Assignment 17: Joshua Pe

I saw La La Land at the Fayette Mall Cinemark. It was just beautiful. From the colors and music to the cinematography and acting, every part of it was beautiful, and everything was also ethereal. The opening of the film is strong, with the quick shift of a mundane freeway to a lively and vibrant musical number. The saturated colors throughout the film give the setting of Los Angeles vividness. The music drives the story, giving it mood and also plot. “Another Day of Sun” creates an upbeat mood immediately contrasted by the grumpiness of the LA freeways. “A Lovely Night” shows the underlying chemistry between the two bickering stars. “Planetarium” unites the Mia and Sebastian as they fly in love and kiss. “Start a Fire” marks the change in trajectories between the two, as Sebastian finds success but also pain as he desecrates what he loves. “Audition” shows Mia’s complete development as she takes off on her own path. The ending of the movie is accompanied by “Epilogue.” After 5 years, Mia has found success, a husband, and a new life. Mia and Sebastian have a chance encounter after they split off, and “Epilogue” narrates a dream sequence of what could have been, and the final knowing glance between the two bursts the “La La Land” that they and the audience are in. The ending evokes a feeling of heartbreak, but also a feeling of happiness. The two realized their dreams, just not with each other. The movie as a whole feels fleeting. Everything was beautiful, if only it could have been held a little longer. The ending killed something in me, but it also left hope of something more.