MovieChat Forums > La La Land (2016) Discussion > wish it had won

wish it had won

posted 8 years ago by ADBruno1985 (3487)
16 replies | jump to latest

Wow, surprised at the hate on here for it.

Let me start by saying I mean no disrespect for Moonlight. I've not seen it. I plan to, just haven't yet. I'm sure it's an amazing and worthy film.

I just really love La La Land because while it pulls at all the emotions, overall, it's just fun, happy, and charming. It feels like a throwback to the golden age. It feels like today's version of Singin' in the Rain. But, it's not a direct remake, so, being it's own thing, it more easily attains classic status to me. Not saying it's the best movie ever, but it's definitely a more recent favorite for me.

And, because, in 2016, Spotlight won. I suppose ending in 'light' is the thing to do ;) I feel the Academy quite often focuses on picking something because it's socially relevant, and while there's nothing wrong with that, I wish there could be a few more winners that are simply a good story that's content in being so without having a huge message to drive home.

[–] Sentient Meat (1509) 8 years ago

I liked La La Land a lot... I liked the actors, the production design, even the music was pretty good... but like the film The Artist, I felt that it borrowed a lot of tropes from the genre and Hollywood in general... and never really became more than a wonderful homage to a lost art form. I suppose could say similar things about Moonlight but at least it explored a theme not often discussed in its particular community.

Emma deserved the Oscar though... Been impressed with her since her underrated performance in Easy A

[–] IMDBRefugee1SD (139) 8 years ago

Maybe films like The Artist and La La Land will inspire folks to investigate their respective "lost art forms", which are only
lost in the sense that in they are not making films like them today.

[–] Sentient Meat (1509) 8 years ago

In the case of The Artist... I don't think they will be able to make a lot of silent films... however, I think it would be nice if they could make musicals more regularly. They've been doing a lot of those television revivals like Grease and Hairspray but hopefully they will make more originals like La La Land.

[–] IMDBRefugee1SD (139) 8 years ago

Extended silent sequences can be quite powerful (e.g. the first 25 minutes of "2001: A Space Odyssey"), but I was referring to catching up with the classic silents like Murnau's "Faust" and Lang's "Metropolis".

[–] Sentient Meat (1509) 8 years ago

Oh, I get what you mean... you meant to go back and watch the source material, not try to revive the genre necessarily. Yes, that makes sense.

[–] FredBurroughs (21465) 8 years ago

In a way I'm glad it didn't win best picture because we'd have to hear endless whining about the Academy not recognizing films outside of its usual tastes. It will still remain the absolute gem of a movie that it is and be loved by those who enjoy its many splendid qualities.

If it had to be something other than La La Land, I would have picked Hell or High Water out of the nominees. Moonlight is a finely made film, just one that leans too heavily on its influences without taking them in a new direction. It would have been a bold film to win in 1995 - nowadays not so much.

[–] actionkamen (23176) 8 years ago

Still, Moonlight is a better film than La La Land.

[–] gcarras (2770) 8 years ago

Moonlight didn't show at our theatres. It bombed,too.

[–] [email protected] (92) 8 years ago

I loved LaLA Land but actually preferred the music and the story of Sing Street, an intimate Irish film by the director of Once.

[–] FredBurroughs (21465) 8 years ago

A stellar movie indeed that the Academy mystifyingly ignored. How could they nominate some forgettable Disney ballad over any of the songs from Sing Street?

[–] [email protected] (92) 8 years ago

The fact that the Academy didn't even nominate ANY of the songs from Sing Street really was a disgrace. Disney carries a pantload of sway with Hollywood and the Academy.

[–] Fr3dWK (18) 7 years ago

I can't believe La La Land didn't win Best Picture. I actually saw all three contenders so I can judge them with my limited knowledge of filmography. La La Land is a film that inspires people to pursue their dreams. The costumes, dances, acting, budget were so much better. Moonlight was a miserable slog through some gay drug dealer's shitty life and Manchester by the Sea was a maintenance man grunting through mundane everyday shit. My one complaint about La La Land was the repeated performances of City of Stars. I got sick of City of Stars after a while BUT it's still a catchy tune. It was cool when Emma and Ryan sang it together since that represented their status as a solid couple. I felt really miserable after watching Moonlight and Manchester By the Sea but La La Land was uplifting.

[–] gcarras (2770) 7 years ago

And, re "City of Stars", it also won the Oscar, too! :) (And Emma got her best Actess nod..)

[–] Renovatio (2990) 7 years ago

The Lost City of Z was also very good that year, but not popular... Yeah, La La Land should have won...

The real shame is Stone getting the best actress Oscar over Portman and others... Many better female performances that year than Emma Stone's...

[–] dreamer (12) 7 years ago

I understand that everybody has a different opinion, but for me La La Land is the best movie ever made. It just shows you that you should never stop dreaming and this message still helps me a lot. Now, in these terrible times, it is so important to never give up and to never lose hope. Isn't this what movies are for? For bringing people into different worlds and to teach them in every single way. To let them dream, let them hope and let them accept themselves. Movies are such a wonderful thing and La La Land is just the most perfect one....

[–] andreaahr (2337) 6 years ago

I wish it won too. I was sort of disappointment when they announced Moonlight as the Best Picture winner. I liked La La Land better.