La La Land (2016)

The award-winning film, La La Land (2016), penned and helmed by Damien Chazelle, follows the story of jazz musician Sebastian ‘Seb’ Wilder and aspiring actress Mia Dolan. Seb’s frustration with Los Angeles traffic leads to a moment of road rage directed at Mia. Later on, Mia’s audition, which was interrupted by a phone call, ends badly causing disappointment for her. In an attempt to lift her spirits, her roommates take her to a party in the Hollywood Hills where she hopes to make career connections. However, things take a turn for the worse when her car gets towed and she is forced to walk home feeling defeated. Meanwhile, Seb breaks away from traditional Christmas music during his restaurant gig and starts playing jazz improvisation instead, leading to his dismissal by the owner. As he storms out, Mia catches a glimpse of him and attempts to offer a compliment, but he brushes her off.

Months later, she happens to bump into Seb at a party, where he is performing with his 1980s pop cover band. After the show, they stroll to their respective cars and lament not making the most of their undeniable chemistry earlier that night. Seb surprises Mia at her workplace, and she gives him a tour of the Warner Bros. backlot where she works as a barista, all while expressing her love for acting. He then takes her to a jazz club, sharing his deep passion for jazz and his dream of opening his own club. On another occasion, Seb asks Mia to join him for a screening of Rebel Without a Cause, which she eagerly agrees to despite forgetting about a date with her boyfriend. The other date ends up being dull, prompting Mia to rush to the theater and meet Seb just as the film begins. However, their viewing is cut short due to technical difficulties with the projector. Not wanting the evening to end there, they decide on a romantic visit to the Griffith Observatory instead.