Latest news with #DamienChazelle
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- 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.
