This is a musical (yes a musical) about an aspiring actress (Emma Stone), an aspiring jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling), and their relationship. The soundtrack is quite good. The choreography may not be up to an Astaire or Gene Kelly movie, but director Damien Chazelle makes it visually interesting with camera movements, color patterns, and abstract landscapes. Los Angeles is portrayed romantically in the way New York is portrayed in Woody Allen movies. But the best thing about this movie is the way it portrays an artist’s struggle. The dreams, heartbreak, and disappointment are all conveyed magnificently. It was inspiring. My favorite film of the festival.