Ryan Gosling Learned Piano For La La Land
Ryan Gosling wowed audiences with his performance in the 2016 hit musical movie, La La Land. The actor portrayed Sebastian, a struggling jazz musician who dreams of one day owning his own jazz club. In order to prepare for the role, Ryan Gosling learned how to play the piano.
The Challenge
The decision to cast Ryan Gosling as a pianist was not an easy one. Although the actor is known for his musical talents and even formed his own band, Dead Man's Bones, he had no experience playing the piano. In fact, he had to start from scratch and learn how to play the instrument in just three months before filming began.
The Training
To prepare for the role, Ryan Gosling enlisted the help of professional pianist and composer, Justin Hurwitz. Hurwitz not only taught Gosling how to play the piano but also composed the film's score. Gosling underwent intensive piano lessons for three months, practicing up to four hours a day.
But learning how to play the piano was not the only challenge Gosling faced. He also had to learn how to play jazz, a genre he was not familiar with. To do this, he traveled to New Orleans and spent time with jazz musicians to get a better understanding of the music and its culture.
The Results
All of Gosling's hard work paid off. His performance in La La Land was praised by audiences and critics alike, and he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Gosling's piano playing was also a standout, with many people not realizing that it was actually him playing the instrument.
But Gosling's dedication to the role went beyond just learning how to play the piano. He also learned how to tap dance for the film and even did some of his own stunts. His commitment to the role truly shone through in the final product.
The Takeaway
Ryan Gosling's dedication to learning how to play the piano for La La Land is a testament to his commitment to his craft. It also shows that with hard work and determination, anyone can learn a new skill. Gosling's performance in La La Land will forever be remembered as one of his most iconic roles and a true showcase of his talent.