The Craft Behind the Magic: Understanding ‘La La Land’s’ Screenplay Structure
‘La La Land,’ directed by Damien Chazelle and released in 2016, is not just a delightful musical. At its heart, it’s a tale about dreams, love, and the sacrifices we make in their name. The magic of the film doesn’t just lie in its vibrant dance numbers or soulful melodies, but in the masterful screenplay structure that ensures every scene, every moment, contributes to the narrative’s progression. For screenwriters and film enthusiasts alike, it offers a masterclass in how to craft an engaging story that resonates.
In screenwriting, structure is everything. It’s the backbone of the story, determining the flow and pacing, ensuring the narrative remains engaging from start to finish. ‘La La Land’ serves as a prime example of the classic three-act structure, yet it manages to do so without feeling formulaic or predictable.
Act 1: Setup
The first act in any screenplay is about introducing the world, the characters, and the primary conflict. In ‘La La Land,’ this is done with brilliant efficiency. We’re introduced to Mia, an aspiring actress working in a café, and Sebastian, a passionate jazz musician with dreams of opening his own club. Their worlds are full of hope, yet littered with rejection. Their initial encounters are charged with an entertaining mix of animosity and attraction. This act sets up their individual dreams, the L.A. landscape they navigate, and the inevitable magnetic pull they feel towards each other.
Act 1 also introduces us to the film’s central theme: the tension between personal ambition and romantic love. It’s a universal conflict, making the story relatable to viewers regardless of their own aspirations or relationship status. By firmly grounding the narrative in this real-world dilemma, the screenplay ensures that even the most fantastical dance sequences are anchored in genuine emotion.
Act 2: Confrontation
The heart of ‘La La Land’ and the bulk of its narrative unfold in Act 2. This is where the central conflict intensifies, characters face external and internal challenges, and the stakes are raised. For Mia and Sebastian, their romance blossoms just as their individual careers take unexpected turns. Sebastian joins a band that’s not true to his jazz roots, while Mia decides to create her own one-woman play.
The middle act allows for character development, and ‘La La Land’ shines here. The screenplay provides moments where Mia and Sebastian support, challenge, and drift away from each other. It’s in this act that the true essence of their relationship, and the strain their aspirations place on it, is revealed.
Act 2 also cleverly uses the changing seasons to reflect the evolution of Mia and Sebastian’s relationship. From winter’s initial indifference to the blooming romance of spring and summer, followed by the dissonance and falling out in the fall. The cyclical nature of seasons is mirrored in their love story.
Act 3: Resolution
As the film progresses into its third act, the narrative threads come together, culminating in a resolution. This doesn’t mean that all endings are happy or that all loose ends are neatly tied up. What it ensures is that the primary conflict, introduced in Act 1 and developed in Act 2, finds closure.
In ‘La La Land,’ the third act is bittersweet. Mia’s play isn’t the roaring success she hoped for, and their relationship is strained to its breaking point. Yet, fate has its way, and a chance audition changes Mia’s life. The couple’s dreams come true, but not in the way they, or the audience, expected. The film’s ending, a beautiful montage of what could have been, underscores the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams.
Heartfelt Moments & Dreamy Melodies: Screenwriting Tips Drawn from ‘La La Land’
The world of ‘La La Land’ is a realm where dreams dance alongside reality, and where the heart’s deepest desires play out to a backdrop of enchanting melodies. The success of the film isn’t only attributed to its delightful music or vibrant cinematography; it’s also a testament to its beautifully crafted screenplay. For those embarking on the journey of writing, there’s a treasure trove of screenwriting tips to be discovered within its narrative.
1. Show, Don’t Tell
One of the golden rules in screenwriting is the principle of showing versus telling. Film is a visual medium, and ‘La La Land’ brilliantly demonstrates this. Instead of using dialogue to convey emotion or plot progression, the film often resorts to visual storytelling.
Take, for instance, the “A Lovely Night” sequence. Mia and Sebastian’s playful banter, their synchronized dance steps, the Los Angeles skyline in the backdrop – all paint a vivid picture of two individuals drawing closer, without needing to explicitly state it. The choreography, music, and setting convey their burgeoning relationship more eloquently than words ever could.
2. Authentic Dialogue
While the film is laden with musical numbers, it doesn’t skimp on its dialogue. What makes the conversations between Mia and Sebastian so endearing is their authenticity. Their exchanges, whether light-hearted or intense, ring true to real-life conversations. They interrupt each other, they have inside jokes, and their dialogues aren’t always perfectly crafted speeches – making them relatable and genuine.
Consider the scene where Mia shares her love for acting, drawn from a childhood memory of her aunt. Her dialogue isn’t just exposition; it’s a deeply personal revelation that allows the audience to understand her passion.
3. Setting as a Character
Los Angeles is not just a backdrop in ‘La La Land’; it’s an intricate character in its own right. The city embodies dreams, possibilities, and the often harsh reality of the entertainment industry. Through its bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and the ethereal Griffith Observatory, L.A. becomes a character that influences Mia and Sebastian’s journey. By weaving the setting so integrally into the narrative, the screenplay showcases how locations can elevate a story and give it depth.
4. The Power of Silence
Screenwriters often grapple with the challenge of conveying profound moments. Sometimes, the most powerful scenes are the ones devoid of any dialogue. ‘La La Land’ harnesses the power of silence with finesse.
In the sequence where Mia attends a party filled with industry professionals, the deafening silence she experiences in a crowd speaks volumes about her feeling of isolation and disillusionment. Another poignant moment is the film’s ending, where a simple exchange of glances between Mia and Sebastian encapsulates a myriad of emotions.
