La La Land: Classic Film References

Since the release of La La Land (2016), articles and videos have circulated the internet naming the numerous film references dotted throughout the picture. Being a musical and a homage to musicals from the golden age of Hollywood, one expected to see inspiration from classics such as Singin' in the Rain (1952) and An American in Paris (1951) at least, but what the makers of LLL have done is incorporate so much more. Not just references from musicals but from other classic films and even modern musical successes.


Personally I did enjoy La La Land. It is a stunning picture to behold with a lovely score, and a charming tribute to the classic Hollywood musical. My main issue with the film was the songs: I didn't leave the cinema with the songs in my head and I wasn't humming them the following day or searching for them online (usually a sure sign of whether the songs are stand-out). The score itself is gorgeous, but with the exception of 'City of Stars', lyrically I feel the songs aren't catchy or memorable enough. Also the story itself falls a little flat halfway through but I felt the ending saved it. Stone and Gosling were strong leads (minus perhaps Gosling's singing). With everyone raving about the film I was expecting it to be much more disappointing, however, it was better than I expected. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys musicals, it's certainly enjoyable and has a feel-good vibe. Is it the masterpiece that critics are hailing though? I wouldn't say so, not by a long shot, but it does treat viewers to some sumptuous imagery. No doubt it will win many of the awards it is nominated for this season - if there's two things Hollywood loves to reward it's 1.) films about Hollywood, and 2.) films that make Hollywood look good.

Here are some of my favourite references that can be found in Damien Chazelle's, La La Land:

Vertigo (Alfred Hitchcock, 1958)
One of my favourite films, Vertigo is spellbinding in so many ways and Hitchcock loves using colour/lighting to create the mood in his films. The scene in question here is in the hotel room where Jimmy's Stewart's character is waiting for Kim Novak's transformation - where the light from a green neon sign outside filters softly into the room creating an eerie and ominous feeling. LLL uses the same green lighting to great effect - both drawing us in and warning us of impending trouble in a less creepy/sinister situation but still a serious/unpleasant one.

It's a Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946)
Another film starring James Stewart, (maybe Chazelle is a fan of him too). This one hasn't been confirmed and I've yet to see anyone else point it out, but this scene where we see a struggling Seb get fired at Christmas reminded me of George Bailey's Christmas Eve breakdown in It's a Wonderful Life. Both characters are filmed with their hair dishevelled, looking exhausted, spent, and helpless, and having hit rock bottom in a bar at Christmas.

An American in Paris (Vincente Minnelli, 1951)
There are multiple times in which LLL references this Gene Kelly classic. The legendary ballet sequence was a triumph in cinema and the peak of both Kelly and Vincente Minnelli's artistic geniuses. In the film, Kelly plays a painter in Paris, and so they use a rustic, French-style painting background for the majority of the ballet sequence. It gives off a dreamy and romantic ambience, which is another reason I assume LLL uses it in this particular scene. The same scene also reminds me of the 'Love Is Here To Stay' number which Kelly performs with Leslie Caron next to the River Seine.

Broadway Melody of 1940 (Norman Tauroug, 1940)
It's amazing how much something so simple as a dark background, twinkling lights, and a shiny floor to mirror it all can create such a magical setting. LLL uses it as the backdrop for the perfect first date and it has to undeniably be inspired by the 'Begin the Beguine' number performed by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell in Broadway Melody of 1940. It's a stunning setting and showcases both dancers dramatically. Even when Astaire and Powell have other performers and musicians in the scene sporadically, it feels like they are the only souls in the world. That's the feeling LLL captures in the scene with Stone and Gosling, swirling and twirling in a galaxy of stars.

Drive

Everybody has been talking about Drive this year, and the trailer did make me want to watch it too. But nothing could have prepared me for what a brilliant piece of filmmaking this movie really is. It is goes beyond your typical action thriller.

Ryan Gosling is captivating in his role, playing a extremely talented stuntman, whilst being a getaway driver for criminals. He doesn't say much in the film, giving his character an aura of coolness and mystery that it very often tried, but almost always fails to be pulled off. Gosling has really had a great year for his career, he showed so much potential in The Notebook, it's great to see his talents being used in great films, films that the awards will take notice of. His driving skills are second to none, but the film is not just about driving.

I very rarely enjoy a car chase, maybe it's the fact I'm a girl, but the car chases in this film are truly spectacular. Not only that, but the scenes that take place in the car, with Gosling and Carey Mulligan, whether it be at night or in the evening or afternoon, have an intense but serene atmosphere- it actually feels like you are in a car - which is surprisingly - a nice feeling.

Mulligan looks lovely, and plays her part beautifully as a wife whose husband is in jail, trying to raise her toddler son, and who falls for her nextdoor neighbour - Gosling. The love story between these two is not what you would expect, it very subtle and beautiful, we really feel the love and tension between both, and throughout the film you are rooting for them to get together.

I will warn you, it takes a while for Gosling's character to show his darker side in this film, and when he does, there is a lot of violence. Not the non-stop violence which is over-the-top, but shocking violence, that can make many people a bit queasy.

There are some great scenes in this film - look out for the elevator scene in particular - and the soundtrack for this film is clearly going to be a favourite for people, and gives the film a greater feeling and ambience. I love it when a soundtrack can tie a film together completely.

If there is one film I have seen this year that you must watch, it is Drive. It is an intense, action fest, but with some great emotion, characters, music, and one hell of a story that will keep you gripped from beginning to end. One to watch - Ryan Gosling. This actor has one hell of a bright future ahead of him, we truly have a star here.