Latest news with #DamienChazelle
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A massive outdoor screening of La La Land, complete with live orchestra, will come to L.A. this summer
From its first few moments on a bumper-to-bumper overpass, La La Land became a classic of at least three different movie subgenres: musical, car culture and Los Angeles. What better way to revisit the six-time Oscar winner than by celebrating each of those with a big, scenic outdoor screening featuring a live 53-piece orchestra and jazz band? (Okay, you can't watch from your car, but those people in the movie quickly left theirs to join each other in busting out Mandy Moore's choreo like you can here.) This September, cinephiles can don their technicolor best and head to the Los Angeles State Historic Park, where director Damien Chazelle's 2016 masterpiece will screen for two nights (Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21). Composer Justin Hurwitz will conduct his Oscar-winning score, which stands gorgeously alongside Pasek & Paul's melancholy original songs, including the nominated weepie 'Audition (The Fools Who Dream)' and that year's big winner, 'City of Stars.' The movie's swings from ecstatic jazz to lowkey drama, anchored by Ryan Gosling and Oscar winner Emma Stone's phenomenal performances, will find themselves right at home in the park, which will feature a large main screen for the orchestra pit, and four smaller ones for those watching from behind. A mini-museum will display some of Mary Zophres's Academy Award-nominated original costumes, as well as set pieces from the film's Oscar-winning production design. Doors will open at 4:30pm, three hours ahead of the screening time, to give patrons plenty of options to check out themed photo-ops, cocktails and several food trucks. Seating options range from GA picnic-style lawn spots (starting at $48) to reserved seats ($158), all the way through ground seats, closest to the orchestra ($147). If you're still mad that the movie lost to Moonlight during the Oscar ceremony's infamous Envelopegate, you can shell out $427 for a premium box, with VIP amenities, delicacies and lounge chairs for two. This is the third year that Street Food Cinema brings its immersive concert screenings to Los Angeles, taking advantage of the city's glorious skyline to elevate its beloved local art form where it belongs. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, La La Land opened in 2016 and became an instant hit, grossing over $472 million worldwide and netting 14 Academy Award nominations. It won six, for director, actress, cinematography, original score, original song and production design. website.
Digital Trends
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
This space drama tops our list of underrated Prime Video movies this weekend (July 25-27)
Although Prime Video is just one of the offerings that Amazon includes with any Prime subscription, it can be valuable if you know how to take advantage of it. Sometimes, though, opening the service and actually picking something to watch can feel incredibly challenging. That's why we've pulled together three underrated movies that will hopefully make your decision easier about what to watch. Whatever you're looking for, we've got you covered. Recommended Videos We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on HBO Max, and the best movies on Disney+. Letters From Iwo Jima (2006) Clint Eastwood directed two movies about the Battle of Iwo Jima in 2006, and most agree that Letters From Iwo Jima, which tells the story of the battle from the Japanese perspective, is the better one. It follows several Japanese soldiers who work to defend the island, and the commander tasked with fending off American forces for as long as possible, even as he understands the impossibility of his task. It's a thoughtful examination of soldiers who were often demonized in Western depictions of the war. You can watch Letters From Iwo Jima on Amazon Prime Video. First Man (2018) Damien Chazelle's follow-up to La La Land wasn't nearly as well-regarded or well-remembered as that film, but it's no less worthy of praise. First Man follows Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon. While it might seem like a conventional biopic, it turns out to be much stranger than that premise might suggest. First Man is the study of a man who risks everything in his world to pursue something insanely dangerous. The flight sequences here are genuinely stunning. Ryan Gosling is truly excellent as Armstrong. It's a subdued, understated central performance, which has to communicate a deep well of feeling with remarkable economy. You can watch First Man on Amazon Prime Video. Snack Shack (2024) I've always been a sucker for coming-of-age movies, and Snack Shack's unique charm stands out in a crowded field. Snack Shack depicts two friends who like to hatch moneymaking schemes together. The duo decides to reopen their pool's abandoned snack shack. As they start making money at the shack, they meet an effortlessly cool lifeguard who will upend their summer and their relationship. Snack Shack is a little shaggy, but it's remarkably charming and anchored by a trio of compelling young lead performers who all seem to perfectly understand what they've been asked to do. You can watch Snack Shack on Amazon Prime Video.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'La La Land' comes alive
THE magic of Damien Chazelle's 'La La Land' came alive at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) recently. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) delivered a dazzling live-to-film performance that transported the audience straight into the heart of Los Angeles' dreamy, jazz-soaked landscape from the 2016 movie. Concertgoers revisited the Academy Award-winning film, starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and John Legend, in a swoonworthy live-to-film concert experience. The movie showcases the captivating story of Seb, a promising pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress, who cross paths and fall in love while attempting to harmonise their career journeys in the city of stars. The concert featured a full orchestra and jazz band performing the soundtrack alongside the screening of the movie. This allowed attendees to experience the vivid musical moments central to the film, including the unbelievable piano solos, all played live by the MPO. A stellar performance Gerard Salonga conducted the orchestra, which breathed new life into Justin Hurwitz's Oscar-winning score. From the