinematography, and music. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 92%, with an average rating of 8.7/10, based on reviews from Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and The Guardian. The film also received praise from RogerEbert.com, The A.V. Club, and Entertainment Weekly, with many critics noting its similarities to Classic Hollywood films, such as Singin' in the Rain and The Band Wagon. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $446 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2016, alongside Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Captain America: Civil War.

Accolades

La La Land received a range of awards and nominations, including a record-tying 14 Academy Award nominations, winning six, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle and Best Actress for Emma Stone. The film also won seven Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Director. The film received several BAFTA Awards, including Best Film and Best Director, as well as Critics' Choice Movie Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. The film's success was recognized by the American Film Institute, which named it one of the top 10 films of 2016, alongside Moonlight (2016 film), Manchester by the Sea, and Arrival (2016 film). The film's awards and nominations were covered by The Hollywood Reporter, Variety (magazine), and The New York Times, with many praising its innovative storytelling and technical achievements. Category:2016 films