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  • The movie analysis: La La Land

    The movie analysis: La La Land

    1. Establish the Stasis: The movie opens with a spectacular highway dance sequence, setting the stage for the dreams and frustrations of Los Angeles’ aspiring artists. This establishes the “World of the Play,” where everyone is chasing their dreams.
    2. Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is when Mia and Sebastian first encounter each other at a party where Sebastian is playing in a 1980s cover band. Their paths cross, setting the foundation for their intertwined journey.
    3. The I WANT Song: While not a traditional musical in every sense, “La La Land” uses songs to express the characters’ desires. Mia’s auditions and Sebastian’s jazz performances encapsulate their aspirations, especially highlighted in Mia’s heartfelt audition piece, “The Fools Who Dream.”
    4. The Conflict: The primary conflict arises from Mia and Sebastian trying to reconcile their love for each other with their individual career aspirations. Sebastian joins a modern jazz band that conflicts with his traditionalist views to support Mia, while Mia struggles with constant rejection in her acting career.
    5. Midpoint Reversal: A key reversal point is when Mia decides to write her one-woman play after Sebastian encourages her to create her own opportunities. This marks a shift in Mia taking control of her destiny.
    6. Beginning of Act II: The second act escalates when Sebastian’s band goes on tour, and Mia prepares for her play. Their professional commitments begin to strain their relationship, showing the challenging balance between personal and professional life.
    7. The Big Gloom: The “big gloom” occurs after Mia’s play performs poorly, and she decides to move back to her hometown, seemingly giving up on her dreams and her relationship with Sebastian.
    8. Climax: The climax is reached when Mia receives a call for a crucial audition, prompted by Sebastian, who drives to her hometown to convince her to pursue this opportunity. This moment represents the culmination of their support and sacrifices for each other.
    9. Resolution: Following Mia’s successful audition, the film jumps forward five years to show Mia as a successful actress and Sebastian owning his jazz club. They have achieved their dreams but are no longer together, showing the resolution of their career goals but the sacrifice of their relationship.
    10. The Final Number: The film concludes with a dream sequence that reimagines Mia and Sebastian’s relationship if they had chosen different paths, summarizing the film’s themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams. This sequence acts as a bittersweet reflection on what could have been, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of their journey.