FRILOT: Life of performer in “La La Land”

After the debut of the “modern, original” musical “La La Land,” theatre students and professionals everywhere were left feeling conflicted. On one hand, we rejoiced to see that musical theatre is being accepted back into the mainstream limelight, however, we’re extremely skeptical of director Damien Chazelle’s decision to cast Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as the main actors. This dynamic duo has a massive following and no doubt oozes talent, but neither Gosling nor Stone have endured the extensive training in musical theatre, unlike many others in Hollywood who could have been cast for the part.

Although it may not show to general audience members, their lack of experience in the specific field is clear to those with theatre expertise. Although they do an excellent job of taking their directions and perfecting their performance, there’s clearly something missing. Film reaches for perfection, and the issue with it is that through multiple takes and endless editing ability, perfection is achievable. It is the job of the actors to not only take their directions but also to find wiggle room in the script to improvise. In musical theatre, especially large-scale, live numbers where a lot of people, choreography and song are involved, there is no room for improvisation. In interview after interview, Stone reflects on her taking issue with this, struggling to stick to the plan. So maybe it’s the imperfection and raw humanism that is missing from this movie and the conflict of interest between musical theatre and film that is distracting. Or maybe we just feel like they’re cheating.

But it doesn’t stop there. Those from the theatre world can’t help but feel jealous and critical that musical theatre is only brought back into the now when the actors are so “relevant.” Is it just the reality of the performing arts sphere that actual dancers and singers can’t get real, paying red carpet jobs? In a world where theatre is struggling to stay alive, it almost seems unfair that “La La Land” was received with so much attention.

On the other hand, theatre students and professionals are ecstatic. Finally, musical theatre is back, and one involved in the field can’t help but feel a certain compelling pride. Not only that, but the story itself sheds light on some of the struggles of being a performer. It really depicts to the general audience how painful being cut off in an audition is, not to mention the constant rejection and, quite frankly, inhumane treatment. The persistent ridicule we put ourselves up to is unbearable at times, so it is refreshing to see how the ugly side of acting and the life of all struggling artists is being reflected upon with respect and sincerity. Although “La La Land” is not a perfect version of the typical, daily life that so many people never get to experience, it’s a start.

Possibly the hardest part of performing is giving up one’s humanity to be put up to such scrutiny, with the inevitability of being let down. Performers can’t possibly allow themselves to get torn up by the imminent terribly mean casting director, so it has become a part of the profession to be able to suspend one’s emotions in order to embody whatever it is that is needed for the part, and probably get severely put down on the way.

All in all, us performers are glad that people are becoming aware of the fact that working in show business is anything but easy. However, at the same time, this film just goes to show how exactly difficult it is to make it in a profession where hardworking professionals, perfect for the part, aren’t even the ones being cast.