La La Land - Why Dreams Aren't Easy

Here's to the fools who dream.
Music:
"Off to Osaka" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Night on the Docks - Sax" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Night in Venice" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"On Hold for You" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Past Sadness" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Night on the Docks - Piano" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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#emmastone #ryangosling #damienchazelle

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I hated this movie’s ending when it came out b/c of how realistic it was. It depressed me for weeks. And I refused to rewatch it again for years. This video got recommended to me & I thought I’d give it a try and must I say... you definitely helped heal my conflicting thoughts on this movie. I’ve come to accept the ending and it’s meaning for what it was and how it mirrors our everyday lives. Well done.

[@stuartbarron7117]

Hearing that my video made a difference like that makes me genuinely happy. Thank you.

[@crystalcastillo7575]

@@stuartbarron7117 ♥️

[@TheCharteredSpartan]

@crystalcastillo - your comment is so apt and relatable 👍🏼

[@crystalcastillo7575]

@@TheCharteredSpartan thank you I really appreciate the compliment.

[@slopcrusher3482]

Yeah I watched this movie with my ex and first real love that ended amicably. It’s always been a rough film for me to watch. It’s bitter sweet for me. I go back to it when I want to remember that love is real

[@AsianAndyfilms]

im happy people are still making videos about this masterpiece

[@Twinner-27]

Sane

[@fundipjonny3009]

I’m here because of you broski 😭 absolutely loved this movie

[@amosdorol04]

"People will want to go to it because you're passionate about it, and people love what other people are passionate about. You remind people of what they forgot" - Mia Honestly, this line hit me so hard. It's just so raw and real how this film portrays what humans can sometimes doubt themselves and almost give up their dreams. It just paints how reality can be not in our own favor.

[@CharleysZenZone]

This movie is a heart breaker. I cried first time I watched it. Even now hearing the first notes from Sebastians song makes my heart sink. For some reason though it's still one of my favorite movies. I love the style. The actors did a great job portraying the reality and fantasy of Hollywood. It's a movie that really makes me consider my choices going forward. Hope you guys take care and make the choices that bring you satisfaction and proper health. All we can really do in life that might make a difference to us, is to minimize regrets. It's all so perfect. It's all so good. We truly get what we deserve

[@catsandeggybread]

If you've ever felt like you're not good enough at some point in life, when Mia is doubting herself when Seb comes to convince her to go to the final audition - hits home HARD

[@luanrodrigues5290]

That's EXACTLY what I've been trying to tell my friends who hate La La Land. I've loved this film since the very first moment I watched it. It's not just an amazing musical + visual experience altogether, but the story is SO solid. I hate that the MCs didn't end up together, but I understand it. And the film kinda delivered the alternate ending to us anyway, which I think was really noble to do. It could have ended after Mia had got the part, or after showing the characters' new lives, but yet they made them encounter each other again after years of building their lives separately, just so they could make peace with it AND the scene of them reimagining their lives together just fills my heart (with joy AND pain.). La La Land is to this day one of my favourite films.

[@dedglam]

One of the best video essays on La La Land!Got me emotional and made me deep dive into the atmosphere once again

[@stuartbarron7117]

Glad you liked it. It is a really emotionally powerful movie and I was trying my best to capture that!

[@jacolon92]

That Whiplash cut-in had me rolling on the floor laughing 😂🤣😮‍💨 so good

[@jackmedlock5888]

NOT MY F***ing tempo!

[@jerrious5955]

The ending broke me. That happy montage of what could've been almost made me forget that things are different for them now.

[@noonmoom9615]

She is the one to first approach him, but also the first one to move on. Seb waiting at his club while Mia got married and kid. Man, Seb is going to compose the best jazz piece of the century after that.

[@MRDY4322]

This movie hit me like a truck when I first saw it. As someone pursuing my passion who also lost someone I love, in a lot of ways it felt like I was watching my own life on screen. This is the most painfully real example of storytelling I've ever seen. It is impossible to get everything you want both in your professional and personal life. And while my dreams had nothing to do with why I lost that special person, this movie helped me realize that I couldn't be doing what I want to do had we stayed together. And this movie taught me that that is okay. We both are in the place we want to be in; she's now with an incredible man who I love and respect, and we're all good friends, and I'm in a position where I can focus on my passion and relentlessly pursue it. And although I can't help but imagine what could've been had we managed to stay together, I am happy with my life and excited for the future. Just like Mia and Sebastian at the end of this movie. La La Land is a masterpiece and although all my other favorite movies are completely different, none of them offer the personal connection that this one does. I'm not sure any movie will ever top this one. It is a perfect movie

