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.
Revitalizing the Classic Framework Through a Modern Lens
Musicals have long thrived on grand spectacle, vibrant choreography, and emotionally charged storytelling. However, before ‘La La Land’, the American film industry experienced a lull in large-scale, original musicals, with adaptations and Disney animations dominating the scene. Chazelle’s vision drew explicitly from the Golden Age of Hollywood, referencing works such as ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,’ yet grounded the narrative in the tangible struggles of twenty-first century dreamers.
By intertwining Mia’s and Sebastian’s aspirations with modern-day challenges—economic precarity, professional unpredictability, and the conflict between idealism and pragmatism—the movie grounded universal concepts within a believable setting. The juxtaposition of highly stylized musical segments, like the initial highway scene ‘Another Day of Sun’, and the realistic, poignant evolution of the main romance, revitalized the genre while acknowledging current perspectives.
Cinematic Technique: Color, Music, and Choreography
‘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 score played a central role in shaping the film’s identity. Unlike many modern musicals that favor diegetic or pop-inspired numbers, ‘La La Land’ embraced original compositions loosely tethered to jazz. The recurring motif of jazz, both thematically and structurally, brought an improvisational spirit to the film and reminded viewers of the transformative nature of music itself. Numbers like ‘City of Stars’ achieved cultural ubiquity, crossing into mainstream radio, and earned multiple awards, 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.
Narrative Subversion and 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 musicals released after ‘La La Land’ demonstrates a quantifiable impact on both independent and major studio productions. Filmmakers and music creators frequently point to its fusion of stunning visuals and authentic storytelling as a key inspiration. The movie’s musical score, characterized by its jazz-inspired themes, sparked a resurgence of interest in original compositions within popular 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.
