La La Land

If there's one thing that's a guaranteed escape from the ugliness of reality, it's a musical. From Fred Astaire to Gene Kelly, to Vincente Minnelli and Bob Fosse, it's a genre people find themselves coming back to time and time again. (And yes, even those who claim they're not big on musicals.)

Damien Chazelle's La La Land is a tribute to the musicals of decades passed, its allusions ranging from Jacques Demy (the use of color) to those churned out by MGM's peak (the costume design and choreography). And like what he showed with his previous film Whiplash, Chazelle shows that the music is key to its story. (A possible recurring theme within future titles?)

Starring in La La Land are Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, apparently another cue from Hollywood's past (using those considered triple threats; added points if they're extremely photogenic). That's not to disregard what the two bring to the film. However, it'd be a more believable premise had the leads been played by actors of color.

Think about it: La La Land (as its title alludes to) focuses on two people -- one an actress, the other a pianist -- struggling to have their dreams become realities. Knowing the kind of business Hollywood is, it's hard to believe that two white people in their twenties and thirties would be in that situation. (And just imagine had this been set in the fifties or sixties!)

That small quibble aside, La La Land is deeply charming. You don't need to be well-versed in classic musicals to appreciate it (though it certainly doesn't hurt). And as he showed with Whiplash, Chazelle has definitely proven his potential.

My Rating: ****1/2

Whiplash

You can never be certain as to what someone is actually like. Sometimes that standoffish person is actually really shy. Or, as seen many times in fiction, the friendly, supportive person in your life is actually your worst nightmare.

Damien Chazelle's Whiplash is the latest entry to depict such a person. There have been a number of films that have played up the theme of looks can be deceiving but very rarely are they portrayed in such an intense light. (And that's saying a lot.)

The film stars Miles Teller, a familiar name in recent years from his work in teen-oriented films. Here, he joins the big leagues. He pushes himself in ways that most actors would shy away from. It's safe to say that he'll be getting meatier roles thanks to this.

Teller may be the star of Whiplash but J.K. Simmons easily steals the film. He makes his presence known whenever he's onscreen. He shoots a glare that says, "I can destroy you, and I fucking will." In short, he's brilliantly terrifying.

Whiplash is an electrifying film. Not since Sweet Smell of Success has a film used two dynamic performances like this. And the jazz. Oh, that sweet and sinister jazz. What is it about that music that brings out the beast in people?

My Rating: *****