Review of Barracuda (2017) by Vorhees — 16 Jan 2017

Set against the backdrop of LA's burghal landscape, Damien Chazelle successfully evokes Hollywood's golden age of cinema. The characters are drawn to LA by the lure of glory and acclaim. From the opening number (gorgeously choreographed on one of LA's many freeway exchanges) the aspirations of many of those who dream of "making it big" set up the film to complex these dreams.

The common tropes in musicals is starkly evident: opening number to establish current events, introduce main characters and then confuses their wants/needs. La La Land seemingly deviates from this typical structure by setting up their love before finally revealing that pursuing your dreams requires sacrifices- and the film leans heavily on holding onto your convictions of stardom no matter the cost.

Chazelle beautifully shows near the end of what the two main characters lives could have been. Dreaming of aspirations despite insurmountable measures is what carries this film throughout- and at a time in the world where hope is needed most.

Technically speaking, Linus Sandgren's cinematography is stunning at every measure, further paying homage to a dead movie-musical era; Gosling and Stone work expertly together in two touching performances; above all, the convictions of the film are worthy of among the best films of the year and an interesting case study of American-based hopes for a better life while not letting go of your identity.