Tag: damien chazelle

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First man (2018)

An interesting take on Neil Armstrong’s personal life and the challenges he faced makes for an interesting back drop of the technologically challenged 60s moon landing.

Conspiracy theories aside, the film explores Neil’s family life and his inability to communicate his feelings with his wife and family. Played brilliantly by Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, it speaks volumes for the man sent into space and his mental strength despite what he had been through.

The 60s were a decade filled with many advances, a political climate that used Cold War, where NASA was at the forefront of achieving what no other space program had.

A creative balance is achieved as director Damien Chazelle captures the mundane, the despair, the wondrous, and the human elements in an unknown side of a historic story.

3/5

La La Land (2016)

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A musical set in the modern day, merged with Jazz music, dapper dressing and brilliant editing, it was an anticipatory watch.

We waited for something to happen. Yes a ‘seasonal’ journey was unfolding on screen, but it was nothing we hadn’t seen before. The only difference was, the occasional retreat into an imaginary world (hence the title), enjoying a dreamy state of affairs.

Performances are of high quality, Emma Stone is exquisite. Layered and nuanced, with her emotions on the surface, she keeps it real. Ryan Gosling looks the part and is an all rounded musician who plays the piano brilliantly. They both sing well and are complete actors, perfect for their roles.

The film has a style that weaves in and out of reality, with abrupt jolts to keep the audience sufficiently engaged, but I didn’t connect to it. While I enjoyed the feel of the movie, and the philosophy of choice, their romance or struggles didn’t move me.

Young director Damien Chazelle’s film has garnered great reviews and awards buzz, leading the Golden Globes nominations, but it fails to create a bond with the viewer.

2/5

Whiplash (2014)

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Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, this musical drama is pitch perfect in capturing the struggles faced by musicians and the search of a genius by their mentors.

J.K. Simmons appears to be a monster in the guise of a teacher, a conductor who doesn’t miss the heart beat of a beat. Miles Teller, a 27 year old in real life plays a 19 year old aspirational drummer and when their paths cross it is an explosion of emotions and music.

For lovers of jazz and those who have a keen sense of hearing, this film is a delight to the ears. Intense with a completely unexpected climax, it will leave you in awe and perhaps awaken a dormant desire to pursue a hidden or potential talent.

This is one film where you have to skip the popcorn.

3.5/5