Ep1062: If You Like (or Loathe) La La Land (2016), You'll Love The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

Kicking the Seat

It's a new year, and Kicking the Seat resolves to change your tune!

La La Land has its fans, but Damien Chazelle's 2016 Oscar also-ran has been widely dismissed for being syrupy, derivative Hollywood nonsense. In today's episode, Ian and Jeff talk about why the film deserves a second look, especially in light of a recent 4K restoration of Jacques Demy's 1964 Palme d'Or-winning musical masterpiece, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Both movies center on young lovers with big dreams who profess their frustrations and fantasies through song. And both take a darker, decidedly non-traditional approach to resolving their characters' conflicts--despite the candy-dipped, whimsical surroundings.

So put on some jazz, pour a steely Chardonnay, and raise a glass to the ones who dream...of turning more people on to these daring and delightful movies!

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Show Links

• Watch the La La Land (2016) trailer.

• Watch the Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) trailer.

• Keep up with Jeff York's criticism and caricatures at: The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists!

• Watch Ian and Aaron Christensen's review of Repulsion (Catherine Deneuve's next film, after Umbrellas).