Lala Land Flashcards
How is the colour blue used in lala land
Blue represents mias feeling of hopelessness. At the beginning we often see her associated with this colour. When she is at the first audition and is confident with her chances, she matches the blue background. We also see her remove her red jacket to reveal a blue shirt after her disappointing audition.
How is red used in lala land?
Red often represents Sebastian and the idea of Mia’s passion. When we see Sebastian perform at the party he is wearing red, which Mia begins to incorporate into her own wardrobe. Red connotes selling out to Sebastian’s subdued colour scheme. It is also the last thing Mia sees on the opening of her play before the spotlight, reminding her of his success.
What else is interesting about the block colour of the movie
The bold block colours that never really blend show the characters unwillingness to compromise their dreams for their relationship. Mia sticks to primary colours, where as Sebastian’s palette is much more subdued. When primary colours are merged, it normally suggests dysfunction, such as the eery green light that comes before their fight
What is interesting about the clashing backgrounds in lala land
Mia’s outfits often clash with the backdrops of her auditions, opposing the bold backgrounds starting when she meets sebastian. It suggests she doesnt belong in LA and is looking increasingly like the odd one out.
Opening scene: cinematography
The camera almost becomes a dancer. Cinematography reminiscent of a waltz. Follows all different characters that are never seen from again. Camera tracks the traffic as they try to get to LA, which suggests they will never get anywhere, but there ambition gives this absurd optimism
Opening scene: sound
The radios all play different styles of music, suggesting the massive diversity of LA, as does the song another day of sun which combines many different musical genres. The music is also diagetic, which makes us feel connected to the characters
Opening scene: editing
Rapid pans across in opening, made to look like one continuous take. The immediacy of the snap back to the traffic jam shows how quickly the industry can turn performers jaded and selfish
What is the male gaze theory
Laura mulvey theorised that in films, the camera was male, and thus the story is told through a man’s point of view
Mise en scene: Sebastian in restaurant
The piano is monumental to Sebastian’s character. In this scene when he starts to play the piano a spotlight seperates him from the crowded restaurant, that to him represents failure and deviation from his dreams. The dolly cam is used to demonstrate Sebastian getting lost in the music. Other people seem not to notice the change in festive music, showing in modern society, recognition for art is lost. The tip jar adds to the desperation
