Directed by Damien Chazelle
Starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling
I got the chance to see LA LA LAND a few months before the film opened theatrically. LA LA LAND anchored as opening night for The Chicago International Film Festival. It was also the eve of my 29th birthday. The idea of aging yet another year was bumming me out so I needed a necessary distraction.
Two hours and 38 minutes later {approximately}, I walked out of the theatre feeling inspired, creative and appreciative of what film can do to our emotions. I found myself captivated with the dancing; I appreciated the singing; I was impressed by the performances.
The filmmaking was enthusiastic with purely relatable themes. LA LA LAND is about a jazz musician (RYAN GOSLING) who falls for an aspiring actress (EMMA STONE) in Los Angeles. They are both struggling to find success within their designated careers. Working in the film industry is rough and dreams are often shattered. There’s rejection, harsh treatment, rejection, harsh treatment. It takes a strong soul to carry on time after time. I’ve also found that there’s a tremendous amount of hard work with very little pay off. I work in film and oftentimes doubt I’m strong enough to succeed.
No doubt that filmmaker Damien Chazelle draws inspiration from musicals of the 1940s & 1950s, which really allows for the silent film era to drive LA LA LAND’s narrative landscape. Additionally, these aspects contribute to the building and the realism of the romantic relationship that Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) embark upon.
I can’t say enough kind words about LA LA LAND. Everyone should go see it. It’s an important and amazing film. Without giving too much away, I think an imperative theme for me is this notion that people can be in relationships, break up and not actually hate each other. In LA LA LAND there’s no actual antagonist; there’s no bad guy. I think in society we have this notion where people can be together, in relationships, and then once it’s over have nothing to do with one another; to hate each other. Can some emotional history resonate in respect for each individual? Even if they don’t stay together.
Obviously each circumstance varies and sometimes break ups are that painful where you can’t be friends. This resonates with me because it makes me think about my own parents. They divorced when I was four years old, my brother was two. Their divorce was messy. My dad, the non-marrying type never quite adjusted to family life. He’s a great dad, but the everyday thing was hard for him. My mom was left to take care of us (my brother and I). They battled years in court and didn’t get along for quite some time. This idea of them being married at one point and loving one another remains so distant for me.
Yoga Pose: Firefly Pose. This is a challenging balancing pose that requires mental determination and confidence. When you let go, the energy will start to flow, even when it doesn’t necessarily feel right or good. Very few people can get into firefly pose the first time. Self-doubt, fear, negativity, and even stress limit our connection to our inner light; when we let go, things will settle.