Revisiting La La Land’s Los Angeles: Your Essential Guide to a City of Stars Tour

Updated On: April 02, 2024 by   Maha Yassin

Los Angeles, a city etched in the fabric of cinema history, served as the star-studded backdrop for the enchanting musical ‘La La Land‘. We invite you on a vacation through the ‘City of Stars’, tracing the footsteps of Mia and Sebastian, the film’s endearing protagonists. As they danced and sang through a landscape of dreams and ambition, their story intertwined with the city’s soul, turning ordinary locations into landmarks etched in cinematic lore.

Combining the allure of old Hollywood glamour with contemporary LA’s vibrant culture, ‘La La Land‘ captured the essence of the city’s iconic landmarks through stunning cinematography. Our journey revisits the very sites where magic was brought to life, from the twinkling lights of the Griffith Observatory to the bustle of downtown that set the stage for the movie’s breathtaking performances. As this film continues to influence pop culture and the film industry, it reminds us why Los Angeles remains an epicentre for dreamers and creators alike.

The Magic of ‘La La Land’: City of Stars

‘La La Land’ captures the heart of Los Angeles and the spirit of its artistic dreams, impacting cinema and audiences worldwide. The film presents a love letter to the City of Stars through its captivating storytelling and memorable music.

The Cultural Impact

The film has become an enduring symbol of the passion and perseverance that defines the quest for artistic achievement. Damien Chazelle’s directorial vision brought to life a modern classic that pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood while forging its contemporary legacy.

Creative Forces Behind the Scenes

The musical masterpiece of ‘La La Land‘ owes much to the creative partnership of composer Justin Hurwitz and the lyricist duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the Academy Awards-winning Best Original Song, “City of Stars”, encapsulating the film’s theme of love and ambition.

Los Angeles: The City of Dreams

In this section, we’ll explore the iconic locations of Los Angeles that captivated audiences in the film La La Land and trace the steps through the real-life version of this cinematic city of stars.

Historical Landmarks in La La Land

Los Angeles is steeped in history, with landmarks that have played central roles in the city’s and Hollywood’s development. The Griffith Observatory, a pivotal La La Land location, offers breathtaking views of both the cosmos and the cityscape from Griffith Park. One can’t forget about the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, home to the Walk of Fame, where one can tread the same path as countless cinematic legends. These historical landmarks are not merely tourist stops but represent the ambitions and achievements that define Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Through the Camera Lens

The city’s allure is magnified through the camera lens, prominently featured in films like La La Land. Downtown LA, with its blend of modernity and heritage, contrasts sharply against the lush expanses of Griffith Park, providing a diverse backdrop for filmmakers and photographers alike. Each frame shot in Los Angeles tells a story of ambition, romance, struggle, or success, making the city a living set that invites everyone to play a role in its ongoing narrative.

The Star-Crossed Lovers: Mia and Sebastian

Our tour of La La Land’s Los Angeles leads us to the film’s heart—Mia and Sebastian’s vibrant love story. Their journey reminds us that love, ambition, and dreams intertwine in the City of Stars.

Their Love Story

Emma Stone portrays Mia as an aspiring actress whose serendipitous encounters with Sebastian, a dedicated jazz pianist played by Ryan Gosling, kindle a passionate love affair rooted in shared dreams and mutual encouragement. As they pursue their aspirations—a crucial audition for her and a jazz club for him—their bond deepens. Yet, the pursuit of their careers presents the ultimate test for their relationship.

Character Development

Mia and Sebastian develop through their love for each other and the challenges they face as characters. The auditions that Mia attends become trials that shape her resolve, while Sebastian’s passion for jazz defines his unyielding desire to leave a mark on the Los Angeles music scene. Through their journey, we witness the cost of chasing one’s dreams and the resilience it demands from relationships set against the backdrop of a demanding city.

Music and Dance: The Heartbeat of La La Land

The musical score and dynamic dance sequences form the pulsating core of “La La Land”, intricately weaving jazz influences and original choreography to narrate the film’s heartwarming tale.

