The Musical Score in La La Land

navyasharma1906
Mar 25, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Apr 20, 2023

Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling

Doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or in your mid 50s, everyone’s a “main character” in their story. And that’s exactly what the music scores in La La Land do to one - tune you to the kind of music that separates you from the rest of the world. Circling back to the music videos time and again, I’ve only rendered the songs in this film unlike any other. It’s commendable how marvelous it can make one feel. And it's even appalling how solitary one becomes consequently. In my mind, it’s a perfectly curated go-to playlist during my highs and lows. Whether it’s the chirpy beats of a working day in “Another Day of Sun”, or the calming notions of the nightlife in “City of Stars” - I enjoy it all.

1."City of Stars : The song’s beauty lies in the nightlight of L.A. , a city where all artists find themselves at least at one point in their lives. The lyrics of the song are a mouthpiece to the hidden thoughts of every artist who yearns for their craft to be recognised amongst the other many. The funny truth is that millions of artists are thinking the same thing, making the song personal, yet universally relatable at the same time. This song's timeless melody, simple yet evocative lyrics, and sophisticated orchestration make it a standout piece. Hurwitz's skillful use of jazz elements and his ability to convey deep emotions through the music contribute to its enduring popularity.

2. Mia & Sebastian's Theme : This romantic theme is the heartbeat of the film, and Hurwitz's lush and emotional composition has made it a classic piece of film music. The theme's ability to convey the ups and downs of the characters' relationship has made it evergreen. The repetition of similar music with mixing up of instruments also reflects the different stages of their lives and how even though the life outside changes with time, their dreams stay the same.

3. A Lovely Night : The inculcation of dialogue and music truly replicates the lively essence of musical plays in this particular piece. Moreover, it centralises your love-life amongst the other factors affecting your life at the very same time. Hurwitz's playful and upbeat music in this duet between the film's leads enhances the song's charm and makes it memorable in setting the actors free from the worries about their careers and the other thick and thins in their life at that current moment. The song's timeless quality and upbeat energy are what make it evergreen.

4. Audition (The Fools Who Dream) : Hurwitz's powerful and moving composition in this ballad amplifies its emotional impact. Nothing more in the film is more heart-trenching than Emma’s breakdown during this particular song that encircles her back to remembering the simpler times with her aunt who lived her life fearlessly. Mia’s adult-life had only ever consisted of her tireless efforts to become the person she has always desired to be, but maybe, all she ever wanted to be was fearless. Like her aunt. And automatically, things would have fallen in place. The song's lyrics about pursuing one's dreams, combined with Hurwitz's memorable music, make it an evergreen piece of art.

From making music that flawlessly aligns with the character’s personalities to winning the Academy Award for Best Original Score, Hurtwiz excellent work is what captures the true ethos of the film. Cool, have fun watching!

Directed by Damien Chazelle

Produced by Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz, Gary Gilbert, Marc Platt

Written by Damien Chazelle

Starring