WARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS
I’m not a man that applauds a film at the end and La La Land is no exception to that. Having said that, every so often a film comes around that leaves me in my seat quietly contemplating what I have just witnessed. Sitting in silence, I was trying to understand how a musical could envelop you in fantasy yet remain so grounded. Now I have heard many say that La La Land is the best on screen musical ever made, that is quite a statement and who would want to compete with the favourites like Singing in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz or The Sound of Music. I can say without a moments hesitation that La La Land is the best on screen musical ever made. Bugsy Malone is probably my favourite but in terms of plot, depth and execution I don’t think there is a film that competes with La La Land. I have always believed there is a clear distinction between a film being someone’s favourite and film being described as the best. A film that is a favourite is something that connects to you personally whereas a better made film may do nothing for you. For example, my favourite Disney film is Mulan however I understand that The Lion King is a better film. Make sense? Anyway, now thats cleared up I want to talk about the triumph that is La La Land.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling were undeniably fantastic in this film but the main man I want to talk about is Damien Chazelle, don’t worry I will talk about the two leading actors later. What Chazelle manages to achieve I still can’t quite get my head around, how can a film be so surreal and yet engulf you in realism? The film centres on the old cliche ‘Follow your dreams’ and Chazelle masterfully shows the struggle of becoming a success which eradicates that cheesy musical feel. When I watched his breakthrough film, Whiplash, I saw one of the most brilliant, well thought out pieces of cinema and the opening shot of La La Land proves it was no fluke. The big opening number is staggering and it is a beautifully executed tracking shot that is up there with Birdman and those classic Scorsese shots. Jazz is a big theme in both Whiplash and La La Land, I have to commend Chazelle and his team for introducing more people to the genre and showing it is a lot more than ‘Elevator Music’.
Now onto Mia and Sebastian. These are two complex characters who meet, fall in love and simultaneously strive to fulfil their dreams. This typical story is flipped on its head when you discover Mia’s and Sebastian’s paths to success means they have to break up. Many people would have wanted and perhaps expected a big final romantic retribution but in my eyes the simple nod that the characters exchange is understated brilliance. In that moment alone you can really appreciate what great actors Stone and Gosling are proving to be. To convey emotion by using subtle expressions is a mark of a great actor. I have said this so many times when watching a film featuring Emma Stone, the on screen chemistry is amazing. The relationship that the film is focused on is so believable and the lead actors definitely deserve their Golden Globes. Whilst being the suave romantic, Ryan Gosling showcased his impeccable comedic timing that helps give the script that extra lease of life. Side note, there is a short scene between Sebastian and his sister which is really worth keeping an eye out for, nothing flashy about it, I just thought it was a well written and well acted exchange.
No film is perfect and I did feel that it would have been good to see a little more character development for the supporting roles. This is honestly the only flaw I can pick out and I am well aware that this is nit picking at its finest. There are going to people who are less than impressed by this film but I could watch this film on repeat and still be in awe of the spectacle.
I also want to say a massive well done to Lionsgate Summit, musicals have always been a risk because lets be honest they’re usually not that great and a lot of people aren’t comfortable with people randomly bursting into song. There is so much more I can say about La La Land; the glorious costumes, the masterful camera work, the dazzling choreography but I think they are all things that are to be appreciated by seeing them on the big screen. To conclude, I believe that La La Land is simply a masterpiece.
Daniel Day-Lewis: There Will Be Blood
WARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS
This week I watched the 2007 thriller There Will Be Blood directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. I was initially drawn to this film after watching Gangs of New York for the first time (yes I know I was late to the party.) Daniel Day-Lewis breathes authenticity into every role he plays and I couldn’t wait to see him at the centre of this oil drilling story.
Set from 1898 through to 1927 the film follows the tale successful business Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis). Day-Lewis gives one of the greatest performances I have seen by bringing the maleficent, manipulative and complex character to life. There are two relationships that are integral to the story. The first is between Daniel and his adopted son HW. Everything is all good in the early days until an explosion leaves HW deaf and Daniel not quite knowing how to deal with it. When the explosion happens Daniel is thrilled with the amount of oil discovered and the money he can make from it, while not really fussed by his son’s serious condition. The brilliance of this shows the true purpose of Daniel life and his psychopathic characteristics. His true feelings are further emphasised towards the end of the film where he confronts his son and informs him of his adoption.
The second relationship is between Daniel and Eli, a preacher who is trying to do what he sees best for his church. This spawns a conflict which intensifies and leads to the greatest scene in this film. “I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE” has become an immortal line for me and the scene was brilliantly directed to show the victorious Daniel Plainview’s maliciousness.
Clocking in at 2 hours 38 minutes, it’s hardly an easy watch. The film modulates between edge of seat intensity and casual conversation in a beautiful way which add gravity to the more memorable scenes. There Will Be Blood is a great film and a phenomenal showcase of Daniel Day-Lewis’ acting ability.
Daniel Day-Lewis Performance: 5/5 There Will Be Blood: 4/5
About This Blog
This blog was created to help empty my brain of all crap I can’t verbalise in my day to day life. I by no means consider myself to be a writer and have no real desire for this site to see the outside world. Who knows? maybe an unforeseen ego boost will see me throwing out links left right and centre.
I have a passion for film, theatre, music and the occasional video game. There will posts on all these things and an occasional faith based rant might be thrown in as well.
Calum W. Brown 