La La Land is an all time favorite. This movie follows the beautiful story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a dedicated jazz musician, both chasing their dreams in the city of Los Angeles.
Through their bittersweet journey, the film explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of dreams.
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La La Land Quotes
“A little bit of madness is key to give us new colors to see.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This opening lyric from Mia’s audition song, “City of Stars,” highlights the importance of embracing unconventional ideas and taking risks in the pursuit of artistic expression.
The “madness” refers to a willingness to break away from established norms and explore new creative avenues. The quote suggests that a touch of eccentricity can lead to groundbreaking and original artistic achievements.
“It’s not about us, it’s about the music.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This line by Sebastian spoken during a tense conversation with Mia emphasizes his unwavering dedication to his art form.He prioritizes the purity and integrity of jazz music over personal gain or recognition.
The quote highlights the potential conflict between artistic passion and the realities of the music industry, where commercial success often requires some compromise.
“Nobody gets what they want. You compromise.” – Bill (J.K. Simmons)
This line by Bill, a seasoned pianist and mentor to Sebastian, offers a pragmatic perspective on navigating the music industry. He acknowledges the need for compromise and adaptation to achieve success.
The quote challenges Sebastian’s idealism and suggests that artistic aspirations may need to be balanced with the realities of the business world.
“Sometimes the course you’re on leads you to someplace unexpected.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This powerful line by Mia highlights the possibility of finding fulfillment in unforeseen paths. While our initial dreams may not materialize exactly as planned, the journey itself can lead to unexpected opportunities and discoveries.
The quote encourages embracing flexibility and finding joy in the surprises life presents.
“Here’s to the hearts that ache, but hope for more.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This line from the song “City of Stars” expresses the bittersweet emotions associated with pursuing dreams. It acknowledges the potential for heartbreak and disappointment, but also emphasizes the enduring power of hope and resilience.
The quote captures the spirit of aspiring artists who persevere despite facing setbacks, holding onto the belief that their dreams are worth pursuing.
“Maybe that’s the real magic of L.A. Here, everyone carries a story.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This line by Mia reflects on the diverse experiences that shape life in Los Angeles. The city is a melting pot of dreams and aspirations, where everyone has a unique story to tell.
The quote highlights the film’s exploration of the human condition,showcasing the struggles, triumphs, and dreams that connect individuals within the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles.
“Los Angeles. The land of dreams and broken hearts.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This opening line by Mia establishes the film’s central theme: the bittersweet pursuit of artistic dreams in Los Angeles. The City of Angels, often associated with glamour and success, also holds the potential for disappointment and heartbreak.
The quote captures the film’s exploration of the emotional highs and lows that aspiring artists experience while chasing their dreams in a competitive industry.
“Some people only get lucky once in a lifetime. I used mine up on you.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This emotional line by Sebastian expresses his deep affection for Mia and the sacrifices he made to support her dream. He suggests that prioritizing her acting career may have come at the expense of his own musical aspirations.
The quote highlights the potential challenges of balancing individual dreams within a romantic relationship. While their love is strong, it raises questions about the compromises and sacrifices partners may need to make for each other’s success.
“I don’t need permission to make my art.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This line by Sebastian reflects his unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. He rejects the limitations imposed by commercial music producers and insists on creating jazz that stays true to his artistic vision.
The quote highlights the importance of artistic autonomy and the fight to maintain creative control, even in the face of potential financial gain or wider recognition.
“You never know what life’s gonna throw at you.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This quote by Mia acknowledges the unpredictable nature of life. Despite our plans and dreams, unforeseen circumstances can alter the course of our journeys.
The line encourages flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations while still holding onto our core aspirations.
“La La Land. It’s a stupid name. But maybe it’s fitting.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This line by Sebastian expresses a sense of disillusionment with the romanticized image of Los Angeles. He recognizes the harsh realities and challenges aspiring artists face in the city.
The quote highlights the film’s exploration of the gap between dreams and reality, where the pursuit of success in La La Land can be far less glamorous than initially imagined.
“The greatest love story of all time is a love story that never happens.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This powerful line by Mia offers a unique perspective on love and sacrifice. The film’s central romance, while deeply affecting, ultimately takes a bittersweet turn.
The quote suggests that the most profound love stories may be those that prioritize individual growth and fulfillment even when it means letting go of a romantic relationship.
“So I guess some dreams aren’t meant to come true, and that’s okay.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This line by Sebastian reflects on the film’s central theme of accepting the complexities of pursuing dreams. He acknowledges that some dreams may need to be adapted or even abandoned for the sake of personal growth and happiness.
The quote offers a message of acceptance and the importance of finding fulfillment in alternative paths that may emerge along the way.
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“There’s a difference between what we want and what we need.” – Bill (J.K. Simmons)
This quote by Bill, a seasoned pianist and mentor to Sebastian, highlights the distinction between chasing desires and pursuing genuine artistic expression. He suggests that sometimes success requires prioritizing artistic integrity over fleeting trends or immediate gratification.
The quote challenges Sebastian to focus on creating music that fulfills him creatively, rather than music solely aimed at achieving commercial success.
“Nobody cares if you’re perfect. They just want you to be real.” – Keith (John Magaro)
This line by Keith, Sebastian’s bandmate, offers advice on connecting with audiences through music. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity over technical perfection.
