"I was never exactly a huge musical theatre fan," admits Paul Cuttler - a shocking revelation from the star of the soon-to-be-classic La La Land, a groundbreaking new musical film which won raves across the board for its recent premiere at the Venice Film Festival. "Sophie [Caldwell, the film's costar] knows everything about everything, she's always singing something from a show. I was always more into movies - I'd watch all the classics growing up, so you'd get some Fred and Ginger in there, some Gene Kelly. But as far as big stereotypical showtunes, I mostly knew the stuff we did at school every year, and I only did them because they were all there was to do. I didn't love singing or dancing or any of that. I just wanted to be onstage."

But he did grow up playing the piano, a skill he displays onscreen as Sebastian, an aspiring jazz musician. "That was all my mother, she encouraged me to develop all sorts of hobbies. I think she was afraid I'd grow up to be a one-dimensional meathead," he laughs. "But jazz piano's a whole different beast. It's like speaking French and thinking you know Spanish. I had to learn to play all over again."

It paid off, though, in what Cuttler calls the most rewarding role of his career. "Not to speak ill of anything I've done," he's quick to point out. "I'm immensely proud of my work, and I don't do things I don't want to do. But [La La Land] challenged me in ways I'd never been challenged before. Damien [Chazelle, the film's writer/director] pushed me in ways I'd never been pushed, and I think it shows. I think it paid off. I can't wait for everyone to see it."

Unfortunately, it won't be until December that the film is released worldwide. Until then, check out Cuttler's favorite movie musical moments (that aren't from La La Land) below:

1. Singin' in the Rain - "Make 'Em Laugh"

When I was four, there was nothing funnier than Donald O'Connor crashing through a wall. Thirty years later, still not much competes.

2. Royal Wedding - "You're All the World to Me"

If you can tell me this doesn't bring you joy, I don't know what to do with you.

3. Moulin Rouge! - "Your Song"

Nicole Kidman at her hottest is enough to turn anyone into a hopeless romantic, if only for 130 minutes. Moulin Rouge! is embarrassing with spectacular visuals, but there's a moment in this scene that reminds me of one of my favorite sequences in La La Land. (You didn't think I'd get through this entire list without throwing it in at least once, did you?)

4. Ferris Bueller's Day Off - "Danke Schoen / Twist And Shout"

This isn't a musical (yet - it's only a matter of time before someone tries), but it's still one of the most iconic musical moments in movie history. How could I leave it out?

5. Whiplash - Andrew's drum solo

Yeah, I know, but it stands. The top comment for this video on YouTube reads, "The cinematography in this scene gives me the biggest boner oh my god." I know you're never supposed to read the comments, but I'd say this one's pretty accurate.

Honorary mention: Manhattan - "Rhapsody In Blue"

Has there ever been a more perfect soundtrack for a film? Not just the perfect soundtrack, but the perfect soundtrack for that particular film. I don't know if anyone who's seen Manhattan can listen to this song without thinking about the opening sequence.

Required viewing: Les Parapluies de Cherbourg

Has there ever been a more spectacular vision onscreen? [Jacques] Demy's an obvious influence on Damien [Chazelle]. There would be no La La Land without him - or maybe there would be, but it might be a little bit less glorious.