Three words, La La Land. My favorite musical has been released on Netflix for the past week and I’ve already seen it 3 times. Some may say I’m insane or a tad bit obsessed, and they’re not wrong! There’s an endless amount of things I love about this musical from its color schemes, to the cinematography, the acting, the music, and the intentionality behind the message of the musical. Sebastian (Gosling) and Mia (Stone) have an intense connection through their passions. Sebastian has a strong passion for Jazz and trying to keep it alive, while Mia holds a great love for acting although it’s incredibly difficult to get a role in Hollywood. As the seasons change, their love grows, but life goes on. Through the troubles and unknowns, Sebastian and Mia are encountered with the choice of deciding to pursue their dream or their love. What will it be? You’ll just have to watch for yourself to find out.

Directed by Damien Chazelle, La La Land was released on December 6, 2016 starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, J.K. Simmons, John Legend, and many more talented actors. Amongst these actors, it was very reassuring to see Stone and Gosling starring in yet another movie together because their chemistry on and off screen is perfect to me. It was also comforting to see that Chazelle decided to star J.K. Simmons in this project as Simmos had a very big role in Whiplash, another musical by Chazelle. 

Before the movie was released, I went into a deep rabbit hole of fun facts about the movie. When Gosling auditioned, he had zero pianist skills. They offered him to have someone else do the hand shots when it was “his” piano scenes, but he took it upon himself to learn how to play the piano! In just 3 months, he perfected the score by Justin Hurwitz. Gosling did an impeccable job playing the piano and singing, which is another skill he was greatly gifted with. 

If you haven’t had the chance to see this musical, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. It’s a movie filled with color, excitement, love, joy, hardship, and pure reality. As much as I love seeing it on screen, I hope I get to see it on Broadway someday. I really might not shut up about this movie, ever. 

https://variety.com/2023/legit/news/la-la-land-musical-broadway-1235515365/

In case I didn’t convince you enough, have a look at the trailer and enjoy!