A Star Is Born
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle
Directed by: Bradley Cooper
Rated: R
As the credits began to roll and the lights came on after the emotional ending of A Star is Born, I was speechless. A stillness passed through the theater and there wasn't a dry eye in the crowded room. At that moment I knew, an Oscar winning film was born.
To say Hollywood gravitates to this tragic story would be an understatement. A Star is Bornwas originally made in 1937 with Janet Gaynor then remade in 1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason. It was made again in 1976 with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. It may seem like there was no way to tell this story again, but you'd be wrong. Bradley Cooper (who stars and directs the film) updates the story and brings a completely fresh quality to it. It feels as if it’s an entirely new film. This adaption follows Ally, a waitress who dreams of becoming a singer. She meets famous musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) in a chance encounter and the two bond through their love for music. As Jackson battles with addiction, Ally's career begins to take off.
This is Bradley Cooper's directorial debut, but it looks like he's been doing this for years. The very first scene is absolutely electric as the audience is introduced to Jackson's character at his concert. It feels as if we're a fan in attendance with the impressive camerawork and sound design. I have to applaud Cooper and cinematographer Matthew Libatique for making every musical scene feel so up close and personal. There are parts of this film that feel like you're watching a major concert documentary. Several scenes were filmed during Coachella, Glastonbury, and Lady Gaga concerts. It's a major feat that doesn't go unrecognized. The framing of each scene is brilliant. Cooper utilizes tracking shots and close ups to give the audience a closer look at the central characters. By using these camera techniques, it’s as if we can feel exactly what they’re feeling.
Quick question: when can I go to a Bradley Cooper concert? All of the sudden he's directing and singing like it's no big deal. I would legitimately pay to see him in concert because he's that good. Please remember this is the same man who starred in I Want To Marry Ryan Banks on Lifetime in 2004. Now he's about to sweep the Oscars (if there's any justice in the Academy.) Cooper's performance as Jackson Maine is transformative. He has completely changed his voice and mannerisms to become the gravel-voiced rocker. Although Jackson seems rough-around-the-edges, Cooper plays the character in a very sympathetic way. Through details of his past, we learn about the complexities of his life. It's noteworthy that he portrays the horrors of addiction and depression so well. I don't want to give away too many details because it's such a major plot point, but Jackson is a drug addict and alcoholic who copes with the difficulties of fame through self medicating. This leads to many moments that are both painful, but very realistic to watch.
Lady Gaga proves herself as a true movie star with her performance as Ally. She goes from a waitress who sings as a side gig to a woman who commands the stage. Gaga portrays these different stages of Ally's life brilliantly. In each act of the film, you can see her become more comfortable with the audience. Her musical sequences are spine chilling. If there’s anyone who doubts her talent as an artist, I encourage you to see this and have your mind changed. She has so many big moments, but there is one in particular that I think will secure her an Oscar. It’s a Whitney Houston-esque power ballad and the scene itself is very reminiscent of Barbara Streisand’s “My Man” from Funny Girl. It’s an unforgettable moment that will leave you emotional.
There are so many scenes I could reference where Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper have incredible chemistry. This helps make the core story so great. With each passing scene, their chemistry feels raw and natural which helps to make the central love story very believable. Throughout the course of the film, Ally's career moves in a separate direction as Jackson. His career sees a decline while her star is on the rise. Can a fading star still burn while another rises?
The music in this movie. Can we talk about the music? Because it's all I'm going to be listening to the rest of the year. Every song helps enrich the story that we're watching. Jackson's songs tend to be more depressive and dark, reflecting his state of mind. Ally's songs are more upbeat, reflecting her fresh energy in the music scene. Their duets bring together the best of their musical abilities and reflect their love. Their duet of "Shallow" is a true cinematic moment that's my favorite film scene of the year. Once Ally becomes a pop star, her songs take a dip in quality, reflecting the music industry's treatment of women. Each song tells a story that helps explore the broader picture of the film.
A Star is Born is an emotional and electrifying musical that tells a harrowing story about the rise and fall of fame. Bradley Cooper shows his impressive skills as an acting, directing, and singing triple threat while Lady Gaga shines as a true movie star. The film brings together the best in direction, acting, and music.
My Rating: 10/10