The planetarium

Escapism Dreamlike Surreal

Ethereal PLANETARIUM Mystical

Otherworldly
Magical Enchanted

ROMANTIC
Deconstructing La La Land’s Planetarium
Cinema precedes the
scene – helps to set up
the idea of escapism and
fantasy.
Movies requires the
suspension of disbelief.
The score through the use of woodwind and stringed
instruments creates an ethereal and enchanted atmosphere.
The Ballin Ceiling Mural Low angle/worm’s eye
view with the camera
rotating like a carousel –
mythical.
Myth/stories/fairy tales
– creating their own
love story.
The mural depicts various figures associated with different The movements of the dance mirrors the swings of the
myths about the Heavens befitting the otherworldly theme.
It dissolves from cinema
to an establishing shot
of LA landscape before
panning to the Griffith
Observatory creates a
dreamlike atmosphere.
Are they creating their own romance movie?
Night time setting = romantic
Foucault Pendulum The performance helps
to show the characters
connection. Sebastian
takes Mia’s hand
delicately as they start to
waltz around pendulum.
pendulum highting their connection.
Sebastian wipes the lever before Mia pulls it down – chivalrous.

Mia moves back to be in line with Sebastian – close proxemics – creating an romantic and intimate
atmosphere.

The use of the shot reverse shot of Sebastian and Mia looking up at the stars – links to dreams and fantasy.

Montage – establishing the universe where they romance

can thrive.
Stars – dreams, fantasy and hopes
Galaxy – endless unknowns

Dreamlike
Mystical

Elements of surrealism is created as the handkerchief

defies logic and gravity floating, which is indicated by the
use of incidental sound.
This moment shows the blurring between reality and
fantasy, as Sebastian lifts Mia. Their romance is heading
to the stars.
Sebastian and Mia are in their own magical world
Close proxemics - holding onto each other –
intimacy romance
Looking directly into each other’s eyes –
strengthening their connection – eyes are the
windows to the soul
This symbolises their blossoming relationship

Montage features a variety of wide ships and

tilts. The use of wide framing – the vast space
emphasises the endless possibility and potential
for their blossoming relationship. They are not
limited by any boundaries.
The tilt stops when then end up on the clouds.
Clouds associated with dreams and fantasy.
Cloud 9 = a state of bliss and elation.

Long take of Sebastian and Mia waltzing in in

the stars – surrealism/magic realism.
During the waltz both characters are in silhouette
reinforcing the idea that they are a couple, as
their individuality is not identifiable.
Lens flare gradually gets bigger – bright lights –
magical
 Descend in slow motion – coming back
to reality.

Sit holding hand – trying to extend the

romantic moment.

Zooms into the kiss – sealing the start of

the relationship.

Hollywood happy ending.

Iris shot/transition at the end – nostalgic
Classic Hollywood ending associated with the silent
film era – this links well with the scene as there is no
dialogue. They speak to each other through eye
contact, facial expressions and dance.
Aligning the audience to the couple and romance
• 2021

• ‘Film spectatorship is a passive experience’. How far do you agree with this statement in

• relation to each of the films you have studied? [40]

• Or,

• How important is sound in shaping spectator responses to the two films you have studied?

• Refer in detail to one or more sequences from each film.

• 2020

• Explore how far the two films you have studied demonstrate the filmmakers’ attempt to

• control the spectator’s response. [40]

• Or,

• How important is mise-en-scène in generating spectator responses? Refer in detail to

• one sequence from each film you have studied.