The Director's Series, Damien Chazelle, No. 1


Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

La La Land (2016)
Starring: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling
Director: Damien Chazelle
About: I remember the Oscars this year. For a moment, they called La La Land and I thought my favorite film of the year had won Best Picture. That's a rarity for me. Alas, it was not to be. Some people love and revere Moonlight. I think it's a fine film with a great performance, but this is the film that really spoke to me. The beautiful production, the sweeping musical numbers, and a story that cuts straight to the heart. It features two iconic performances and some really beautiful and timeless moments. This is Chazelle's masterpiece and another under-rated film.

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