exhilarating opening number, 'Another Day of Sun', to the poignant finale, the MPO displayed both technical precision and emotional depth. The seamless synchronisation between the live performance and the on-screen visuals was a feat in itself, allowing the film's story to unfold naturally while adding a richer, more immersive musical experience. Particularly captivating was the performance of 'Mia & Sebastian's Theme,' with the piano melodies soaring above the strings, evoking the tender romance and heartbreak at the film's core. The jazz sequences, especially those featuring 'Herman's Habit' and 'Start A Fire', were performed with vibrant energy, bringing the spirit of classic Hollywood and contemporary jazz into perfect harmony. An extraordinary afternoon Visually, watching 'La La Land' on the big screen at the concert hall setting was a treat, but it was the MPO's passionate performance that elevated the afternoon into something simply extraordinary. The audience responded with thunderous applause, a testament to the enduring power of great music and storytelling. For fans of the film, jazz enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the magic of live music, 'La La Land in Concert' with the MPO was a breathtaking reminder of cinema's ability to move, uplift and inspire. MPO's cinematic season This recent concert was part of the MPO's Season 2025 run, which includes more cinematic treats for movie lovers. In January, the MPO presented 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert'. Film and music fans can also look forward to catching a classic Hollywood gangster movie during 'The Godfather Live' concert on June shows provide the audience a unique opportunity to relive the magic of movies on the big screen while the symphonic orchestra brings the iconic scores to life. While orchestral music has long been associated with the upper echelons of society, collaborations with blockbuster films like these can be seen as an interesting method to bring orchestral music to a much wider audience. Judging from the packed hall on the day I attended the show, with a rather mixed crowd of young and not-so-young people, I'd say it was quite a success for both the MPO and DFP in bringing the masses to enjoy live orchestral music.
Geek Tyrant
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Cillian Murphy and Daniel Craig in Talks for Damien Chazelle's Next Film, Which Might Be a Prison Drama — GeekTyrant
It looks like Damien Chazelle's next film is locking in some serious heat. According to Deadline, Cillian Murphy and Daniel Craig are both in negotiations to star in the director's next project, which remains untitled for now, but it's rumored to be set in a prison. Chazelle, who wrote the script, will direct and produce the film alongside Olivia Hamilton under their Wild Chickens Productions banner. Paramount Pictures is set to distribute. If Murphy and Craig close their deals, production is expected to kick off later this year. The new film marks a pivot for Chazelle, who had been developing an Evel Knievel biopic that had Leonardo DiCaprio circling the lead role. But after that fell through, he returned to this prison-set drama. It's not surprising the script drew such immediate interest. As the report notes, 'As with any Chazelle feature, A-list talent is always circling given his track record; this case was no different, with Murphy and Craig high on the project following a meeting with Chazelle.' Murphy, fresh off his Oscar win for Oppenheimer , just wrapped The Peaky Blinders movie The Immortal Man for Netflix and recently appeared in Small Things Like These . Daniel Craig, meanwhile, earned critical acclaim for his role in A24's Queer and will soon reprise his Benoit Blanc role in Wake Up Dead Man , the next chapter in the Knives Out series.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Hollywood smash hit branded 'masterpiece' by fans to air on TV this weekend
The 2016 film has since become a beloved classic that fans are still raving about today. BBC Two will broadcast the Oscar-winning musical La La Land tonight, a film that continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting storyline, nine years after its initial release. Under the direction of Damien Chazelle, La La Land achieved widespread acclaim and commercial success, generating over $446 million globally on a modest budget of $30 million, solidifying its position as one of the most lucrative musicals in recent times. The film tells the poignant tale of Mia, played by Emma Stone, an ambitious actress, and Sebastian, portrayed by Ryan Gosling, a passionate jazz musician, as they pursue their aspirations in Los Angeles. The couple's chance encounter blossoms into romance, and they support each other through the trials and tribulations of establishing a career in the cutthroat entertainment industry. However, as their individual paths to success begin to diverge, they must confront the inherent tension between love and ambition, reports Surrey Live. La La Land seamlessly weaves together dazzling musical sequences with a heartfelt narrative that explores the themes of passion, perseverance, and the bittersweet nature of chasing one's dreams. The film remains a beloved favourite among fans, who continue to express their admiration for it. A reviewer on Google commented: "I had feedback about the movie previously, and finally, I watched the movie. It is surely a masterpiece without a pinch of doubt." Another fan gushed: "I saw La La Land at the cinema when it first came out and I loved every bit of this movie - the story, the characters, the acting, the views, the buildings and settings, special effects, choreography inc ballet, waltz, tap and modern and, in particular, the music and the lyrics." A third delighted viewer shared their praise: "This movie is so wonderful. I think it's the best musical movie I have ever seen. With writer and director Damien Chazelle making the characters chase their dreams with passion, like in his last movie, Whiplash, then in this movie, you definitely can expect colourful, stunning, and marvellous!" La La Land made a big splash at the 89th Academy Awards, racking up a record-tying 14 nominations and walking away with six Oscars, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle, Best Actress for Emma Stone, and Best Original Score. The film also scooped an unprecedented seven Golden Globe Awards, setting a new record for any movie at the event. The reverberations of its success were felt around the world. La La Land airs on BBC Two tonight (May 9) at 11pm.
