La La Land (2016), directed by Damien Chazelle, follows the love story between an aspiring actress and a jazz musician, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Blending nostalgia with modern storytelling, the film explores the tension between dreams and reality.
Genre & Techniques
Musical Drama: Musicals use song and dance to express emotions and advance the narrative. They often feature dreamlike sequences, heightened emotions, and moments where reality bends into performance.
Techniques: Long takes and sweeping camera movements create a fluid, immersive feel; color symbolism enhances mood and character arcs; and lighting shifts between naturalism and fantasy to reflect emotional states.
Discussion Questions
- Film Technique: The opening highway sequence is filmed in a single take. How does this long take set the tone for the film, and what does it reveal about the world of La La Land?
- Genre: La La Land pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals like Singin’ in the Rain. What elements of old Hollywood musicals does it use, and how does it modernize them?
- Cultural Context: The film presents jazz as a dying art form that must evolve. How does La La Land depict the struggle between tradition and innovation in music and art?
- Personal Response: Did you like the film? Why or why not?
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