Amidst a landscape that often celebrates flawless performances, Ryan Gosling, the celebrated actor from the beloved 2016 hit ‘La La Land,’ recently confessed to harboring regrets about one particular scene from the movie—a revelation which underscores the often overlooked fallibility of stars we deem infallible. Gosling’s desire to revisit and perfect a moment from the movie, that to this day “haunts” him, comes as an endearing proclamation that reflects the actor’s commitment to his craft.
The sequence at the center of Gosling’s lament is a dance number with co-star Emma Stone, which has gone down in contemporary cinematic lore as iconic imagery. Known for its whirlwind romance dances against the setting of Los Angeles, ‘La La Land’ claimed the hearts of audiences worldwide. But for Gosling, there remains a tarnish on a particular dance pose—one that eventually was spotlighted on the movie’s promotional poster.
In a candid moment during an interview obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Gosling disclosed his feelings of chagrin towards what he whimsically termed his “La La Hand.” This rueful nickname referred to his decision, during the culminating dance scene with Stone, to position his hand in a way he thought would appear cooler. As it turns out, this small improvisation did not resonate quite as expected. “There’s a moment that haunts me where we’re dancing, Emma and I,” Gosling revealed, touching on the unintended significance of his hand’s position. “I didn’t know this would become the poster for the movie.”
As the musician Sebastian, Gosling danced his way into an Oscar nomination, a feat that undoubtedly attests to his acting prowess. However, the actor self-deprecatingly noted that this success did not exempt him from a particular misstep which he describes alludes to the visual of “hamburger-hands.” According to him, this minor blip inadvertently affected the energy of the dance sequence.
Although regret seeps through the actor’s reminiscence, the miscalculation was far from detrimental to the success of ‘La La Land.’ The film, guided under the masterful direction of Damien Chazelle, emerged as a critical darling receiving six Academy Awards, including Best Director. Gosling’s performance was celebrated for its depth and humanity, and it remains a high point in a career replete with memorable roles.
‘La La Land’ afforded a modern take on the classic Hollywood musical, intertwining jazz with a tale of love and ambition. The chemistry between Gosling and Stone was central to the film’s magic, capturing audiences with their heartfelt performances. Gosling’s portrayal of Sebastian’s passion for jazz and complex emotional layers brought forth a character that resonated with many who dream of making it in a city known for both its glittery success stories and its many broken dreams.
Despite the apparent flaw that only Gosling himself seems to fixate on, it is precisely such human touches that often endear a performance to viewers. His transparency regarding his own perceived shortcomings suggests a vulnerability that fans may find refreshing. It underscores that even the most polished productions stem from a process of creation that is inherently human and imperfect.
Nevertheless, Gosling’s light-hearted reflection on his “La La Hand” is a charming footnote in the story of a film that captured the zeitgeist of its time. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of artistic perfection is a continual journey, with each image, each movement bearing the weight of intent and the risk of imperfection. While Gosling may yearn for a redo, it is the earnestness of his wishes that reaffirms his dedication to the art form and the notion that even amidst cinematic elegance, the human element prevails.
