Watch Going Down in La-La Land

Going Down in La-La Land is a 2011 drama-comedy film directed by Swedish director Casper Andreas. It tells the story of Adam, a struggling actor from Ohio, who moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of acting. Upon arriving in LA, Adam quickly realizes that making it in Hollywood is not as easy as he thought it would be. After months of failed auditions, he starts to lose hope and question his decision to move to LA.

One day, Adam meets Nick, a successful but closeted actor who takes an interest in him. Nick introduces Adam to the world of the Hollywood elite, including high-end parties and exclusive auditions. Adam is quickly drawn into this glamorous lifestyle, but he starts to realize that there is a lot more to it than just fame and fortune.

As Adam navigates his way through this new world, he meets a range of colorful characters, including Candy, a transgender actress who becomes his close friend and confidante, and John, a wealthy producer who offers him a role in his next movie. Adam also has to deal with his own inner demons, including his sexuality and his rocky relationship with his boyfriend, who is still living in Ohio.

The film is a compelling look at the dark underbelly of Hollywood, exploring themes such as stardom, sexuality, and the quest for success. The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, with Matthew Ludwinski delivering a nuanced portrayal of Adam, and Michael Medico bringing depth and complexity to the role of Nick.

Allison Lane shines in her role as Candy, bringing warmth, humor, and humanity to a character that could have easily been reduced to a stereotypical portrayal of a transgender woman. The chemistry between the three leads is palpable, and their relationships are the heart of the film.

One of the strengths of Going Down in La-La Land is the way it subverts Hollywood stereotypes. The film presents a nuanced portrait of the industry, showing both the superficial glamour and the harsh realities that lie beneath. It also explores the complex relationship between money, power, and art, and the compromises that actors often have to make in order to succeed.

The film is also notable for its positive portrayal of LGBTQ characters, an area in which Hollywood has often fallen short. While the film does not shy away from portraying the discrimination and marginalization that LGBTQ people face, it also presents a hopeful and uplifting vision of the community.

The cinematography is another standout feature of the film, with the sunny LA backdrop providing a vivid contrast to the darker themes of the story. The film also incorporates some striking visual metaphors, including a recurring image of a fish out of water that comes to symbolize Adam's struggle to fit in.

Overall, Going Down in La-La Land is a thought-provoking and engaging film that offers a fresh perspective on the Hollywood dream. It's a film that challenges stereotypes, celebrates diversity, and ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Going Down in La-La Land is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 50.