La La Land: Movement & Angle Analysis

Camera Angles and Movements:

Opening Shot 

The opening shot tilts down and then trucks alongside the traffic of cars 

Music starts to play, musical ensemble 

Opening shot is a master shot, continuous 

Camera tracks with the characters, whip pan

Characters sing, do acrobatics, jump on cars, and dance 

The master shot/establishing shot lasts for about 5 minutes then tilts down to one of the main characters

This master shot allows the audience to get a feel of the movie's ambience and setting, while also engaging them with lively music as characters parade the streets in the midst of a traffic jam.

Someone in the crowd: Roommate musical  

• Musical scene takes place with Mia's roommates
• This song and dance is also a master shot
• Overhead shot of the roommates in the street 
• This tracking shot follows Mia through the maze of people at the party

This scene reveals another energy filled ensemble that portrays Mia's friends efforts of getting her to not feel as tense about her failed auditions, but to enjoy being in the present, where she might meet someone. 

Meet Again:

• Mia and Sebastian see each other for the second time when Mia hears him playing the piano
• The camera pushes into Mia to capture her reaction, one of fascination 
• Sebastian notices Mia's gaze but brushes off her attempt to complement him

Spring: Party Scene

Full shot we see Sebastian playing in a cover band, Mia is shocked 

Close up on Mia and Sebastian's reactions 

Mia wants revenge against Sebastian (in a playful way) since he was rude to her at the restaurant 

These close camera angles show the pair's disdain to seeing each once more

Mia and Sebastian are very distant in this scene where they have not began to know each other. This is early in the film the soon to be couple meets again at an event much to both of their disdain. The audience recognizes the progression and pattern of the pair's consistent meetings, awaiting the moment when they begin to catch each others eye. 

       

After the Party: Yellow Dress Dance

• Master shot, we see them break out in song and dance, where they start off not liking each other but then grow a connection
• This scene does a lot of trucking to capture the background of the sunset while also seeing the characters dancing, horizontal movement

This scene is an extremely crucial moment for the couple. This scene shows the developing connection between Mia and Sebastian. This is the first real moment the two showed real interest and passion as they dance through the streets together. The sun setting in the background may be to represent the blending of colors as well as the blending of personalities on screen. Primary colors such as blue and yellow begin to blend together in a more pastel light. This routine represents the formation of unity.

        

City of Stars: 

• Sebastian walking down a pier
• Master shot
• Camera follows Sebastian closely during this solo

This scene represents Sebastian's blooming adoration for Mia as he begins to ponder over their developing and relationship and friendship. 

Movie Theater Date:

• A close up on Mia reveals her uncomfortable state being at dinner with someone she is no longer interested, instead she wants to go to the movie theaters with Sebastian

Observatory Scene:

• Trucking alongside the dancing silhouettes
• Close up on the couples dancing 

The trucking shot allows the audience to grasp the full setting of the scene. In this particular instances we see the couple in the vastness of the universe, this can be symbolism to represent how they feel as though they are the only thing that matters in the moment.

 

Summer: Relationship

• Whip pan scene creates an atmosphere of high energy and adrenaline 
• The close ups show how much the new couple has connected with each other, Mia now shares Sebastian's passion for jazz.

This high energy scene lets the audience embrace the newly formed connection between Mia and Sebastian, as the pair has found their groove with each other. The setting and fast paced movements and music accompany the adrenaline filled ambiance of a honeymoon stage love. This scene prompts the film to proceed with the stages of a relationship, currently residing in a stage of enjoying one another's passion, such as music. The natural blurring of this high energy scene creates a versatile effect to portray the evolving and blooming love story of the couple.

Winter: 5 years later

Mia becomes the successful movie star she always dreamed of being

Sebastian owns his own jazz club and is a successful musician and entrepreneur 

Arc shot from the second time they met, they share a kiss, another lifetime display

A push in camera movement shows a parallel universe of Mia and Sebastian's life if they had ended up together

This part of the movie shows what Sebastian and Mia’s life would be like if things went differently

The movie closes with a close up between the two where they share a knowing glance, a silent congratulations of both of their accomplishments

Along with the angle of the cameras the blue hues in the final scene show a disconnect between the two characters, now Mia and Sebastian have found success in their own passions and set up a life without the other in it. The blues and purples show isolation but also a shared somber tone for the memories that will stay in the past. The longing gaze shown between the two intensifies the scene, making it even more impactful for the viewers, revealing the closing of a chapter but the opening of a new as the pair has accomplished their set out goals from the beginning of the film to the end.