In this segment of our Colossus Movie Guide for La La Land, we delve into the significance of the film’s title.
Cast
- Ryan Gosling – Sebastian “Seb” Wilder
- Emma Stone – Amelia “Mia” Dolan
- John Legend – Keith
- J. K. Simmons – Bill
- Rosemarie DeWitt – Laura Wilder
- Finn Wittrock – Greg
- Callie Hernandez – Tracy
- Sonoya Mizuno – Caitlin
- Jessica Rothe – Alexis
- Tom Everett Scott – David
- Damien Chazelle – Writer and director
Why is the movie called La La Land?
The title of the movie La La Land carries a deeper meaning, serving as a metaphor for both the setting and the thematic essence of the story. The film revolves around the intertwining lives of two dreamers, an aspiring actress and a jazz musician, as they navigate the highs and lows of life in Los Angeles. This city, often referred to as “La La Land,” is a place where fantasy and reality collide. The title, therefore, encapsulates the movie’s exploration of the pursuit of dreams, the power of love, and the difficult choices one must make to achieve happiness and success.
La La Land uses the city of Los Angeles as a backdrop, a place notorious for its glittering facade and the allure of fame and fortune. The city itself symbolizes the dream world, a land where fantasies can become a reality but also where the line between illusion and reality is often blurred. The movie explores this duality in several scenes, such as the one where the aspiring actress auditions for various roles, only to face rejection after rejection. This highlights the harsh reality behind the glamour of the entertainment industry and the struggle one must endure to achieve their desires.
The title also points to the most prominent theme of the film: the pursuit of dreams. Both protagonists are dreamers, with one aspiring to be a successful actress and the other determined to open his jazz club. The phrase “La La Land” refers to a state of being out of touch with reality, often associated with being lost in one’s fantasies. This is exemplified by the many fantastical musical numbers throughout the film, which transport the characters and the audience into a world where everything seems possible. These surreal moments, such as the stunning dance sequence in the planetarium, underscore the power of imagination, while also serving as a reminder that reality can be less kind.
Another significant theme in La La Land is the transformative power of love. The protagonists’ love story unfolds as they navigate the challenges of chasing their hopes and desires. Their relationship acts as a driving force for their growth, pushing them to confront their fears and take risks. The title subtly captures this aspect as well, as “La La Land” could be interpreted as the euphoric state of being in love, where logic and reason are momentarily suspended. Love, like dreams, can be all-consuming and enchanting, but it can also require sacrifice.
Lastly, the title reflects the difficult choices the characters must make to achieve happiness and success. Throughout the film, the protagonists face multiple crossroads that force them to balance their aspirations and their love for each other. The bittersweet ending, where the characters achieve their fantasies but at the expense of their love, underscores the harsh reality that sometimes sacrifices are necessary. The title La La Land serves as a reminder that the pursuit of dreams and love can be beautiful and exhilarating, but also fraught with difficult choices and consequences.
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