The Vital Role of Music in La La Land: A Personal Reflection
In La La Land, music does more than fill the air; it drives the emotional core of the film, and guides us through the complex feelings of love, ambition, sacrifice, acceptance, and everything in between. The film's musical score and choreography are not mere entertainment; they serve to express the characters’ innermost emotions and elevate the themes that resonate deeply with all of us. This is a film where the songs themselves feel like an extension of the characters, adding depth and nuance to the story in ways that dialogue alone could not. As someone who's been a musician for most of my life, music has always been more than just notes on a page—it’s been the soundtrack to my personal journey. Last year, when I saw La La Land for the first time, it completely changed the way I thought about how music can complement a film. The emotional impact of the music, especially how it seamlessly worked alongside the visuals, hit me in a way that few films have. What struck me most was how director Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz’s collaboration brought together elements of Hollywood nostalgia and contemporary struggles, creating something deeply relatable to my life experiences. This was no ordinary musical—it felt like a reflection of the dreams, the heartbreaks, and the sacrifices I've experienced throughout my life. Damien Chazelle had an evident vision for La La Land. From the very beginning, he wanted the film to serve as a love letter to both the golden age of Hollywood musicals and the city of Los Angeles, blending classic elements with modern sensibilities. He knew that music wouldn’t just be an add-on, but a central force in shaping the emotional and narrative flow of the film. Music, or lack thereof, is what elevates a film to a new level that can't simply be explained, but more understood. It's what sets you free of analysis, and it allows you to submit yourself to the story being told. With this in mind, Damien didn't want a soundtrack that would be tacked on in post-production. Even before the script was fully finished, Chazelle began working closely with Justin Hurwitz, his long-time collaborator who had worked with him on Whiplash. They began crafting the score in tandem with the development of the story, creating a symbiotic relationship between the music and the visuals. This approach is not common for many films, where music is often added after the scenes are shot and edited. But for Chazelle and Hurwitz, the music was already shaping the emotional tone of the film during the early stages of production. Hurwitz, who composed the film’s lush jazz-infused score, said that he and Chazelle would often work together, discussing how the music could complement each scene and how it could help bring out the feelings and themes the story was exploring. As a musician, it’s exciting to know that such care and attention were paid to the way music would interact with the visuals from the very start. The film’s opening number, "Another Day of Sun," was one of the first songs Hurwitz composed, and it sets the tone for the entire movie. This bright, energetic number introduces the viewers to the bustling world of Los Angeles, full of dreams, hope, and struggle. It’s not just about the catchy rhythm; it’s about what the music says about the characters who are living in this city, trying to make their mark. The music here isn't just setting the mood—it's establishing the world that these characters will navigate. As the film progresses, the music evolves to reflect the characters’ emotional journeys. "City of Stars," a central song in the film, plays a key role in reflecting both the love and the struggle that defines the relationship between Mia and Sebastian. The simple, haunting melody of the song mirrors the intimate moments between them but also encapsulates their dreams and the sacrifices they must make. Music, in this way, speaks to what words often can't. It reflects feelings of hope, longing, and even despair in a way that’s immediate and deeply visceral. For me this resonated deeply. The way Hurwitz captured the nuances of longing and ambition in his compositions was breathtaking. As someone who has lived through the ups and downs of pursuing a creative career, I felt like the music was an honest reflection of the highs and lows that come with chasing one's dreams. The song "A Lovely Night," which serves as a romantic and playful duet, is another perfect example of a masterful blend of musical and visual dance. The choreography, camera angles, and timing all work together in such a way that the visuals seem to follow the rhythm of the music, making each moment feel alive with energy and emotion. This scene is my favorite; it was shot in one continuous take! You only have so many attempts to capture it as a director; the sun will only set for so long. In this scene, the disciplined production team immortalizes Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone as actors dedicated to their craft, mistakes and all. It perfectly captures the raw beauty of the human experience. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling had to internalize the music to fully embody their characters. The rehearsals, where they practiced both the songs and dance routines to match the score, were key in making sure the musical moments felt authentic to the character’s emotional states. Throughout the film, they both have individual performances to highlight their musical ability and dedication to their role in the film. Ryan Gosling even learned the piano for the film! By the time post-production came around, the visuals had already been carefully crafted to fit the rhythm and energy of the music. The pacing of each scene, the lighting, and camera angles were designed to align with the score, further enhancing the emotional resonance. It’s this meticulous attention to detail that makes La La Land stand out as an immersive experience where every element works together in harmony. For me, watching La La Land was an experience that resonated on a deeply personal level. As a musician who has always turned to music to express the deepest parts of myself, I felt that the film captured that feeling of artistic pursuit—the way music becomes a reflection of both personal dreams and the challenges that come with them. Chazelle and Hurwitz didn't just make a musical—they created a film that beautifully embodies the heart and soul of what it means to dream, to love, and to never give up. In a way, La La Land isn’t just a love story between two people; it’s a love story between music and film. And for anyone who’s ever felt the power of music as more than just entertainment, it’s a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll. If you haven't seen it, you're in for an experience you'll hold with you forever. If you have, go watch it again! - Ant
