Directed by Bradley Cooper
Starring Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, & Sam Elliot
This is the time of year when studios start releasing the films they believe can win Oscar Gold, and achieve awards season glory. These are the films you'll be hearing audiences and critics talk a lot about for the next few months. One of those films is sure to be A Star Is Born.
The third remake of the 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor, A Star Is Born tells a timeless tale anew that is sure to leave a lasting emotional impression on a new generation of movie-theater audiences.
The film tells the story of Jackson Maine (Cooper, also in his directorial debut) a famous country singer battling tinnitus, as well as drug and alcohol addiction. While on tour, Jack drops into a drag-bar for a drink, where he discovers waitress and singer-songwriter Ally (Gaga). They soon strike up a relationship, and at one concert Jack brings her on stage to sing with him. From there her star starts to rise, while Jack's starts to fall…
The film does a wonderful job illustrating the themes of fame and the affects it has not just on a person, but their loved ones and their own creative aspirations. Like I said before, it's a timeless message, and you can understand why this film has been remade over and over. I've never seen the other versions of A Star Is Born, but this story is beautifully, masterfully told.
Part of that lies in the undeniable chemistry between our two leads. Bradley Cooper has always been one of my favorite actors, and it's nice to see him back on the screen, and not just hearing his voice come out of Rocket Raccoon. As far as a directorial debut, he knocks it out of the park. He has a great understanding of how to to bring a story to life through the camera. As far as acting, this is probably one of his greatest performances. It is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
What more can be said about Lady Gaga? She is amazing. Her performance is incredible. Obviously we all knew she can sing, but as Ally she is clever and passionate, commanding every moment she's on screen. Together, her and Cooper make a wonderful pair. You feel the love their characters have for each other, the pain that they go through, and the joy that they share in.
Legendary Sam Elliot plays a Jack's older brother/manager Bobby. He is both loving and stern in this supporting role while maintaining his iconic suaveness. Andrew Dice Clay is literally unrecognizable as Ally's father, and adds some nice little moments of levity. Dave Chapelle makes a brief appearance as an old friend of Jack's. It's not a major part of the film, but it's a poignant performance.
This is a musical so we got to talk about some of the music. It's awesome. You won't be walking out of the theater humming a lot of these songs but they will definitely leave an impact. "Shallow" is definitely the best of the songs, followed closely by the final number, where Gaga brings down the house. Again, we all knew Lady Gaga can sing like nobody's business, but Cooper is also a great singer in his own right.
Expect A Star Is Born to bring home plenty of trophies in the coming months, most likely for Gaga and Cooper. It is easily one of the best films of the year. A resonating tale of fame, love, and sacrifice, brought to life by two of (in my opinion) the most talented artists working in Hollywood right now. Even though it's the fourth version of A Star Is Born, the response it has has gotten makes it hard to believe anyone will attempt a fifth for the foreseeable future. One might say, this film's star isn't going to fade anytime soon…
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