The biggest appeal of this movie, in my view, is the way it’s shot. The cinematography is light-infused and makes it feel like the very air in Hollywood is energized. It starts on a sun-drenched, palm-lined highway packed with L.A.’s legendary traffic. The drivers, who all appear to be actor, singer and dancer wannabes, spring out of their cars and perform right there on the highway, dancing between lanes and hopping along the car roofs. Why let a little traffic get you down, right? It sets the tone for the movie—this dichotomy of sun-soaked pool parties in Beverly Hills and the burden of repeated rejections and hardship. There’s plenty of trouble in paradise, right alongside the bright lights. The storyline revolves around the parallel lives of actress Mia and jazz musician Sebastian. They meet, spar, fall in love, and experience the challenges of pursuing their dreams. Emma Stone is especially wonderful as Mia. Her range of facial expressions as she auditions for a role while casting agents alternately answer their cell phones, get coffee and chat among themselves is brilliant. Ryan Gosling as Sebastian is believable as a brooding musician dedicated to defending the purity of his craft. Both do a nice job singing and dancing their way through the film, although none of the music is particularly memorable. The ending, which I won’t reveal, will feel familiar to anyone who ponders what might have been.
Should you see it? Yes, it’s light and fun .—D.W.
Viewed at the Chase Park Plaza Cinema