Genre: Drama
Runtime: 136 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, Greg Grunberg
Description: Musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) helps young singer Ally (Lady Gaga) find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
Review: Originality is hard to find in Hollywood these days. With “A Star is Born” director and actor Bradley Cooper does the third remake of the film from 1937. And surprisingly enough he gives it his own twist. His directorial debut is beautiful, well-balanced and modern. And many of that is thanks to Lady Gaga, who really shines in her first leading role.
“A Star is Born” follows two musicians: Jackson Maine and Ally. Jackson, Jack for short, is a successful country singer struggling with an alcohol and drug addiction. After each show, all he wants is a bottle of booze. When one night he makes a stop at a bar, he sees Ally perform. Jack is impressed by her immediately and wants to meet her. Jack sees more in her and after a night together, he invites her to one of his shows. Ally says no at first, because she is working as a waitress, but eventually goes. And Jack takes advantage of the opportunity and invites her onto his stage to sing with him. With success, because Jack wants Ally to tour with him. The start of a career and a sweet romance.
Cooper and Gaga have great chemistry, that is present the entire film and it feel authentic and real. The intense bond between the two is believable from the start. And the fact that Ally supports Jack no matter what, can only be credible if the two really connect. And they do. It’s also visible when the two sing together.
Cooper has the difficult task to play a convincing drunk and it’s a role that can easily get comical or cartoonish. Cooper does a fantastic job, one of his best performances to date.
“A Star is Born” basically tells the story of the rise and fall of musicians. When Ally is rising and gets her big break as a pop star, Jack is getting worse and his career suffers. The question is if Jack really awards Ally’s success and that’s what makes this film more than just a story about a musician experiencing success. And even halfway through the film, when you think the message should be clear and your questioning the length of the film, the story hasn’t completely been told.
The music is really good and the moments between Jack and Ally are the best. Even though it’s a remake, the film stands out because of the strong performances, relevant story and great music.
Rating: 5/ 5
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