Does the world
really need a fourth iteration of “A Star is Born?” Yes, because
I watched clips of the three earlier films and they all looked god
awful. Especially the one with Babs. Ok fine, the world doesn’t
really need another cliched story about the hopes and dreams
of an aspiring music star. But if you’re going to do it, at least
do it right and Bradly Cooper’s brilliant directorial debut does
just that. I sort of dreaded seeing Lady Gaga’s major feature film
debut because even though I’m a fan, her acting on “American
Horror Story” wasn’t great and her smaller film roles, like
“Machete Kills,” gave her little room to make an actual
impression. But she is simply sensational in “A Star is Born;”
the film is an emotional roller coaster filled with fantastic
performances, inspired music sequences, and an arresting sense of
realism. The film's emotional pull is unobtrusive but relentless.
Nothing in “A Star
is Born” is truly groundbreaking. It’s sort of a well worn story
about fame and stardom but it’s impeccably crafted. Lady Gaga is
Ally who is a waitress by day and drag bar performer by night.
Bradley Cooper is Jack, a drunken fictional rock star whose stardom
appears to be fading fast. Fate bring him into Ally’s drag bar
where he “discovers” her. They hang out, talk, sing a little and
we witness the sparks of some of the most impressive onscreen
chemistry I’ve ever seen in a film. The gruff Jack is smitten with
the appealing young woman and before she knows it he’s dragging her
onstage to sing a duet. This is one of the film’s most engaging
scenes. I got extremely choked up watching Ally’s impressive debut
and Gaga and Cooper’s rendition of the original song “Shallows”
is emotionally fulfilling. You’re literally watching a star being
born.
The film isn’t
supposed to be the story of Lady Gaga’s life but it’s hard to not
make comparisons to what we’ve seen and heard about the singer. The
film’s script (by Eric Roth, Will Fetters and Cooper) takes the
usual turns: Ally becomes a pop sensation while Jack continues to
drown himself in booze. There’s not real shocking revelations or
crazy turns but the film wins you over with its impressive
performances from its leads and supporting players. Andrew Dice Clay
has some really sweet moments as Ally’s single dad and Sam Elliott
is affecting as Jack’s equally gruff older brother. The film’s
original songs are also impressive and the leads' vocals are on point.
Cooper’s direction
here is pretty astonishing (as is his introverted, grizzled
performance). The handheld camerawork never feels forced, the
chemistry between the cast is dynamite, and the actors have never
been better. I’m always flabbergasted by the performances that
come out of a film directed by someone who is also an actor. It’s
no surprise that I was all in on the story of Jack and Ally and the
wrenching drama they both go through. The film doesn’t exactly have
the happiest of endings but the film is filled with enough heart and
humor that we don’t feel bogged down but the darker elements. I’ll
admit, I went a little gaga for this one. GRADE: A
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