When was the last time a film’s stars were recorded singing live, rather than lip-syncing? When was the last time a renowned actor-director teamed up with a pop star? When was the last time Warner Bros. approved an actor’s lifelong passion project? When was the last time such a project amassed $75 million worldwide – in its first week?
The answer to all these questions is A Star Is Born, directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Lady Gaga, Cooper, and Sam Elliott. Released just last week on October 5, this film bypasses the traditional Hollywood brouhaha to delve more deeply into inherently flawed characters and the wonderfully soulful, purifying entity that is music.
Chief among the film’s greatest virtues are its story, emotional resonance, and jaw-dropping soundtrack. The film chronicles the struggle of Jackson Maine (played by Bradley Cooper), a skilled rock-and-roll-meets-country musician. Jackson, an alcoholic and drug addict, meets Ally (Lady Gaga), a cook by day and bar singer by night. Ally’s booming voice and elegant allure – Lady Gaga oozes stardom and showmanship from the film’s onset, even in spite of her character’s humble beginnings – soon captivate and inspire Jackson. Subsequently, Ally joins Jackson in concert and the two set off on tour.
Cooper and Lady Gaga.
From an audience’s standpoint, the film is incredibly engaging in that it reconciles themes of addiction, love, and the price of stardom. As Ally rises to prominence, she must learn to synthesize life as a celebrity with her family life with Jackson. The sincerity and authenticity of Cooper and Lady Gaga’s performances are sensational, and even the casual viewer will feel chills upon several occasions.
In the end, the three clear pillars of the film’s soundtrack are original songs “Shallow,” “I’ll Never Love Again,” and “Maybe It’s Time“. In these songs and others, the film’s original lyrics and performances are incredibly emotional. In addition, from a cinematic and directorial standpoint, its intimate, close-up filming style is extremely effective in relating the characters directly to the audience.
Supporting roles are also essential to A Star Is Born, and low-voiced southerner, Sam Elliott – recognizable as the narrator from RAM truck commercials and Coors Light ads – delivers as Jackson’s long-tenured manager. In the film, Elliott combines his signature bass with substantive, at times vulnerable acting, proving himself a powerful counterpart to Cooper’s singer. Anthony Ramos also shines in a minor role as Ally’s best friend and coworker, Ramon, remaining humorously on par with screen mainstays Cooper and Lady Gaga.
Cooper, Lady Gaga, and Elliott.
Overall, a fantastic script, excellent directorial choices on Cooper’s part, and an otherworldly soundtrack propel A Star Is Born to a new level of cinematic glory. Though the film is rated “R” for “language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse” (Motion Picture Association of America), it strays from the conventional, large-budget, action-packed box office breakers of present Hollywood tradition. Readers beware: no spoilers here, but be sure to bring Kleenexes…
While A Star Is Born is, at its core, a remake of its 1976 predecessor starring Barbara Streisand, it does not feel as such and is wholly original. This is an absolutely excellent film that, thanks to its original soundtrack, Bradley Cooper, and Lady Gaga, not only succeeds, but thrives. If A Star Is Born is not present at the Academy Awards, I have no idea what film could be.
*See behind-the-scenes footage here.
Image Credits (in order of appearance):
1.) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517451/
2.) See below-
Oscar Voters Are Sure to Go Gaga for Bradley Cooper’s ‘A Star Is Born’