*Major Spoiler Alert*
Believe it or not, the film "La La Land," written and directed by Damian Chazelle, was released just shy of two years ago, and I still am madly in love with it. The music, the setting, the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone… were all really sensational in my eyes. However, as a rom-com enthusiast, I found that watching this movie had a very different effect on me in comparison to any of the other classic romantic comedies I’ve favored in the past. I’d say that I fall in between the categories of being a hopeless romantic and also being overly realistic when it comes to relationships. Yet, "La La Land" displayed some of the most beautiful romantic moments while simultaneously showing how love will really work itself out in real life. So here is a common modern-day love told throughout "La La Land."
1. When you're single, but not so ready to mingle...
It's Friday night. You just got home from a long day of class or work, or whatever ever commitment, and you've slipped into your comfiest pair of grey sweats. Nope. Not happening says your group of girlfriends who are begging you to come out with them. You dig through your closet and rip off the tags to the dress you've been hiding for the right occasion.
2. You meet this guy...
You lock eyes. Start a conversation. Maybe embarrass yourself a little, but the rest is history. You're up texting each other all night and planning for the next time you'll see them.
3. The "honey moon" stage.
Everything is perfect and you are learning so much about this person! You're spending every moment doing new and exciting things together. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and nothing can stop you two together!
4. Sh*t gets real. The first fight.
The honeymoon stage has slowly begun to fade and a new love for each other has developed. The first serious fight of a relationship is tough and sometimes shocking but can tell you a lot about a person. It can often come down to one's values or something they believe will have a strong impact on the relationship.
5. You give each other new life experiences.
As the relationship continues to mature and advance, so do your experiences with this person. Sebastian shows Mia why he loves jazz music so much in this scene. She may not appreciate it as much as he ever will, but she is still learning to understand his passion. This is so important in a growing relationship. You'll learn so much from one another in the simplest of ways!
6. You have moments where you want to give up.
Not only in love do you experience the good, but also the bad. Sebastian supports Mia's dreams and tells her that she can achieve them even when she is being destructive to herself. They push each other in positive ways, showing that their love is more than just materialistic. They truly care for each other's development.
7. When it doesn't work out, they'll still be there.
This scene is unique to every relationship. However, it is my absolute favorite of the entire movie. Sometimes good things will come to an end, and when they do having that person who you grew with continue to be by your side, is the best consolation. Not all relationships end well, but when two people are mature enough and have this kind of respect for one another they realize that there is a bigger picture.
This film to me shows the most beautiful, raw, mature, kind of love. Life will never be perfect and things do not always end up in the way we want them to. Sebastian wants to start his jazz club and Mia wants to further pursue her acting career. They love each other but the only way they will able to fulfill their dreams is to do this on their own. They allow each other to grow as individuals and in the future realize how beneficial this was for their relationship. "La La Land" is my kind of modern love.
