A Star Is Born | Film Review

A Star is Born is an exceptional piece of art which moves its audience with its raw portrayal of addiction, passion, and love. It’s one that seeks to foster understanding and emote innumerable reactions to the content at hand.

In this latest iteration of the perpetually remade story, star musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) meets and quickly falls for the up-and-coming Ally (Lady Gaga) after they meet at a drag bar. With money at his disposal, and a refreshing demeanor his family once thought lost, Jackson sets out to take the effortlessly talented Ally on the road with him. Her brilliance on stage heightens and puts her in the position of legitimate fame.

Blossoming into full-blown love, their relationship must learn to overcome the newfound celebrity, changes, and problems on the metaphorical road. It’s clear that Jackson Maine hasn’t been as happy as he is when he’s with Ally, but no amount of love alone can shift an addict away from their alcohol or drug choice. Ally is the optimistic and loving partner who can’t seem to walk away or give up on someone she sincerely cares about.

Bradley Cooper makes a stunning directorial debut, shining in nearly every aspect. Cooper captures the essence of the characters with their on-screen choices, often making us feel as though we are in the same intimate moment that Jackson and Ally are experiencing. This feeling can sometimes be overwhelming, particularly when our characters must face the troubling turmoil from addiction.

When Ally and Jackson are front-and-center on stage, the camera’s movement and positioning helps us to feel like we are going backstage with them. It’s a powerful sensation, especially for those who are big fans of live music. The very miniscule drawbacks from the film happen to fall within screenwriting choices; ones that aren’t necessary to furthering the story where it was intended to land. One catalytic event in particular seemed incredibly daunting and superfluous, actually removing some of the command the effected scene would have had on its own.

In terms of casting, Cooper assembles what seems an eclectic band-of-brothers at first glance, yet prove to be damn near inspired choices by the closing credits. Master jokester Dave Chappelle dials his retorts down to barely a hum as Jackson’s supportive best friend; Sam Elliott’s graveled, fiery charm seethes in both contempt and compassion as Jackson’s brother; and Andrew Dice Clay – yes, THAT Dice Clay – drops the showboating and embraces the role of Ally’s aging father in a way long-time fans will even see as a revelation. Bradley Cooper took several bold chances with his first supporting cast, and it paid off in spades.

With that said, this film would not be anything near what it is without the dominating performances from Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The two have a natural born chemistry that no amount of acting could truly replicate authentically. Their enactments rightly solidify that they were made for their respectful roles and really put paper to screen in terms of the humanity and passion they deliver to audiences.

Cooper gleams as Jackson, and you can see how much effort he’s put into making his character work. He makes Jackson’s alcoholism feel very real and suffocating to those who have been through it as the support system for an addict. He is, however, completely outshined by Lady Gaga, who steals the show with her jaw-dropping voice (yes, I’m a little monster, but she’s extremely talented) and break-out film performance as an actress. Whether it’s their music or individual moments, each actor delivers the performance of their respective careers.

Little needed to be worked on with A Star Is Born, which is magical for a director’s debut. The casting, directing, and story all work together very seamlessly. It comes across very organic and raw, making for a unique experience for everyone. By the final reel, A Star Is Born will have you leaving the theatre clenching your tissues, kissing your partner, and blasting that radio to an uncomfortable decibel.

You will also remember this as the moment Lady Gaga’s acting career was born.