I
love musicals and can’t tell you how much anticipation I had for this, an
original musical whose reputation has justifiably grown immensely. Writer/Director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash)
has fashioned a Valentine to the Hollywood musical and updated it to the modern
sensibilities of a classic romance.
Mia
(Emma Stone) works in a coffee shop dreaming of being an actress someday, and
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) yearns to play pure jazz in his own club. These two souls
cross paths, and their courtship and love come in bittersweet conflict with
their careers. It is hard not to be swept away with Emma Stone’s marvelous trifecta of
singing, dancing, and acting, but with Ryan Gosling, the two make an irresistible
couple; their on screen chemistry is electric.
With
an exhilarating, opening musical sequence on a freeway jam, there are several more
musical numbers and imaginative duets that flow to a glorious, elaborate finale. The singing and dancing won’t make you forget
Judy Garland or Fred Astaire but will certainly make you yearn for more of
Justin Hurwitz’s infectious songs (City
of Stars has Oscar written all over) and themes.
Lush
color schemes saturate the costumes, lighting and set design complemented with
imaginative transitions all gorgeously photographed in Cinemascope. Chazelle,
whose love for classic films is evident in every frame, has drawn heavily from past
films-the tone and style are from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and the
structure and substance from An American in
Paris and Singin’ in the Rain
while exhibiting passionate originality and execution. Not a perfect film,
but if you love old fashioned musicals and romance, this will likely bring a
tear to your eye. It is heartfelt. Oscar
glory awaits.
****
of **** stars (for romantics and musical lovers)
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