LA LA Land

LA LA LAND (2016)

This modern musical shot to mirror the golden age of cinema tells the simple and timeless story of the right couple meeting at the wrong time. But visually it’s a knockout with, for example, the already iconic imagery of the two leads’ dance with hazy Los Angeles as a backdrop.

It has really great songs but, for a musical, not nearly enough. There should be double. It’s almost like it’s loses interest in being a musical half way through. 

Thanks to Disney’s early 90’s dominance of Best Original Song category (and who can blame them for that? The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast and Aladdin) rules only allow that they only get 2 noms... and frankly, not the best. The opening number - Another Day of Sun - is the most glorious opening to a film I’ve ever seen and I still strut through London with a smile on my face listening to it! An instant classic. And the main cast do t even sing on it. And no major character can be identified. What an absolute gamble but it pays off. I could go on... 

The two leads are enormously likeable. But I’m not sure they warrant Oscar nominations. And that’s not to detract from their performance, it’s just not that kind of role. He’s lovely, in a pensive kind of way. But he’s no Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge or Joel Grey in Cabaret. And she’s charismatic and amiable but to take home the trophy I want a no-holds-barred Catherine Zeta Jones in Chicago! 

Also, If one fiery redhead should take home gold this year it should be Amy Adams in either Arrival or Nocturnal Animals goddamit! I really need to let this go... 

At the helm we have Damien Chazelle who writes and directs. He impressed in 2014 with the drumming thriller Whiplash but with his vision here he truly shines (he’s a big fan of primary colours). If he wins Best Director he’ll be the youngest to do so at 34. Pass me the vomit bag. But for the opening number alone, he deserves high praise indeed.

Watch this at the weekend. In summer to inspire or winter to escape, and prepare to replay the 2 top songs on repeat.

8 tap-dancing thumbs up!