Since its release in 2016, ‘La La Land’, directed by Damien Chazelle, has occupied a unique space in the evolution of the musical genre. Its modern reinterpretation, aesthetic choices, and cultural impact have been extensively discussed by critics, filmmakers, and audiences alike. Yet, what precisely did ‘La La Land’ contribute to the contemporary musical repertoire? The answers are multifaceted, spanning narrative innovation, technical revival, and a reevaluation of cinematic nostalgia.
Reimagining the Traditional Structure with a Contemporary Perspective
For a considerable time, musicals have flourished through magnificent displays, dynamic dance sequences, and narratives brimming with emotion. Nevertheless, prior to the release of ‘La La Land’, the American cinematic landscape saw a decline in major, novel musical productions, with adaptations and Disney animations largely taking center stage. Chazelle’s creative concept explicitly drew inspiration from Hollywood’s Golden Era, incorporating allusions to films like ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,’ while simultaneously anchoring the plot in the concrete challenges faced by contemporary aspirants.
By threading Mia and Sebastian’s ambitions with contemporary realities—financial instability, career uncertainty, and the tension between dreams and practicality—the film anchored timeless themes in an authentic context. The contrast between hyperreal musical numbers, such as the opening freeway sequence ‘Another Day of Sun’, and the grounded, bittersweet development of the central relationship, reinvigorated the genre without ignoring present-day sensibilities.
Filmic Artistry: Hue, Melody, and Movement
‘La La Land‘ distinguished itself through a meticulous fusion of visual and auditory artistry. Cinematographer Linus Sandgren’s use of color palettes was not mere homage but a deliberate psychological tool. Vivid hues in costumes and set design often mirrored emotional peaks or transitions, echoing the expressive capabilities of color in classic musicals while delivering a fresh impact to contemporary audiences.
Composer Justin Hurwitz’s musical contributions were fundamental in defining the movie’s character. In contrast to numerous contemporary musicals that lean towards diegetic or pop-influenced tunes, ‘La La Land’ featured unique compositions with a loose connection to jazz. The recurring jazz theme, present in both its subject matter and framework, infused the film with an improvisational essence and highlighted for the audience the transformative power inherent in music. Tracks such as ‘City of Stars’ gained widespread recognition, becoming popular on mainstream radio, and garnered several accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The dance sequences, conceived by Mandy Moore, moved away from overly refined flawlessness, instead embracing movement that was expressive and driven by character. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, neither of whom were renowned for their musical theater experience, presented portrayals rooted in genuine emotion and sincerity. This approach broadened the appeal of the musical genre, implying that sincere delivery could be more impactful than technical skill.
Subverting Narratives and Embracing Realism
Viewers accustomed to traditional musicals might anticipate a definitive, upbeat conclusion. ‘La La Land’ deliberately defied this expectation. The movie’s concluding segment, frequently dubbed ‘the epilogue,’ presented audiences with both a fantastical, alternate reality sequence and the current reality, where professional goals are achieved at the expense of the romantic bond. This dichotomy struck a chord with contemporary audiences familiar with intricacy and subtlety, implying that adult existence frequently necessitates trade-offs instead of the flawless convergence of affection and aspiration.
Furthermore, the film’s self-awareness reframed the musical genre as both a celebration and a critique. Through Sebastian’s longing for an idealized jazz era and Mia’s evolving understanding of fame, ‘La La Land’ interrogated the nostalgia so frequently romanticized in musicals, subtly challenging viewers to reconsider the cost of clinging to the past.
Public Response, Enduring Impact, and the Wider Musical Resurgence
The global response to ‘La La Land’ underscored an appetite for musical narratives outside the superhero or franchise template. Grossing nearly $450 million worldwide on a $30 million budget, and garnering fourteen Academy Award nominations, the film demonstrated clear commercial and critical viability for original musicals in the twenty-first century. Its success notably preceded a resurgence of musical films and television, including ‘The Greatest Showman,’ ‘A Star is Born’ (2018 remake), and live television adaptations of Broadway classics.
The movie also rekindled widespread fascination with jazz music, the city of Los Angeles depicted as a central figure, and the recurring theme of an artist’s personal odyssey—indicating that viewers continued to crave sophisticated realism and profound emotional release.
Enduring Influence and New Standards for the Genre
Analysis of post-‘La La Land’ musicals reveals measurable influence across both independent and studio-backed projects. Directors and composers cite its blending of visual bravura and narrative honesty as a touchstone. The film’s soundtrack, with its jazz-inflected motifs, fueled a renewed appreciation for original scores in mainstream cinema.
Perhaps the most notable impact of ‘La La Land’ lies in its affirmation of the contemporary musical’s ability to fuse tribute with novelty. It encouraged artists to venture fearlessly within the genre while respecting its established customs. By avoiding mere imitation and instead presenting an authentic depiction of aspirations realized and relinquished, the movie reminded both audiences and filmmakers that musicals serve not only as vehicles for fantasy but also for genuine human narratives—intricate, flawed, and reflective of current experiences. This paradigm persists, encouraging each successive generation to redefine the potential and reach of the musical form.