Audiences are drawn to artists who express genuine emotions and vulnerability in their work, even if it means sacrificing a perfectly polished sound. The quote encourages Sebastian to embrace his individuality and allow his true self to shine through in his music.
“Sometimes you gotta give up on the dream in order to keep the dream alive.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This quote by Mia reflects the complexities of pursuing artistic dreams. She acknowledges the harsh realities of the entertainment industry and the sacrifices that may be necessary for long-term success. The line suggests that letting go of a specific version of the dream allows for adaptation and the possibility of achieving success in a different form.
While Mia initially dreams of starring in a traditional play, she ultimately finds fulfillment in writing and starring in a one-woman show, demonstrating the power of flexibility and embracing alternative paths.
“Maybe the dream isn’t about getting something or being someone. Maybe it’s about the work of becoming something.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This powerful line by Mia offers a profound perspective on the nature of dreams. She suggests that the true value may lie not in achieving a specific goal, but in the ongoing pursuit of growth and self-discovery.
The journey of becoming the best version of oneself, complete with challenges and setbacks, is an essential part of the dream itself. This shift in focus allows for a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to pursuing aspirations.
*”I get it. You gotta chase your dreams. But what if the dream is chasing you?” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This line by Sebastian expresses his initial hesitation and fear associated with pursuing his jazz dream. While the dream initially fueled his passion, he grapples with the pressure and uncertainty of making a living solely from his art form.
The quote highlights the potential downsides of relentless ambition, where the pursuit of a dream can become overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety or exhaustion.
“A moment of perfection can’t sustain a whole life.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This quote by Mia challenges the romanticized notion of a perfect, singular moment defining success. She suggests that a fulfilling life is built on consistency, dedication, and perseverance, rather than fleeting moments of recognition.
The quote highlights the importance of enjoying the journey and the everyday moments of growth, rather than fixating solely on achieving an idealized version of success.
“It’s not about how many times you get knocked down; it’s about how many times you get back up.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This powerful line by Mia delivers a message of resilience and perseverance. Success rarely comes easily, and setbacks are inevitable. The quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and the determination to keep striving for your goals despite facing obstacles.
This message of hope and encouragement serves as a reminder that the ability to overcome challenges is a key factor in achieving dreams.
“Here’s to the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem.” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This opening lyric from the song “City of Stars,” sung by Mia, establishes a central theme of the film: the pursuit of dreams in the face of potential disapproval or failure.
The dreamers may be seen as foolish by others, but the quote celebrates their courage and determination to chase their aspirations. It acknowledges the inherent risk involved in pursuing dreams, but emphasizes the importance of holding onto them despite the challenges.
*”Maybe it’s not about the destination, but the journey.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This line spoken by Sebastian during a tense conversation with Mia presents a different perspective on achieving dreams. While the initial focus may be on reaching a specific goal, the quote suggests that the journey itself holds value.
The experiences, challenges, and growth along the way contribute significantly to the overall pursuit of a dream. This shift in perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of success, acknowledging that the journey towards a dream can be just as rewarding as achieving it.
“A good artist copies, a great artist steals.” – Joey (Keith Stanfield)
This quote by Joey, a successful saxophonist and Sebastian’s friend, offers a playful commentary on artistic influence. It suggests that great artists don’t simply imitate, but creatively integrate and transform the works of those who inspire them.
“Stealing” in this context refers to drawing inspiration and incorporating elements from other artists’ work to create something new and original. The quote highlights the importance of artistic lineage and the way artists build upon the works of those who came before them.
“Some things are too good to change. They’re only good ’cause they’re crazy.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This line by Sebastian reflects on the tension between artistic integrity and compromise. He expresses a fear that changing his pure jazz sound to meet commercial demands may diminish its essence. The quote highlights the potential conflict between artistic vision and the need for practicality or financial success.
Sebastian values the inherent “craziness” of his unadulterated jazz, suggesting that some things are best left unchanged even if it means sacrificing wider recognition.
*”Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just go back to the way things were?” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This line spoken by Mia during a bittersweet reunion with Sebastian captures the sentimentality of nostalgia. Looking back at a simpler time in their relationship, she longs for the carefree joy and shared dreams they once had. The quote reflects the bittersweet nature of growth and change.
While acknowledging the excitement of new opportunities, it also allows space for missing the comfort and familiarity of the past.
“I love you. Let’s go back to where we began.” – Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling)
This emotional declaration by Sebastian represents a yearning for a simpler life focused on their shared passion for music. He proposes returning to their initial days of playing jazz together, a time when their dreams were unburdened by the realities of the music industry.
The quote highlights the potential conflict between love and ambition. Sebastian’s declaration suggests a willingness to prioritize their relationship over individual career success.
*”City of Stars, are you shining just for me?” – Mia Dolan (Emma Stone)
This recurring line throughout the film symbolizes the allure and uncertainty of pursuing dreams in Los Angeles. The city, often associated with fame and fortune, beckons with the promise of success.
However, the question mark at the end suggests a sense of doubt and a lack of guaranteed fulfillment. The song “City of Stars” captures the complex emotions aspiring artists experience as they navigate the challenges and possibilities within La La Land.
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Final Thoughts
La La Land is a story for dreamers, for those who dare to run after the things that tug at their hearts, and these quotes capture the film’s essence perfectly.
You might be longing for some sort of artistic expression or perhaps a fulfilling relationship, but you are stuck at crossroads. Hopefully, these quotes give you the hope to navigate challenging situations.