MovieChat Forums > La La Land (2016) Discussion > Who is more sympathetic? Mia or Seb?

Who is more sympathetic? Mia or Seb?

posted 3 years ago by Boromir (10114)
15 replies | jump to latest

Every feel-good movie must have sympathetic characters.

I find myself care for both characters but overall Seb is the most sympathetic and lovable between the two. You feel sorry for him lives in a shabby apartment because he got ripped off by some crook.

I can identified with person like Seb who is passion about something so much that he willing to do almost anything to achieve it. You can said similar thing about Mia but her story bring to mind many other wannabe actress stories before her.
Although, we're really starting to appreciate Mia's character at the audition scene. When we discover that her aunt died of alcoholism. In this brilliant scene in the film we finally understand Mia motivates.

[–] Otter (24464) 3 years ago

Neither is quite sympathetic enough to carry the audience through the whole film, IMHO. I suppose I empathize more with Mia than Seb, largely because we see the film mostly from her POV and not Seb's.

That's the central problem with the film, the fact that it's hard for people like me to empathize with characters whose primary motive is ambition. Which I suppose makes Seb slightly more empathetic, he's the one talks the most about Art-with-a-capital-A, but I think Mia is just as interested in Art as he is. She just talks about it less, and actually produces when she gets a chance to show what she can do.

[–] Boromir (10114) 3 years ago

I can understand your position but as a free jazz pianist he has far fewer opportunities to show off his talent than actors. He risked his livelihood for the sake of art by ignored his boss's instructions (twice). There is hardly any band that is willing to play his music. There is almost no free space for him prove his talent.

[–] huwdj (4571) 3 years ago

I've never thought of either character in those terms. I like the film very much and I find both very watchable but don't identify with anyone.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

Seb is more sympathetic. She is more of a user that is to the very end only looking out for her own interests. If either were to be parents, I would pity the kid stuck with Mia as a mother, Seb as a father would be better. So to me given you are only as good in life as the kids you raise for the next generation, she would be a turd with her spawn likely raised by a whatever nanny was available at the time.

[–] Otter (24464) 3 years ago

Mia actually has a kid at the end of the movie, who is left with the nanny or babysitter when she and her hubby go out for the night.

No need to think that Seb would be any different, for all we know he has a kid at home with a nanny or babysitter, too.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

If you want to make up stuff just to support Mia why not say that at night after work Seb goes out and stomps on kittens.

[–] Otter (24464) 3 years ago

Since the whole movie is a modern interpretation (plagiarism) of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", at the end of the original film, both the gal and the guy are married and have kids. I don't remember if the final scenes say anything about Seb's current private life, but really, I kinda think he's married and has kids as well. He and Mia were written as being very similar, their lives mirroring the other's, and well. I think that's how the ending was supposed to go.

And FYI it's downright weird of you to compare something that vaguely resembles support for Mia to stomping on kittens. Fangirl crush on Seb, is it?

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

You were the one that wanted to bring up things that were actually in the movie. Don't open a door if you aren't willing to accept what's behind it.

[–] Otter (24464) 3 years ago

You are a strange, sad little... person.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

You refusal to stick with the topic proves you were wrong. Next time try to admit defeat in a more mature manner.

[–] Otter (24464) 3 years ago

This isn't defeat, hon, this is the backing away slowly you do with the irrational and aggressive.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

So you still can't accept defeat, oh well go slink back to your mama's skirt and suck that thumb... someday your balls will drop.

[–] Otter (24464) 3 years ago

Oh go away. Your lifesize Seb cardboard cutout is waiting for your daily wank session.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

That's your best come back? God you don't seem to have even moved beyond crayon you little cunt stain.

[–] TheArgentinian (7247) 10 months ago

Seb is a pretentious asshole who thinks he has to save jazz.