La La Land - Trailer Review
Director: Damien Chazelle
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone.
As soon as the simple, melodic chords of the piano were introduced and the circular fade-in transition revealed the picturesque landscape of Los Angeles, I was sold on this trailer, and heck, the whole film altogether.
La La Land centres around the talented jazz musician Sebastian (Gosling) and aspiring actress Mia (Stone) as they attempt to navigate the cruel and choppy waters of Hollywood as well as their own budding romance. Not only based on the strength of this premise and this first teaser trailer, I have a strong instinctual feeling that I'm going to fall head over heels for this film because of the incredible talent of writer/director Damien Chazelle. Having delivered one of the best films of 2014 with Whiplash (remarkably shot in 19 days - not really relevant, but impressive, right?), I have every confidence that his sophomore film will live up to the excellence of his first.
Although the trailer is completely worldless but with the inclusion of Gosling's hauntingly beautiful performance of the original "City of Stars" and proves that baby goose has some serious vocal talent to accompany his starry persona. Gosling's Sebastian croons:
City of stars, are you shining just for me?
City of stars, there's so much that I can't see.
Who knows? Is this the start of something wonderful?
Upon this interrogative, we witness the presumed first meeting between Sebastian and Mia as they lock eyes whilst Sebastian plays piano, indicating an ensuing romantic involvement. The song continues;
Or one more dream that I cannot make true...
suggesting a star - crossed lovers aspect to their relationship.
The Nicolas Winding Refn - esque visuals (coincidentally a frequent collaborator of Gosling) perfectly accentuate the captivating song and only aid with the immersion of the world Chazelle has created. Every shot is breathtaking and utterly charming and worthy of being framed for display. In particular, the shot of the lovers running under a bridge onto a street overlooking a lush lake is applause-worthy. The cinematography beautifully captures the contradicting essence of Tinseltown - alluring and dream-like but also treacherous.
Ending with a classic Hollywood smooch as the camera spins around the star - crossed lovers, it evokes a feeling of the Golden Age of cinema. And with the current cinematic environment rife with CGI spectacle, La La Land seemingly offers us a reprieve from monsters and aliens and provides good old-fashioned nostalgia. Consider my ticket bought.
EB
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone.
As soon as the simple, melodic chords of the piano were introduced and the circular fade-in transition revealed the picturesque landscape of Los Angeles, I was sold on this trailer, and heck, the whole film altogether.
La La Land centres around the talented jazz musician Sebastian (Gosling) and aspiring actress Mia (Stone) as they attempt to navigate the cruel and choppy waters of Hollywood as well as their own budding romance. Not only based on the strength of this premise and this first teaser trailer, I have a strong instinctual feeling that I'm going to fall head over heels for this film because of the incredible talent of writer/director Damien Chazelle. Having delivered one of the best films of 2014 with Whiplash (remarkably shot in 19 days - not really relevant, but impressive, right?), I have every confidence that his sophomore film will live up to the excellence of his first.
Although the trailer is completely worldless but with the inclusion of Gosling's hauntingly beautiful performance of the original "City of Stars" and proves that baby goose has some serious vocal talent to accompany his starry persona. Gosling's Sebastian croons:
City of stars, are you shining just for me?
City of stars, there's so much that I can't see.
Who knows? Is this the start of something wonderful?
Upon this interrogative, we witness the presumed first meeting between Sebastian and Mia as they lock eyes whilst Sebastian plays piano, indicating an ensuing romantic involvement. The song continues;
Or one more dream that I cannot make true...
suggesting a star - crossed lovers aspect to their relationship.
The Nicolas Winding Refn - esque visuals (coincidentally a frequent collaborator of Gosling) perfectly accentuate the captivating song and only aid with the immersion of the world Chazelle has created. Every shot is breathtaking and utterly charming and worthy of being framed for display. In particular, the shot of the lovers running under a bridge onto a street overlooking a lush lake is applause-worthy. The cinematography beautifully captures the contradicting essence of Tinseltown - alluring and dream-like but also treacherous.
Ending with a classic Hollywood smooch as the camera spins around the star - crossed lovers, it evokes a feeling of the Golden Age of cinema. And with the current cinematic environment rife with CGI spectacle, La La Land seemingly offers us a reprieve from monsters and aliens and provides good old-fashioned nostalgia. Consider my ticket bought.
EB
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