Review
JAMIE EAST AT THE MOVIES
A Gagantuan performance: A Star Is Born is an emotional powerhouse
Bradley Cooper makes a sensational directorial debut and Lady Gaga is a revelation
NOT many films get made FOUR times.
But the story of a fading star falling for his rising protegée, and the struggles that come with that transference of fame and power, is a compelling one.
5
A Star Is Born’s simple premise of belief and love proves that little is lost in repeated retelling.
Stepping into Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Janet Gaynor’s shoes isn’t a challenge many people would relish — but Lady Gaga is a revelation.
She is Ally, the down-on-her-luck waitress, while Bradley Cooper is booze-soaked country star Jack.
This unlikely duo undertake an ambitious leap — Cooper makes his directorial debut and the casting of Gaga certainly raised eyebrows.
5
But, oh boy, believe the hype, this is a sensational movie.
Hiding underneath the romance and tragedy is a compelling take on the perils and intricacies of modern-day celebrity.
Cooper presents fame in a subtle way — it must be a daily problem for him and Gaga, the stealth selfie from a supermarket cashier, the inability to have a beer in a bar without it becoming an “event” – that very much brings you on their side. The celebrity’s point of view has never been clearer.
Cooper delivers an astonishing debut. Sure, it’s a straightforward film to direct. But just when you get comfy, he throws in a flourish that makes you sit up a little.
5
And his use of silence in a film predominantly about sound is a neat trick.
How he directs this AND gives an award-worthy performance, when I can’t brush my teeth and read a text message at the same time, is beyond me.
The inclusion of on-stage footage is one of the film’s highlights. Ever wondered what it’s like to play Glastonbury or Coachella?
Promoters Live Nation were involved in the production, and the access gained as a result really drives home the believability.
5
Oh, did I mention that all the singing is live? I mean, come on!
Then we get to Gaga. For a debut, it’s terrifyingly accomplished.
Cooper’s faith in her is repaid ten-fold. She’s on familiar ground performing in front of huge crowds and it’s here you’re pulled slightly back to Earth — I couldn’t see her as anything other than Gaga — but the chemistry during what appears to be largely improvised scenes between her and Cooper is electric.
A furious argument in a bath is one of the film’s highlights. The viciousness and pain caused by alcoholism and jealousy are laid bare in that scene.
5
The film’s turning point at the Grammys is horrifying and painful to watch, but still doesn’t prepare you for what’s left to come.
Forget “basic” romantic drama, this is an emotional powerhouse of a film.
Everyone gives it their all. Sam Elliott and Dave Chappelle are wonderful additions to the cast.
The only character not ringing true is Rafi Gavron as Ally’s Scooter-Braun-a-like manager.
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And the music . . . wow, the music!
The song Shallow, performed by Cooper and Gaga, is the This Is Me for the wine-o-clock generation — a wonderful piece of pop that’ll be a staple of every singing show/karaoke for years to come. Get in on it before it drives you mad.
I can’t recommend this film enough and can’t imagine anyone not being bowled over by it.
Lady Gaga wows in a feathery outfit as she arrives at A Star Is Born Venice premiere with co-star Bradley Cooper
A Star is Born, 136mins (15)
★★★★★