"But as Maguire was an executive producer on the film (and it likely wasn't just a vanity title as he probably got his fellow Pxssy Posse members Lukas Haas and Supee cast in it) it would be hard to argue that his role should be decimated. That part of the film was my only complaint in what is otherwise, IMO, a masterpiece."

This has made me dislike this part of the film far more. Hmmm.

"A lot of people walked away from the industry due to slights. I had no problem with that. We saw that he was still doing what he loved. I don't think it was necessary to follow him after he quit."

Copied from a response above, but in regards to Sidney. I take the point of Sidney leaving and thats it and I agree with it. But, maybe its a personal thing. I found that scene alongside other scenes where 'racism isn't a thing' to be a little jarring. It makes me ask why the scene was put in in the first place. Sidney morals could have been challenged other ways. The same thing would have played out.

My main issue isn't that he gets up and leaves its that the scene starts bordering on shock for shocks sake. Thats a personal taste angle. I just think if that is going to be shown in all its ugly power it needs to do more than be for him quitting. Imo.

"Why does he need to learn anything? There are people who go through their entire lives not learning a "lesson".

We see how Manny who turned his back on his family to ensconce himself on the periphery of the film industry, soared to the top, and then had to retreat where he finally became a devoted family man."

You kinda answered your own question here. I like your point about his family it does go full circle and attention was drawn to the fact he did neglect his family while in the industry. I did miss this but I remember the scene. But, Why do they need to learn anything? Cos its one of the many things that make stories work. A characters journey for journeys sake feels flat. I think Manny's journey would have hit waaay harder if he quit Hollywood under his own steam for something he realised. Not because bully maguire was after him. It would have made his return and appreciation 'more' powerful.

"To me it's enough that Manny had enough distance to once again be a spectator to the spectacle of film and to find that beauty and appreciation he had for it which made him want to be in the industry in the first place. There he was surrounded by the audience -a disparate group of people - just as he was surrounded by a disparate group of people in the film industry. Much like then, they were all there at once basking in the joy of cinema."

Yes I like this and your response has helped tons. However I still feel that pan across the audience was extremely ham fisted. No matter who you are and where you came from the power of movies can bring us together in appreciation of the art. Yes. 100% agree. High five Chazelle. Except it felt very forced, obvious. Maybe a personal taste thing again. .... it was almost as if near the end the movie lost subtlety in an attempt at getting an Oscar.

Also. Thanks for the responses. They were appreciated.