[@bink6565]

i just love video essays about movies. i find myself watching them all day La La Land inspired me immensely when it came out. I watched it multiple times in theatres and I cried every time. It's such a special movie for me. I think it's overall very optimistic - the idea that, yes, even in this boring mundane world where things do just kind of suck, you *can* achieve your dreams - but it will take sacrifice which is something you have to accept as part of the process. And so artistically done, it's wonderful to watch

[@risk5riskmks93]

I like it more every time I see it. I had the immense privilege of seeing in in Cinerama with a talk afterward by the director and Ryan Gosling. I loved the film, but it wasn’t until I started rewatching it over the years that I liked it more each time. I am in Hollywood a few times a week and always get a happy feeling as I pass by locations. It’s a wonderful film and really a classic.

[@mybestideas1]

Great review however you missed one fact: that in visual story telling where the alternative life is flashing before their eyes, Seb does not have a club but it is going somewhere as a visitor. They live normal life. To me this was a message that not pursuing your dreams can still render you happy but it takes two to tango.

[@HerrMeier007]

When the movie came out, it helped me with a little bit of heartbreak and simultaneously inspired me to play the piano more after I just moved to a new city. Somehow it also inspired me to work out and piano attempts ended up in playing guitar. Now I’m studying guitar and film and are doing both things for a living, as well as having the most wonderful relationship. This movie has honestly changed my life in a way and will always be the quintessential movie that I associate with becoming somewhat of a grown up who’s not scared to dream.

[@ISAF_Enthusiast]

It shocked me how well written the dynamic of Mia and Seb's relationship is. A lot of their scenes are pretty realistic, especially their argument when they break up and when Seb seeks Mia out to get her to do one more audition. I was really surprised by this movie, and I appreciate that the ending is also pretty realistic. It's the only movie in my memory that I wanted to watch again almost immediately after I saw it.

[@malenadraper8805]

I’m happy they achieved their goals, but that ending still makes me teary

[@Ruylopez778]

The people in the montage at the start might well come to give up (or feel like giving up) later on as Seb & Mia both do, but perhaps the message is that it's not that underdogs always catch their big break, but that it's better to try and fail (and keep failing) in your dream with no regrets than give up - and that is a universal truth even for people who aren't artistic or performers. Sort of like the 'journey over destination'. I think the real problem for most people is that they put the emphasis on the 'success', when really it should be on the work/effort. The work should be its own joy and reward, not waiting for the recognition or result. You could actually end this movie without the 'five years later...' and it's still the same ending; they both find some fulfilment in their artistic careers as they are experiencing them that they previously hadn't allowed themselves (instead of longing for a distant future objective) even though sacrificing their relationship. In a sense that ending means they let go of expectation and make the most of each day with gratitude.

[@Bamgeutcutiepie]

This movie was the first time in years where I just bursted out crying at the end in a giant theater. All my girlfriends starting at me like I’m psycho. Haha. It just crushed me.

[@f1lmzie]

I love this move because I’ve always had big dreams relating to art and self expression. Also the touch of romance, that in the end, realistically doesn’t give you everything you want but you still make it. It’s the type of life I want

[@sofiadelcielo]

I pray you make it! You will!!

[@DrinkingDuckDexter]

I finally watched this movie last week and boy do I regret not watching it sooner. It's so good! The ending is bittersweet but it's nice to see the portrayal of two people who love each other deeply but couldn't be together. The fantasy flashback followed by subtle smiles from across the room as the only acknowledgment is as brilliant as it is heartbreaking.

[@admiralbayabas9783]

This movie still breaks my heart to this day. I think this is my favorite movie of all time!

[@ankit_s]

That level of story telling is on another level

[@HannahGottlieb]

I wish I could see this movie for the first time every time I watch it. The ending just stayed with me for months I could not get over how beautifully they finished their story.

[@TonyChungLive]

I'm so glad that it's been almost 7 years since this movie released and we are STILL talking about it. I loved this show for many of the reasons you discussed here!

[@felipeandmichelle]

It’s unbelievable that Damien Chazelle wrote and directed La La Land 2 years after Whiplash. Two masterpieces back to back 😱

[@kimwjustice]

I know I'm 10 months late and a dollar short but Damien Chazelle wrote La La Land first but could not get funding in part because he was too young and too new to Hollywood. He did Whiplash first on a tight budget compared to La La Land to prove he had the chops to do a bigger film. Everybody wins.

