La La Land question
Discuss how important cinematography is in establishing strong responses from spectators to a key character in "La La Land". Your answer must refer to 1 scene detail.
Within the film, "La La Land", certain uses of cinematography are used in order to help establish strong responses from spectators when focusing upon a specific character.
The particular scene I have chosen to analyse is the photo shoot scene after Seb's break up. When I initially watched this scene, I felt as though it was rather strangely placed in and I felt a bit sorry for Seb during the events of the scene. In this scene, an example of cinematography is found through the director's use of Mise en scene. Within this scene, Seb's attire consists of very monochromatic colours (e.g. mostly black) whilst the other musicians are wearing much more vibrant and bright colours, possibly showing how they feel rather excited for their future career as musical sensations whilst Seb is still hung up about his argument with Mia and it is seeping into his personal life like a disease. Another example of the Mise en scene found within this scene can be seen within the background. In the background, there is a portrait of a man with a saxophone. The image is in black and white and it lurks behind Seb's head. This could be symbolic of Seb's old opinions of jazz and how, despite his desperation to move on and become a part of jazz's future, his old opinions linger and are casting doubt in his mind on his decisions to follow the group. This could also have to do with Mia as she brought up his change in opinions during their last dinner and that he is having a hard time forgetting about what she said. One way the cinematography helps to create strong responses from the spectators is found through a rather key detail. When we get to see the specific members of the band through the use of a crane shot, we see them playing their instruments rather fast and from their expressions, they are both enjoying themselves and socializing with one another. Meanwhile, Seb is secluded in a corner; He is not socializing and he is not playing his instrument very fast. This could help show that he is more concerned with other things and would rather be alone and secluded. Another example of cinematography can be found when Seb is having his picture taken. This shot is filmed in the format of a over the shoulder shot. This shot helps to put the audience in Seb's position as he is forced away from his free will and has his body manipulated as though he was a string puppet. This could also be an extension of what John Legend's character is doing to Seb. The camera man and John Legend's character are both forcing him to act differently when compared to the way he likes or prefers and telling him he must be a slave to the ever changing landscape of the future and reject all that he's ever known and loved. Throughout this scene, we are able to relate to Seb as he deals with having his dreams misshapen and warped into a shell of it's former self in hopes of negotiating with his original dream and his only possible option to gain fame and fortune. Another form of cinematography that helps establish strong responses from the audience within this scene can be found through the director's usage of close ups. My main example of this is when Seb begins to play his piano. The camera focuses upon his hands as he plays one of the songs that he played earlier on in the movie. We can see how slow he plays his instrument as he reminisces about the past and how he treated Mia. We can also see him cease playing the piano as his emotions are clearly beginning to overwhelm him. The camera then slowly pans upwards, showing that Seb has now stopped moving, as though the memories of a happier time have flooded his mind. He stands straight up, not acknowledging his surroundings as his mind is drawn into the one thing that has given him significant happiness. And in the very next scene, we see who that is. We see Mia performing in her play.
Within the film, "La La Land", certain uses of cinematography are used in order to help establish strong responses from spectators when focusing upon a specific character.
The particular scene I have chosen to analyse is the photo shoot scene after Seb's break up. When I initially watched this scene, I felt as though it was rather strangely placed in and I felt a bit sorry for Seb during the events of the scene. In this scene, an example of cinematography is found through the director's use of Mise en scene. Within this scene, Seb's attire consists of very monochromatic colours (e.g. mostly black) whilst the other musicians are wearing much more vibrant and bright colours, possibly showing how they feel rather excited for their future career as musical sensations whilst Seb is still hung up about his argument with Mia and it is seeping into his personal life like a disease. Another example of the Mise en scene found within this scene can be seen within the background. In the background, there is a portrait of a man with a saxophone. The image is in black and white and it lurks behind Seb's head. This could be symbolic of Seb's old opinions of jazz and how, despite his desperation to move on and become a part of jazz's future, his old opinions linger and are casting doubt in his mind on his decisions to follow the group. This could also have to do with Mia as she brought up his change in opinions during their last dinner and that he is having a hard time forgetting about what she said. One way the cinematography helps to create strong responses from the spectators is found through a rather key detail. When we get to see the specific members of the band through the use of a crane shot, we see them playing their instruments rather fast and from their expressions, they are both enjoying themselves and socializing with one another. Meanwhile, Seb is secluded in a corner; He is not socializing and he is not playing his instrument very fast. This could help show that he is more concerned with other things and would rather be alone and secluded. Another example of cinematography can be found when Seb is having his picture taken. This shot is filmed in the format of a over the shoulder shot. This shot helps to put the audience in Seb's position as he is forced away from his free will and has his body manipulated as though he was a string puppet. This could also be an extension of what John Legend's character is doing to Seb. The camera man and John Legend's character are both forcing him to act differently when compared to the way he likes or prefers and telling him he must be a slave to the ever changing landscape of the future and reject all that he's ever known and loved. Throughout this scene, we are able to relate to Seb as he deals with having his dreams misshapen and warped into a shell of it's former self in hopes of negotiating with his original dream and his only possible option to gain fame and fortune. Another form of cinematography that helps establish strong responses from the audience within this scene can be found through the director's usage of close ups. My main example of this is when Seb begins to play his piano. The camera focuses upon his hands as he plays one of the songs that he played earlier on in the movie. We can see how slow he plays his instrument as he reminisces about the past and how he treated Mia. We can also see him cease playing the piano as his emotions are clearly beginning to overwhelm him. The camera then slowly pans upwards, showing that Seb has now stopped moving, as though the memories of a happier time have flooded his mind. He stands straight up, not acknowledging his surroundings as his mind is drawn into the one thing that has given him significant happiness. And in the very next scene, we see who that is. We see Mia performing in her play.
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