Apparently, no one’s sick of talking about La La Land yet, as more behind-the-scenes pieces, homages, and takeoffs keep pouring in as we get closer to the movie’s likely Oscar sweep. Most know that the film itself is an homage to classic Hollywood musicals. But in a new short video, Frame By Frame has examined its tie to one director in particular: Vincente Minnelli (a.k.a. Liza’s dad and Judy Garland’s second husband). Minnelli helmed musicals in the golden MGM era like Meet Me In St. Louis, An American In Paris, and Gigi. Frame By Frame’s film theorists point out Damien Chazelle used many of Minnelli’s specific techniques—like long tracking shots, surrealism, even the bold use of color—which helped La La Land stand out just as much as Gigi.
It’s a granular, educational examination for musical buffs, although the “stolen techniques” headline here is a bit much. “Inspiration” would probably be more accurate term. But at the very least, this take will give you some interesting fodder to drop at your Oscar party on Sunday as La La Land racks up the awards.