[@gabrielcater]

I'm in tears again just watching this review. Damn it.

[@ant32140]

It pains me to say this, but here it goes. This was the first movie I watched with my "now" ex. We had different viewpoints and paths we wanted to take. God I wonder and wish how things could have been if we stayed together. We were together for two and a half years, I miss her so much. This interpretation of what could have been is so sad and beautiful. I'll never forget what we had together ❤

[@risk5riskmks93]

Heh. Here is L.A. we don’t think of sunny Christmas seasons as “giving up” anything. We love it. Christmas morning we were at my sister’s in San Diego and I made pancakes and we all ate out by the pool. It’s not traditional weather, but it didn’t snow in Bethlehem either.

[@DarthHao]

This movie hit me like a truck when I first saw it in 2017. In a way, it helped me get through a tough period of personal turmoil and a rejection that I was not equipped to cope with. Looking back, a part of me wishes I never went to see this film, then maybe I would have ended my life in 2018, and be spared of living through the pandemic. Like the end of this film, one can only fantasize the sweet embrace of death.

[@notthatserious480]

I watched this movie when I was a kid and thought it was decent, didn’t get the hype behind it. Now as an newbie aspiring actor, whew yeah um This hits home. It taught me to temper my expectations and to pursue my dreams smartly instead of boldly. It also taught me that to reach my goals, I’ll need to sacrifice a pieces of every aspect of my life in some way. Relationships, family, mind, body, work, and self education. And finally, it teaches me that even when I reach that peak, it won’t be exactly how I imagined it. This movie and video has strengthened my resolve to make it big one day.

[@marikkelaszlo3355]

12:06 Reminds me how in the Devil Wears Prada, Miranda Priestly is so successful and career-focused but she gets divorced a lot and she's not really there for her kids so they're just spoiled brats, it's hard to balance having a glamorous, career-focused life while successfully raising and being their for your family at the same time.

[@carlossometimes]

Got this video reccomended to me, la la land is one of my absolute favourite movies of all time and you've perfectly summed up all the reasons why. Great video! hope the algorithm continues to pick it up and push it man.

[@stuartbarron7117]

I hope so too. To be honest, I think the algorithm has sort of been on my side with this video.

[@Vincent.E.M.Thorn.Author]

I absolutely loved the ending of the movie for not copping out and giving them both their respective dreams and their relationship, and also for not having them choose the relationship. They both did what they wanted from the start and still loved and appreciated each other for it.

[@justme-ui3yn]

I'm a hard man, but this movie&music got me, and became my favorite.

[@p4radoxical]

This is absolutely my favorite movie of all time and I think part of the reason for it is because I love movies with protagonists that are unusual for their genres. With action movies you’ve got the classic flipping of the script with good and evil and morality or what not but with romance, perhaps the most unlikely scenario is an unhappy ending. It sucks, it hurts, but it feels real. Romance movies far too often feel like a fantasy because of how it all goes right in the end for the star crossed lovers, but we’ve all had relationships that failed in the end, so in some way, even if it hurts to think of what could’ve been for the protagonists much like yourself and your ex, perhaps it’s better off that things ended up the way they did. Separate but both thriving in their own ways.

[@kynrto]

Made me sad all over again :')

[@adahidgalan2882]

10:26 that’s where I disagree with you. While Mia moved on, clearly Seb didn’t. He saw her shine and get married and have kids while he was in his club. He didn’t have any other girlfriend and got to walk every day seeing the love of his life in that billboard. And when he sees her, the montage is pretty much Seb saying: “I have my dream but no one to share it with, maybe I should have gone to be with you”. Sometimes is not until we achieve our goals that we look at the past and see that maybe another route would’ve been better. But recognizing that if he let his dreams get away in that alternative timeline, he would have regretted not pursuing his dreams. Is the most beautiful contradiction and the sad reality of life.

[@lipokjamir2544]

I haven't been able to watch this film a second time. This along with "Atonement". I hope I will one day be able to.

[@moonkeis]

As someone that hated the ending watching this years back, this is a great breakdown that changed my mind.

[@stephanieboote5615]

Honestly, it always felt like such a pointed thing that you never see any of the characters from the first song again in the rest of the movie. Do they achieve their dreams, or just stay stuck in the traffic?

[@gerardobrito1209]

I cried 11 GOD DAMN TIMES THROUGHOUT THIS MOVIE. THE DAMN ENDING HAD ME HAVING A MENTAL BREAKDOWN FOR 1 HOUR.