5. Subtext Matters
Behind every line of dialogue, there’s often a layer of subtext. ‘La La Land’ excels in this domain, allowing characters to express more than what’s on the surface. When Sebastian talks about jazz, it’s not just about music; it’s about tradition, passion, and the fear of becoming obsolete. Mia’s auditions aren’t merely professional hurdles; they’re a testament to her resilience and determination.
6. Embrace the Unexpected
One of the most refreshing aspects of the ‘La La Land’ screenplay is its unpredictability. While it adheres to some classic romantic tropes, it doesn’t shy away from subverting expectations. The ending, in particular, eschews the conventional happy-ever-after for a more nuanced, bittersweet resolution. For screenwriters, it’s a lesson in taking risks and not always adhering to genre conventions.
7. Theme Reinforcement
Every great screenplay has a strong, recurring theme. In ‘La La Land,’ the dual themes of dreams and love run parallel throughout the narrative. Whether it’s through Mia and Sebastian’s individual aspirations, their romantic journey, or the choices they make, these themes are constantly reinforced. By staying true to its core messages, the screenplay offers a cohesive and resonant narrative experience.
Injecting Passion & Ambition: Writing Tips from ‘La La Land’ for Aspiring Screenwriters
A film as enchanting as ‘La La Land’ is no mere accident. Its success is an amalgamation of various elements, with the screenplay being the backbone that holds everything together. Aspiring screenwriters can glean valuable writing tips from its narrative, demonstrating how raw emotion, ambition, and artistic passion can be translated into compelling cinema.
1. Drawing from Personal Experience
Damien Chazelle, the director and writer of ‘La La Land,’ drew inspiration from his own experiences in the entertainment industry. The countless auditions, the essence of L.A., and the world of jazz are all embedded in the story. The lesson here is clear: infuse your work with personal experiences and emotions. It not only makes the narrative authentic but also resonates with an audience on a deeper level.
2. Embrace the Essence of Your Genre
‘La La Land’ is a musical at heart. Instead of shying away from this genre’s tropes, the screenplay embraces them, giving each musical number a purpose in the narrative. Whether it’s capturing the magic of falling in love in “City of Stars” or expressing the pain of what could’ve been in the epilogue, music drives the story forward. When writing, it’s crucial to understand and lean into the strengths of your chosen genre.
3. Craft Relatable Characters
Mia and Sebastian are endearing not because they are flawless but because they are relatable. Their dreams, aspirations, failures, and conflicts make them multidimensional. Crafting characters that audiences can root for is an art. Dive deep, give them pasts, develop their arcs, and ensure their motivations align with the story’s themes.
4. The Power of Visual Metaphors
A standout writing tip from ‘La La Land’ is the use of visual metaphors. The Griffith Observatory, for instance, isn’t just a location; it represents the lofty heights of Mia and Sebastian’s dreams. Similarly, their dance among the stars serves as a metaphor for the transcendent nature of love. These visual cues can be potent storytelling tools, providing layers of meaning without overloading the narrative with dialogue.
5. Subtlety in Storytelling
Not every aspect of your story needs to be spelled out. Some of the most impactful moments in ‘La La Land’ are its subtle ones. The quiet glances, the unsaid words, and the lingering camera shots all allow the audience to read between the lines. When writing, trust your audience. Allow them the pleasure of connecting the dots and deriving meaning.
6. The Emotional Climax
While climaxes in films are often associated with heightened action or drama, ‘La La Land’ offers a climax of emotion. The film’s epilogue, a whirlwind of what might have been, is heart-wrenching. The power of this emotional climax lies in its build-up – the shared dreams, the love, and the choices made by the characters. Ensure that your screenplay’s climax offers a satisfying resolution to the emotional journey you’ve taken your audience on.
7. Continual Conflict & Resolution
Good drama is derived from conflict. In ‘La La Land,’ the conflict isn’t just external (their careers) but also internal (their personal choices and aspirations). By continually introducing conflict and resolutions throughout the narrative, the screenplay keeps the audience engaged. Ensure your story has a mix of both major and minor conflicts, providing a pulsating rhythm to the narrative.
8. Writing Prompts for Inspiration
Sometimes, inspiration can be elusive. ‘La La Land’ itself, with its dreamy sequences, can be a writing prompt for many. The idea of an alternate reality, for instance, or the juxtaposition of dreams versus reality. For writers experiencing a block, writing prompts can be invaluable, offering a starting point or a new direction for their narrative.
9. Emotionally Charged Dialogue
While the dialogue in ‘La La Land’ is realistic, it’s also charged with emotion. Consider the intense argument between Mia and Sebastian about their futures – the dialogue is not only pivotal to the plot but also offers a deep insight into their characters. Every line in your screenplay should serve a purpose, whether it’s plot progression, character development, or theme reinforcement.
10. Commitment to Theme
Whether it’s a song, a dance, or a dialogue, ‘La La Land’ consistently reinforces its themes of love, ambition, and dreams. Such commitment ensures a cohesive narrative that resonates on multiple levels. When writing, your theme should be your North Star, guiding every aspect of your story.
To wrap up, ‘La La Land’ is not just a film; it’s a masterclass in screenwriting. Every frame, every line of dialogue, and every song offers a lesson. Aspiring screenwriters can draw inspiration from its beautifully crafted narrative, learning how to weave their passion, emotion, and ambition into compelling tales of their own.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 