Saturday, January 28, 2017

LA LA LAND


I actually was going to post something this time last week about not understanding why I seemed to have no interest in seeing this film. I mean, I really like Emma Stone. I really like Ryan Gosling. I really like John Legend. I really like most musicals, and I really like jazz! My indifference about it just didn't add up, other than the fact that it kind of seemed too arty, even for me, and I just wasn't planning on sitting through it. There were other flicks that I was more interested in enjoying during this Oscar season.

But then it garnered 14 Academy Award nominations, tying with my beloved 'All About Eve', which received that many in 1950 and held the title for Most Noms until 'Titanic' matched it in 1997, so I finally decided that I needed to check it out, if for nothing else than to discover what all the fuss was about.


Well, we saw it last night and were blown away!


I don't remember ever using the word "transcendent" to describe a movie, but I'll definitely use it for this one. I've never seen anything like this, and I'm somehow under its spell, still feeling the atmosphere of it this morning.


It's basically just a simple story of a musician and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles, but to my surprise, this completely original work of art totally works on every level. On the surface as portraying "La La Land" (upper case) it's a visual delight, and made me want to buy a ticket this morning for the City of Angels, and possibly move there. On a deeper, darker note, its an examination of "la la land" (lower case),  as in the figure of speech for people who are out of touch with the realities of life. In other words, people in La La Land, living in la la land.


The music is haunting and beautiful, and I will be acquiring the soundtrack asap.


Many themes are touched on here...the consequences of our decisions, and how life plays out in the big picture...the complication of relationships...the conflict that most artists face when it comes to maintaining creative integrity and authenticity and having to possibly sell out to make a living...the exploration of parallel realities and living with regret about what might have been...


What sets this story apart, however, is that there doesn't seem to be an attachment to a best-case scenario in love and life. It all just is what it is, and La La Land somehow strikes a beautiful balance between looking at every bit of it with realistic eyes, while maintaining the romance of it all. In fact, this is one of the most truly romantic films that I've ever seen, and it has the happiest "sad" ending that I've ever witnessed. I related to that part deeply, and still left the theatre feeling exhilarated. Hence, the word "transcendent".


I'm still trying to figure out how they filmed the opening sequence of people jumping out of their cars and dancing and singing in the middle of an LA traffic jam. You have to see it to understand what I mean, but that part is really a technological marvel.


I'll be very surprised is this one doesn't sweep the Oscars.



Frances Martin I wasn't sure if I wanted to see it but now after reading your review..I think I will.
LikeReply9 hrs
Donna-Renée Martin I've felt the same way about seeing it. Maybe I will do now.
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Carrie Rodriguez I keep planning on seeing it but than something comes up. I'm going to try tomorrow. I can't wait!
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Matthew T. McDonald I cried like a baby after watching that film.
UnlikeReply29 hrs
George Sandler We saw it last week. I have to admit, sometimes I'm not the biggest fan of musicals, which in and of itself could be considered odd since I AM a musician. But I really liked La La Land. The modern setting coupled with the old school (for lack of a better term) choreography really worked for me. Not to mention the music was very cool. Being a true romantic (surprise, surprise) the end stung a bit but I agree with you....it is fantastic and should garner a lot of awards.
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Tony Roberts Well said!
UnlikeReply29 hrs
Lisa Smith Pomeroy Well, okay then... now I guess I'll just have to go. Can't even remember the last time I saw a movie on the big screen  I'm guessing you saw "Allied." Did I miss your review of it? Love, love, love Marion! And of course, Brad isn't exactly hard on the eyes...
LikeReply9 hrs
Jim Swilley Haven't seen that one...
LikeReply9 hrs
Lisa Smith Pomeroy Jim Swilley K. If you do, give us a review 
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Becky Rose Very well said! I agree completely.
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Chris Hess Tovey thank you! My partner and I started it and stopped after about 10 minutes - we will definitely give it another chance!
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Chris Hess Tovey He's a member of SAG so we have the dvd... 
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Jim Swilley Chris Hess Tovey Oh wow...how cool!
LikeReply18 hrs
Matthew Crawley I loved it!!!
The historic record of nominations seems overdone to me, just the same. It wasn't even my favorite film this year. Still, I adored the movie and want to see it again.
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Jackie C Jenkins You are spot on. I saw it early being a musical aficionado but was blow away. Musical next level! 💓
UnlikeReply19 hrs
Jim Swilley Indeed
LikeReply8 hrs

Jim Branday Wow. Now I want to see this!!

Angela Allan Ok, you convinced me to buy a ticket 
UnlikeReply16 hrs
Ken Marshall Excellent review and Excellent movie ! A MUST SEE ! Loved it !
UnlikeReply26 hrs
Irma Crump I am not usually a musical lover but I chose to watch it because I like Jim like all the main actors in this film. I can't tell you how pleasantly surprised I was with this movie, other than the (to me and only to me) the boring beginning,it astounded me. I would invite anyone to see it. You will not be disappointed.
UnlikeReply24 hrs
Dotis Ratliff Elder Just saw it......absolutely loved it......on so many levels!
UnlikeReply33 hrs

Thom Williamson · Friends with Tony Roberts
Awesome movie. Lots of iconic LA scenes to enjoy.

Kelly Trewolla First off I absolutely love " All about Eve"! Second I saw this movie last week and loved it! The music I could not get out of my head.💜
UnlikeReply255 mins

Jim Swilley I know, right? I've been singing 'City of Stars' all day...
LikeReply144 minsEdited

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