[@Joey-ue8kc]

Very well done video. I just got around to watching La La Land last night and it was terrific but this video definitely made me think more about it.

[@marrodc]

I really liked your video essay. I hadn't thought of the initial song in that way despite watching the movie tons of times. Also, tying your conclusion back to "It's Another Day of Sun" was just perfect.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Stuart! I love this one... and re-watch it at least once a year. When I'm asked why I love it so much, I say, "because it's about the people who propel you on the path to realizing your dreams, even if those significant encounters are temporary". I'm glad you get it, too. 💎 #StuartBarron #DamienChazelle #LaLaLand

[@maniacscorner]

Great video. La La Land is one of my favourite movie of all time. But I gotta say, I don’t think the people at the start are “giving up” Christmas because there’s no snow. As a Canadian, I would see a Christmas without snow to be a bit of a miracle. I can only associate the snow with bad stuff.

[@leizee1011]

Thank you for your video analysis of the film, La La Land is literally one of my favorite films out there and I love seeing people still talking about it. I'm not someone who even likes romance films, but this one just hits so different and speaks to me on so many levels. I especially resonate with its exploration of dedicating your life to your passion and artistry, all the while trying to balance a connection with someone dear. I know not many people like the ending, heck even when I watched it for the first time it left a sour taste in my mouth initially. But as I've grown and matured, I've come to appreciate the ending and the film as a whole so much more

[@wingmandecrayt8932]

To me they are both too similar. They are on the same end of the spectrum. Which is why of course they got along so great in the beginning but eventually that was the dividing factor. They aren't complementing each other.

[@veromoreno-diaz]

I love LaLaLand so very much. The music is amazingly upbeat! The scenes and dancers are incredible! Awesome movie, sad they didn't end up together 😢 but an amazing movie indeed which should have won the Oscar unquestionably. I was so upset when they didn't. Oh well! I still think La la land is the best movie!

[@reedarnold7905]

That ending makes me gross cry like no other film can, I think.

[@babs40]

This was an incredible video. It is one of my favorite movies and you just added even more meaning to the movie that I missed. You showed me why I love it so much without me fully realizing. Thank you for this!

[@elmertjee]

Great essay man! You upload quality content. Subscribed!

[@chrisbirch4150]

This is my favourite film from the last decade and I think it's an absolute masterpiece. I have watched it plenty of times so have probably analysed all the messages way too much 😂. I identify with it a lot. Anyway, i still got a few great nuggets from this video. Thanks

[@javierlozanoguiler722]

I truly got a better appreciation for Lala land now

[@thetrison]

Damn, what a perfect analysis of a movie!

[@techworld3043]

my friend suggest this movie to me. movie was slow pace. and I though it would same type of romatice movie. I just watched half of the movie and left it. now i saw the ending. i felt really good. something different. thanks for nice video.

[@buffshepherd1540]

Great video essay! I recently watched La La Land again, and you've given me much more to appreciate now.

[@julsegs]

Comfort movie 🥺💛

[@andreabelt10]

Wow, I’m so glad I stumbled across your channel! great analysis, definitely underrated, you deserve a lot more subs! Thank you for this video 🤩

[@JohannesBuc]

Funny to see a cameo of Whiplash in this Essay.

[@Fraggle-h7o]

great takes and insight. hopefully the allpowerfull allknowing algorithm catches on to your talents

[@stuartbarron7117]

Thanks, we can only hope. Here's to the fools who dream, am I right?

[@maximilianoalmax]

U manifested it

[@naustinfipecto6104]

Okay fine, I'll watch _La La Land_ again.

[@thedbfbpro97]

Great job! Liked and commented so you'd get boosted in the algorithm, this was sick

[@antoniomerizalde9449]

Great analysis, great video overall!

[@Vlamex12]

Excellent vidéo, well done mate

[@RoadmapMBA]

Awesome video. Really nice work and I love that movie.

[@jesusbarragan6708]

Great Video man! Really good points

[@ashortginger]

this is one of my fav movies and this video was so well done!

[@livelovemove]

Beautiful video man!❤

[@REM1956]

Well done video. I haven't seen the film because I thought it would be a cliche' musical. Your review makes me want to check it out. Thanks.

[@yoellimbert]

You make me want to watch the movie, cause i thought it is just another musical love story kind of think. But it sure isn't, it has a deeper meaning than that

[@audreyguo13]

Dang never even watched this movie but this makes me wanna go watch it

[@mac.fk14]

dude you didnt just said ryans song are not good when you know he sang the city of stars near the peir like that was soo smooth and cool. otherwise nice video especially the oepning i didnt noticed that winter and summer thing

[@stuartbarron7117]

Oh, don't get me wrong. Ryan Gosling's singing is still pretty good. I just think comparatively he has the weakest singing voice. But to be fair, he's going up against John Legend so I can't exactly blame him. I'll still happily listen to city of stars anyday.

