Here’s To The Dreamers....

I can’t stop thinking about Damian Chazelle’s film La La Land. Why?

Everything....

I laughed, I teared up and left the cinema feeling inspired for the future of cinema. There is a level of storytelling here that if you’re a struggling artist or ever had a dream that smashes you to pieces, you will feel something deeply move at your core.

The star crossed romance of these two dreamers may be enough to keep you engaged and captivated but the film’s central question which is at the core of every scene is so fascinating. Can two dreamers dream together ? Does love really conquer all?

Chazelle’s second commercial film much like his first stands out like an instant classic and it strikes me as fresh and innovative despite it being by design inspired by the past. I found myself thinking of another film I saw with a strong connection to the past that was able to bring something fresh to a new generation.

Another young director, Ryan Coogler took something old and made it feel new again with Creed. I really am excited to see more young directors revitalize what was otherwise a fatigued film industry thanks to Transformers, DC And Marvel.

I find these two filmmakers embody the very slogan the president of The Academy used today in a session at Dubai International Film Festival to distinguish it’s mission “Preserve the past, Honor the present and wish to shape the future”

And I hope Chazelle is recognized for what Coogler wasn’t.

I realize that there are key differences between the two films but I think the energy the filmmakers embody is so infectious it can power a new movement of storytellers. Storytellers who don’t dismiss what’s old as a cliche but also don’t rely on safe and tried formulas.

La La Land brings back the magic in cinema...