The Significance of Jazz

Jazz in “La La Land” is not merely a musical choice; it’s a central character that drives the film’s narrative and sets the tone of emotional depth. The City of Stars, an iconic track from the film, shines as a testament to the genre’s impact, capturing the characters’ aspirations with its lilting melody. Composer Justin Hurwitz is pivotal in crafting this audible journey, embedding jazz’s complexity and vibrancy into the film’s score, endeavouring to connect a modern audience with a traditional sound that echoes the cultural tapestry of Los Angeles.

Choreography and Performance

The film’s choreography is a visual spectacle that pays homage to the classic musicals while infusing contemporary flair. The dance performances are meticulously crafted, from the exuberant opening number to the intimate waltz scenes. Precision and poise underscore each movement, projecting the characters’ emotions through dance. Winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the film’s melodic fusion of jazz and classic tones showcases how melodies and movements conjointly convey a timeless and innovative narrative.

The Visual Spectacle: Cinematography and Production Design

The dazzling allure of La La Land’s Los Angeles is intimately tied to its bold cinematography and meticulous production design, which come together to create a vividly romanticised cityscape.

Recreating Los Angeles’ Iconic Look

In bringing Los Angeles to life, the camera plays a pivotal role. Using a Steadicam provides a fluidity of movement that mirrors the dance sequences. Exterior shots capture the sprawling city with an almost dreamlike quality, allowing audiences to navigate the streets with the characters, as seen in Vanity Fair’s insights into the film’s production design. David Wasco, the film’s production designer, and Sandy Reynolds-Wasco, his collaborator and wife, expertly crafted set pieces that evoke classic Hollywood while still feeling entirely contemporary.

The Role of Colour and Lighting

La La Land is notable for its dynamic colour palette and strategic lighting, which work in tandem to define the film’s tone and atmosphere. The vibrant colours pay homage to the Technicolor aesthetic of bygone cinema, setting the mood for each scene and emotionally engaging the viewer. The lighting choices amplify this effect through the romantically lit interiors or the naturally lit exteriors that imbue reality with a touch of magic. The artistic choices of the cinematography reveal how the interplay of colour and light is essential to the narrative, reflecting the characters’ emotions and journey.

Our understanding of the intricate details, from camera techniques to set designs, transforms La La Land into an enchanting visual spectacle, redefining how we see Los Angeles on screen.

La La Land’s Filming Locations: A Guide

Los Angeles’s cinematic charm was magnificently captured in the Oscar-winning film “La La Land.” We invite you to tour the iconic locations where the movie magic happened, from the enchanting Griffith Observatory to the bustling streets downtown.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory plays a pivotal role in “La La Land,” serving as the backdrop for pivotal moments in the film. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles, just as the characters did. The observatory is more than just a film location; it’s a gateway to the cosmos, offering public telescopes and enthralling planetarium shows.

Downtown and Beyond

“Downtown and Beyond” encapsulates the vibrant range of settings “La La Land” utilises throughout its storytelling. Grand Central Market delivers a bustling gastronomic delight where you can savour various local cuisines. Meanwhile, Angels Flight provides a quaint, historic ride in downtown’s heart. The vintage funicular railway captures a bygone era of LA’s transport and is celebrated for its brief yet charming journey.

While not included in the film, Hermosa Beach reflects the laid-back, beachside culture often associated with the LA lifestyle. Similarly, the Colorado Street Bridge offers striking architecture and stunning views synonymous with LA’s diverse cityscape. However, it is another locale that features in the city’s cinematic history rather than in “La La Land“.

The Influence of ‘La La Land’ on Pop Culture

Since its release, ‘La La Land’ has left an indelible mark on popular culture, affecting music styles and being referenced across various forms of media.

Music and Cover Versions

‘La La Land’ reignited an interest in the musical genre, with its soundtrack resonating with audiences worldwide. Its signature melodies have been subject to countless cover versions on platforms like YouTube, reflecting a diversity of styles from rock to reggae. Fans and artists have embraced the film’s music, crafting their renditions and sharing them with global communities, demonstrating the power of the soundtrack to transcend its Hollywood origins.

References in Media and Entertainment

References to ‘La La Land’ have surfaced in various forms of media and entertainment, showcasing its impact on the zeitgeist. Whether through direct nods or subtle allusions, the narrative and aesthetics of ‘La La Land’ are woven into the fabric of contemporary storytelling and visual arts. This homage pays testament to the film’s inspirational message and its picturesque homage to Los Angeles, leaving a lasting legacy in pop culture discourse.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of La La Land

Delving into the making of La La Land, we uncover the journey from its initial concept to the final cut that mesmerised audiences worldwide. The film’s production is a testament to the passionate vision of director Damien Chazelle and the seamless collaboration among the cast and creative team.