[@leadpoisoned5055]

Love this movie sm

[@zackkohout2009]

such a great film. solid review!

[@randomcsorely]

The thing is that they have great chemistry

[@VidSpot23532]

I always thought the ending was sweet and beautiful. Showed my girlfriend the movie for her first time and she said the ending was the beginning of an affair 🤣

[@josephleerobinson]

Hi Stuart - I just wanted to say that this is an absolutely fantastic video essay. Great, great job!

[@ivz22]

amazing video essay!! i love this movie with my soul

[@filipfolkesson3865]

Fantastic movie. Great essay Stuart!

[@gobindadas8178]

Love you from India 🇮🇳

[@mialia15104]

I don't think it implies Mia was hoping for a son instead of a daughter lol. I think it was just complete imagination of what could've been and how differently everything could have gone,

[@Ub3rSk1llz]

you can't make me feel sorry for these people

[@minhucnguyentran8265]

keep going!

[@boom_boom4159]

Haven’t seen the movie wow great analysis

[@Fraggle-h7o]

awesome content as always

[@solomonchilds8574]

What a film

[@alfonsoortega4543]

great video! keep on man!

[@ShnizelInBag]

I watched your review and updated my review on Letterboxd from five stars to six stars.

[@RyanGravelle616]

I always saw the ending as Seb never did move on. 5 years is not a long time and Mia got a whole husband and daughter?! Plus in the dream sequence its still Mia accomplishing her dream with Seb not.

[@darioscomicschool1111]

This is so Great! Thank you!

[@mavg.]

This Movie made Emma Stone my favourite actress

[@TheDude7753]

Most I've heard of many reviews is that this theory of "happy" ending even tho they split ways is more realistic than they staying together. I'm really wondering why. Both of them became famous and their dreams become reality.. So what's wrong with this? How many people go in La La for the same reason from all over the globe ? How many actually succeed? Sooo.. Nothing realistic in that ending. Far from it. In reality they do not succed and do not stay together.. But as it is kinda of a fairytale musical, and a movie, it goes real as it can be. Movie is great. Discussing about it still.

[@haardzaveri114]

Agreed buddy Am from India...

[@akymrinkovsky289]

Charming 🙌~ To be sure 🙏~

[@samk9632]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned whisper of the heart

[@lukenelson5007]

Eutrophication🦕

[@bsh0e]

12:07 ????

[@BharatIndia101]

But i believe dreams can be broken for love isn't it good thinking?

[@prasaddalvi6426]

Why you calling him Bryan Gosling?

[@michaelreynolds6543]

I absolutely love this movie its just perfect. I got to thinking what could I do with it to give it a little "twist" I paired it up with a great John Mayer song and im so proud of it the lyric just resonates with the story . . . i hope it breathes new life into your revisit to LA Yes i absolutely lost it as well . . . . that scene when she goes into the club and he walks onstage and spots her in the audience . . just really hit me, Gosling really nailed that look of utter despair and of course the end scene wham. . . . another hit . . . kzbin.info/www/bejne/jorGpaiwnc6fkLM

[@samirshaikh862]

Didn't really enjoy the film myself. Not because it isn't perfectly made from a techincal standpoint but it clashed against my view of what love is supposed to be like; It felt like an immature relationship to me. Not too long ago people were willing to wait for their husbands to come back from war after years away from home and this movie made me see how there is a culture where that isn't the priority anymore. Dreams are important, I would wait years of my life for my wife to come back from shooting the film of her dreams, dude, she's my wife, it's ok, I can wait and support her and send lovely romantic letters and videos and go visit her when I can or whatever. To me it really makes no sense to just end the relationship. Again, wonderful film for whoever enjoys the way love is portrayed in it. Just not for me, felt like a film about lack of communication to make the relationship work, or betrayal.

[@kaylamorgan7308]

I get what you're saying, but I think it's actually the opposite. It was mature of them to end the relationship. That may not apply to everyone because people are different. But they were able to have a level headed conversation about what their next steps were, and although it seems they went their separate ways right away, they were able to support each other from afar. I love the look they give each other at the end at Seb's. For some people, dreams are more important than romance. Sometimes you love someone but your dreams take you to opposite sides of the world, and it just won't work out.