La-La Land Critique

In the year 2017, “La La Land” swept many categories at the Academy awards including best actress, best cinematography, and best director. In addition to its stunning scenery and top of the line acting, “La La Land” won the Academy Award for best original score. After watching the movie, this choice will be obvious due to the incredible melodies intertwined into the plot of this jazz-based movie. “La La Land” follows the lives of Sebastian and Mia, two star-crossed lovers trying to make it in Los Angeles. Mia is an aspiring actor who feels defeated in her dream due to millions of failed auditions while Sebastian is a pianist whose goal is to carry on the magic of jazz with his own jazz bar but is currently hired as a restaurant pianist. The two meet briefly and their fates cross several times before a connection is made and a relationship is

born. Eventually the pair grows apart when Sebastian joins a viral band and travels frequently. The relationship is cut off when Mia takes a lead movie role in Paris. Ten years later the two cross paths once more, both having fulfilled their dreams.
The soundtrack of “La La Land” is truly magnificent; I had previously purchased it due to the emotions it elicits.

The style of music is definitely on the more classical side with a few pop outliers such as “Someone in the Crowd” or “Another Day of Sun.” Additionally, Sebastian’s love for jazz inspired the pair to visit a jazz restaurant and listen to authentic jazz songs created for the movie such as “Herman’s Habit. Overall, the soundtrack relies heavily on piano, percussion, brass, woodwinds, and strings. No electronic sounds are utilized except for Sebastian’s band’s concert. The piano plays a crucial role throughout the movie; when Sebastian first meets Mia, he is playing a spectacular classical piece on the piano. This melody is played in dramatic scenes involving the two lovers. The popular song “City of Stars,” which is also piano based, is utilized throughout the movie as well. In general, the tempo of “La La Land’s” soundtrack is shifting. Most songs feature both fast paced and slow sections, however some may be consistently upbeat while others are consistently Andante to reflect the mood of the

movie.
Through the use of different volumes and reappearing melodies, “La La Land” effectively advances the love story of Mia and Sebastian. For example, Sebastian's signature piano piece is utilized throughout the movie to evoke feelings 0f longing and gravity within the viewer. At the end of the movie when Sebastian and Mia cross paths after many years, Sebastian plays this piece to show that he knows that Mia is in the bar and that he values the experiences they had shared together. Additionally, this evokes sadness within the viewer and Mia because it takes them back to the scene where they first met.
Furthermore, the music played within the montage of Mia and Sebastian’s summer adventures communicates the lighthearted mood felt in the scene. With the heavy utilization of the piano and brass, the song brings joy to the listener, similar to the happiness felt by Mia and Sebastian. This helps to develop the love shared between both characters. Overall, “La La Land’s” original soundtrack effortlessly encapsulates the plot of the movie by its use of varying tempos and orchestral instruments. I would recommend this movie to anyone due to its emotions it evokes within the viewer and its magnificent soundtrack.