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A Melodic Journey with Flawed Steps: A Critique of «La La Land»

«La La Land,» with its enchanting melodies, vibrant colors, and nostalgic nods to classic Hollywood musicals, emerges as a modern homage to the golden age of cinema. Damien Chazelle’s ambitious endeavor to revive the musical genre is commendable, yet the film’s grand aspirations are somewhat undercut by its narrative missteps and thematic shallowness.

One of the film’s undeniable strengths lies in its visual spectacle. From the captivating opening sequence set amidst a Los Angeles traffic jam to the dreamy dance sequences overlooking the city skyline, «La La Land» dazzles with its cinematography and choreography. The vibrant color palette and meticulous attention to detail evoke a sense of whimsy and romance, transporting audiences into a world where reality seamlessly merges with fantasy.

Furthermore, the performances of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling cannot be overlooked. Their on-screen chemistry imbues the film with palpable charm and emotional resonance. Stone’s Mia exudes vulnerability and determination, while Gosling’s Sebastian exudes passion and disillusionment. Their portrayal of star-crossed lovers navigating the treacherous waters of ambition and romance is both captivating and heartfelt.

However, beneath its polished surface lies a narrative that struggles to find its footing. While «La La Land» captures the allure of dreams and the pursuit of artistic ambition, it ultimately falls short in its exploration of deeper themes. The characters’ arcs feel underdeveloped, their struggles and triumphs reduced to mere caricatures of Hollywood stereotypes. Mia and Sebastian’s love story, while undeniably compelling, lacks the depth and complexity necessary to fully engage audiences on an emotional level.

Moreover, the film’s treatment of jazz and its cultural significance has been a subject of criticism. Sebastian’s idealized view of jazz as a pure art form clashes with the realities of commercialization and artistic compromise. Yet, «La La Land» fails to adequately address the complexities of cultural appropriation and the erasure of marginalized voices within the jazz community, opting instead for a superficial exploration of these issues.

Despite its flaws, «La La Land» remains a visually stunning and musically enchanting experience. Its nostalgic charm and infectious energy are sure to leave audiences tapping their feet and humming its melodies long after the credits roll. While it may not reach the lofty heights of its classic predecessors, «La La Land» nevertheless offers a tantalizing glimpse into a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and romance.

In conclusion, «La La Land» is a bittersweet symphony of love and dreams, marred by its narrative shortcomings and thematic superficiality. While it may not be the flawless masterpiece it aspires to be, it nonetheless succeeds in capturing the imagination and igniting the passions of its audience, if only for a fleeting moment in time.

Link to the movie: https://www.primevideo.com/-/es/detail/La-La-Land-Una-historia-de-amor/0H7M04DTV2G0YOTVKSS5F7BNUP

If you want to visit the places where the movie was filmed here you have a page that tells you some of them: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/the-best-places-to-experience-la-la-land-in-los-angeles