La La Land

Abstract

Abstract This book examines the development, style, and reception of the 2016 film musical La La Land. Directed by Damien Chazelle with music by Justin Hurwitz, the film told the story of a romance between an aspiring actress and jazz pianist as the two pursued their dreams in Los Angeles. It contemporized the classic Hollywood musical, using a vintage form to tell a modern story. Its blend of nostalgia and realism made it an instant classic, while prompting a range of critical and audience responses. Drawing on extensive personal interviews with director Damien Chazelle, composer Justin Hurwitz, choreographer Mandy Moore, and lyricists Pasek and Paul, the author explores La La Land’s aesthetic approach to the film musical genre, particularly its simultaneous engagement with and subversion of the classic Hollywood musical’s stylistic and narrative expectations. The book delves into the film’s depiction of jazz, focusing in particular on how race and genre intersect in its narrative. The film’s reception, specifically the critical response from its premiere to the 2017 Academy Awards, reflected broader cultural expectations and understandings of the film musical and its continued appeal for twenty-first-century audiences. By exploring the range of stylistic and cultural debates that La La Land prompted, a great deal can be learned about the film musical genre’s enduring and evolving place in contemporary American culture.