Directed and written by Damien Chazelle, La La Land is a romantic musical featuring performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, along with John Legend. Released in French theaters on January 25, 2017, the film is set in Los Angeles and follows two aspiring artists navigating the harsh realities of Hollywood. With numerous awards under its belt—including Oscars in 2017—the movie will become available on HBO Max starting March 15, 2026.
In Los Angeles, Mia keeps hitting the audition circuit with little success, her days spent working as a barista on film sets. She dreams of breaking into Hollywood, landing that one role that could finally lift her out of the grind and the quick casting calls. Meanwhile, Sebastian lives for jazz: taking on gigs at modest clubs to make ends meet, all the while passionate about preserving a music he sees as under threat.
Their meeting sparks a relationship based on support, drive, and shared dreams. Between artistic ambitions and everyday demands, their story unfolds amid opportunities, sacrifices, and career decisions. Without revealing major plot twists, the film explores how chasing a dream can reshape a couple, in a city where every success comes at a cost.
Designed as a “modern” musical but deeply rooted in classical references, La La Land continues a tradition that stretches from Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to grand Technicolor epics, while also drawing heavily from French cinema, notably Jacques Demy’s works (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Young Girls of Rochefort). Damien Chazelle, who previously explored the relationship between music and filmmaking in Whiplash, developed the score here with composer Justin Hurwitz early in the writing process, with music sometimes leading the dialogue.
The production is built around striking formal choices: shooting on anamorphic 35mm film, embracing a wide aspect ratio, and a clear emphasis on long takes, often choreographed like camera dances. The opening sequence on the highway, titled "Traffic," exemplifies this approach—highlighting collective performance and logistical precision. Ryan Gosling memorized the piano pieces he performs onscreen and plays live in close-ups without doubles, while Emma Stone spent several months working with choreographer Mandy Moore to achieve a deliberately “alive” performance, steering clear of perfection for its own sake.
The cast has also seen changes along the way: an early version of the project originally paired Miles Teller and Emma Watson, before Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone stepped into the leading roles. This marked their third collaboration, following Crazy, Stupid, Love and Gangster Squad. John Legend makes one of his first forays into film acting here, and also contributes to the soundtrack with his song “Start a Fire.” The musical team also includes lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, as well as producer Marius de Vries.
On the reception front, La La Land established itself as one of the standout films of 2016-2017, earning 14 Oscar nominations—tying the record—and winning several awards, including Best Director (Damien Chazelle), Best Cinematography (Linus Sandgren), Best Original Score (Justin Hurwitz), and Best Actress (Emma Stone). This critical and institutional validation has solidified its status as a modern classic in the musical genre, serving simultaneously as a tribute and a reinterpretation of the form.
La La Land
Film | 2017
Released in theaters: January 25, 2017
Available on HBO Max from March 15, 2026
Musical, romance | Duration: 2h08
Directed by Damien Chazelle | Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend
Original title: La La Land
Country: United States
Blending both nostalgia and vitality, La La Land explores the tension between artistic dreams and harsh realities. The film elevates song, dance, and music from mere visual flourishes to powerful expressions of emotion. Its recent addition to HBO Max reflects a renewed appreciation for this modern-classic musical that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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