A Star is Born

A Star is Born is a rarely well made remake that delivers an affecting and effective new take on a tragic love story as Bradley Cooper makes a 4th reiteration of the classic and  manages to put a fresh spin on a Hollywood fable thanks to captivating visuals, chemistry, and performances. In this new take on the tragic love story, seasoned musician Jackson Maine, played by Bradley Cooper, discovers—and falls in love with—struggling artist Ally, Lady Gaga. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer… until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.

Cooper’s directorial debut is a soulfully satisfying love story that straddles the line between mainstream and Oscar-contender. The movie features live performances that reminded us why we all wanted to be rock stars at when we were young. Shot at real festivals like the Coachella and Glastonbury, there is a lived-in and immersive vibe to the film that shows the scale and impact of being famous. When Ally belts the chorus of her song for the first time on stage, the movie erupts with a geyser of feeling. Cooper keeps the camera on her face, showing us that transformative moment of uncertainty to triumphant conviction. The on screen crowd responds and so did many in the audience in the screening – that cathartic magic that can only come from the power of cinema. It’s this intimate kind of filmmaking that makes A Star is Born a must see on the big screen.

Gaga manages to make you forget about her larger than life persona and delivers a convincing, unassuming yet special dive-bar singer. And even when Ally manages to get it all, the down-to-earth restless woman is still there - it's hard not to root for her. In fact, I've been outspoken about my disinterest in Gaga and how I felt her acting (American Horror Story) was a hobby that too many people had invested in. Yet, I walked away surprised, moved and behind her 100% of the way. This is Gaga’s first lead role in a feature film and she kills it in a natural, experienced actress kind of way. If you aren’t a Little Monster by now, this film will convert you. I now realise her previous acting was misplaced (or rather miscast) in the wrong roles. What it took was a well rounded character, wonderfully written with depth, edge and grit to really bring Gaga's acting abilities into the golden glow of a potential Oscar. Yes, I think this film will be heavily nominated based on critic and audience reception so far and I think she will be the main recipient. 

Cooper has never been better onscreen. He’s one of the biggest stars in the world, but when you watch him in A Star Is Born, you don’t think you’re watching Bradley Cooper. You’re watching Jackson Maine. He melts into the trouble rockstar role seamlessly. He anchors the entire film from start to finish. As someone who was a newcomer to the guitar and singing, Bradley could easily be a rockstar if he wanted. Cooper, whose screen persona can so often be bland and unchallenging, makes precisely this conservative tendency work for him in the role. He is so sad you want to hug him.

I would’ve never thought that Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper could be paired in a feature together, but their chemistry is amazing. When they are on screen together they are electrifying, especially when they play music together. The same can be said whenever there are interactions with the supporting cast. Andrew Dice Clay as Ally’s father is great and surprisingly charming. Dave Chappelle is great as he delivers an amazing monologue, and so is Anthony Ramos as Ally’s best friend. Sam Elliott as Jackson’s brother was incredible in this film. Some other appearances (Alec Baldwin) were bizarre to me but I guess they fit into the Hollywood/Entertainment Industry world that is being portrayed.

A Star Is Born will likely go far during awards season. It has all of the elements of an Oscar contender – a beautifully crafted melodrama about the entertainment industry. It’s not a stretch to expect that most audiences will love this film and the chemistry between Gaga and Cooper. You’re in good hands technically and aesthetically with this remake of A Star Is Born, but brace yourself for heartbreak.