Ben Oliver

Now
Banner image for La La Land
film

La La Land

People love what other people are passionate about.
14 January 2017

Emma Stone stars as an aspiring actress trying to make a go of it in Hollywood, who meets a charming but struggling jazz musician (and fanatic), Ryan Gosling. We follow them for a year as we see them fall in love and try to make something of themselves. Occasionally they break out into song for no reason because it’s a musical.

Don’t let the simple plot or the ‘M’ word put you off - this whirlwind romance is truly a sight to behold. As the pair waltz through life one can only sit back and drink in the gorgeous set pieces and meticulous set design. This is a colourful, emotional, surreal experience.

Damien Chazelle has managed to create magic out of simple moving images and music. La La Land is every part the homage to the old Hollywood musicals you’ve been told it is, but it’s also one of the most refreshing, honest and original films made in years. Hollywood really does have a few tricks left up its sleeve.