From Script to Screen

Damien Chazelle’s vision for La La Land was to pay homage to the musicals of yesteryear while grounding the story in a modern setting. The script went through several iterations, with Chazelle drawing inspiration from the real-life struggles of pursuing an artistic career in Los Angeles. Getting the script from page to screen involved meticulous planning and a determination to capture the magic of Hollywood’s golden era infused with a contemporary twist.

For the production design, David Wasco brought the vibrant world of La La Land to life, balancing the film’s romantic whimsy with its more realistic, gritty elements. Wasco and his team were tasked with creating visually stunning sets that complemented the camera’s fluidity, ensuring each scene flowed seamlessly into the next—an effort crucial in maintaining the narrative’s pacing and emotional resonance.

The Collaboration Process

The making of La La Land was a collaborative journey, with Chazelle steering the ensemble towards a shared vision. The process involved intense rehearsals, where actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone worked closely with choreographers to master the intricate dance sequences pivotal to the film’s storytelling.

Cinematographer Linus Sandgren’s use of a wide-ranging palette and dynamic camera movements resulted in a visual language as important as dialogue and music. The collaboration between Sandgren and Chazelle was key to achieving the film’s immersive cinematic experience, engaging audiences in the protagonists’ emotional odyssey through Los Angeles, the ‘City of Stars’.

The Legacy of La La Land in The Industry

“La La Land” enchanted audiences and left an indelible mark on the film industry, reinvigorating interest in the modern musical genre and cementing its status through awards and critical acclaim.

Awards and Recognition

“La La Land” achieved a remarkable feat at the Academy Awards, earning six Oscars, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle. Its staggering 14 nominations tied it with “All About Eve” and “Titanic” for the most in Oscar history. Distributed by Lionsgate, the film became a significant part of the studio’s legacy, showcasing its aptitude for bringing a contemporary musical to a global audience.

Impact on Modern Musicals

Beyond its accolades, “La La Land” rekindled a passion for the musical genre within The Industry, influencing a string of successors that seek to emulate its success. While not a Warner Bros production, the film set a precedent that has inspired the studio and others to invest in musical storytelling, recognising the genre’s potential for substantial artistic and financial success.

Exploring Los Angeles Beyond La La Land

Los Angeles is a city rich with culture and an ever-changing film scene, stretching beyond the charming portrayal witnessed in ‘La La Land‘. Let’s discover what contemporary LA offers and how its cinematic landscape continues to evolve.

Contemporary LA Culture

We find Los Angeles pulsating with diverse cultural experiences, from lounging on the sandy stretches near the Pacific Ocean to enjoying the buzzing nightlife. Iconic spots like Hermosa Pier, famous as a backdrop in ‘La La Land’, serve as a reminder of the city’s beach culture. At the same time, venues like the Lighthouse Café host a bevy of live music events that epitomise the city’s eclectic taste.

The food scene in Downtown LA is another testament to its cultural mosaic, offering everything from luxurious dining to innovative food trucks. From sushi to tacos, the fare here is as varied as the city’s population—each dish telling a story of migration, fusion, and culinary creativity.

The City’s Evolving Film Landscape

Los Angeles’ identity as a film capital is undisputed, with its studios and cinemas steeped in history. Yet, the city’s film landscape is constantly evolving, embracing new technologies and narratives that reflect its multifaceted character.

With its impressive skyline, the downtown region has become a canvas for filmmakers looking to depict a sophistication that rivals any global metropolis. In this district, one will notice how classic establishments have adopted modern interiors, representing the city’s blend of the old with the new.

In our exploration of Los Angeles beyond ‘La La Land’, we have seen that it’s not just a city of stars – it’s a city of stories, innovation, and cultural depth.

FAQs

Exploring ‘La La Land’s’ Los Angeles means stepping into the screen and rediscovering the vibrant city depicted in the enchanting film. We answer some of the most curious questions about the cinematic journey through LA’s landmarks and locales that took our hearts by storm.