10 Times Movies Secretly Spoiled Their Own Story

4. The Opening Song's Lyrics Spell Out The Ending - La La Land

Knives Out
Summit Entertainment

La La Land wasn't quite the movie that many expected it to be.

Far from a frothy homage to classic Hollywood musicals, writer-director Damien Chazelle's romantic dramedy was far more of a mature, pragmatic look at life and relationships, and one which concluded in unexpectedly bittersweet fashion.

If the bulk of the movie is a "do they, don't they?" between budding actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), it ultimately turns out that their aspirations lead them in different directions. Though they share a fondness for one another, they ultimately don't end up together.

This is actually spelled out in the film's stunning opening musical number, "Another Day of Sun," which includes these lyrics:

"'Cause maybe in that sleepy town / He'll sit one day, the lights are down / He'll see my face and think of how he / Used to know me."

This effectively describes La La Land's final scene, where Mia and her husband walk into a jazz bar owned by Sebastian where he's playing the piano. Mia and Sebastian then lock eyes and imagine a potential future they could've shared once upon a time, before continuing along on their separate paths.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.