Musicals aren’t really my thing. I enjoy animated Disney classics that are basically musicals, but I’m not a huge fan of musicals starring actual people. I guess animated people singing at random moments makes more sense to me than real people singing at random moments. Not too logical, I know. But after watching the Golden Globes where the musical “La La Land” won all seven of its nominations, I thought I’d see what all the fuss was about (like any sane and curious person would, right?).
I had thought about seeing the musical before it won all of its awards. I mean, it has Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in it. And, if I’m going to see a musical, it’s going to be a musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. That’s for sure. Part of me wants the two to be together forever in real life. They’re great.
So, I went. I watched. I listened. I teared up (no shame). And, I left.
After viewing this film, one thing became very clear, and that was Jimmy Fallon’s introduction at the Golden Globes. It makes so much more sense now! It was funny, but now it’s funnier. If you were a bit lost on what that whole thing was about, seeing this film will definitely clear things up for you.
I went into the musical not really knowing what it was about, but to my pleasant surprise, I enjoyed it. The storyline was intriguing and, though not directly relatable, it was relatable in a sense that there was big time dreaming and big time rejection in it. It was all about following your dreams, so pretty much anyone with a dream that may seem a little far-fetched can relate.
The love story between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s characters was great and tragic like all considerable love stories are. Without giving anything away, their ending is happy-sad. Overall, I’d say it’s sweet but a bit depressing. Maybe that’s what made it so good?
In the end, I would’ve full-on bawled if I wasn't in a public movie theater (surrounded by many, many people, might I add). Honestly, I’m such a crier when it comes to movies and TV shows, though, so that probably doesn't mean much.
As far as the music goes, it’s award-winning, if I do say so myself. I think I will have “City of Stars” stuck in my head for a few straight days (or forever). It’s quite catchy. The piano playing Ryan Gosling’s character did, without the band, was engaging and rather brilliant as well.
The editing of the film enhanced the storyline and the music. The camera angles, seamless shots, and mini-montages convey the story in a way that’s different than most, which in part makes it much more fascinating to view. The editing ultimately enforces the tones throughout the film.
I’d definitely recommend seeing this musical. The storyline, music and editing all come together to produce an incredible film. There’s no wonder it broke the record for most Golden Globes won by a movie!
