WHAT'S IT ABOUT? When a successful musician discovers a young singer, the two find themselves falling for each other in a complicated romantic relationship. Yet as she begins to find success in the music world, alcoholism and his own personal failings begin to send him on the road to self destruction.
WHO'S IN IT? Bradley Cooper (AMERICAN SNIPER), Lady Gaga (American Horror Story), Sam Elliott (THE BIG LEBOWSKI), Greg Grunberg (STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS), Andrew Dice Clay (BLUE JASMINE) and Dave Chappelle (HALF BAKED).
WHO MADE IT? Directed by Bradley Cooper who also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth and Will Fetters, based on the the 1954 screenplay by Moss Hart, as well as the 1976 screenplay by John Gregory Dunne, Joan Didion and Frank Pierson. The original story is written by William A. Wellman and Robert Carson.
WHY IT'S ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF 2018: Well folks, it's time for the romance! The first time that I saw the trailer for A STAR IS BORN, I was surprisingly excited for the film. Until then, the idea of doing yet another remake of this story wasn’t something I thought I’d have any real interest in. And then I saw it. The Bradley Cooper directed musical drama hit me harder than I could have ever imagined. Instead of the schlocky romance that fueled the 1976 version starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, Cooper, Roth and Fetters went an entirely different direction. This modern take on a classic story is gritty, loud and even a bit rude and crude when necessary. It was easy for this viewer to connect to the intense relationship between Ally (Lady Gaga) and Jack (Cooper).
As a music fan, it was impossible to not give in to the incredible soundtrack that came with it. And who knew that Cooper could sing and play like he does here? That said, when Ally takes the stage for the first time and ‘Shallow’ hits, it is pure beauty. It also helps that the music works so beautifully with the sad nature of Jack’s addiction, and Ally’s desperation to hold on to him. Instead of creating a sappy love story with sentimental songs about love and loss, this modern take offers a fairly honest look at how alcoholism and drug addiction can affect loved ones. As well, it is an fascinating look inside the music industry and how Ally is constantly at odds with a hotshot manager (Rafi Gavron) and her own blossoming career.
When it comes to on-screen chemistry, both Cooper and Gaga create sparks together. Having only seen Lady Gaga on American Horror Story, I had no idea that she could bring such honesty and heart to Ally. The two create one of the most dynamic movie romances in years. Whether on-stage or off, the two are electrifying together. And the way that Cooper and cinematographer Matthew Libatique bring their personas to life on stage is pure magic. Much like this year’s BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, A STAR IS BORN creates some brilliantly staged live performances. Some have complained about this being a bit predictable, but that's what happens when you remake a very popular love story. Ultimately, it is the way this classic tale is told, and the journey that it takes. This is a fantastic movie. It is emotional and raw, yet the music is alive and gorgeous. Frankly, I loved every minute of it.
BEST SCENE: There are countless moments in A STAR IS BORN that stand out. However, it is impossible to not single out the very first time Ally and Jack perform together. The way Lady Gaga belts out the incredible ‘Shallow’ is one of my favorite movie moments of the year. Her fear, anxiety and genuine excitement to perform is astounding. At one point, she covers her eyes as the shock of playing in front of a massive audience comes crashing in and she ultimately embraces it. Considering Lady Gaga is used to playing for huge crowds, she brilliantly brings that memory of playing in front of an audience for the first time to life here.
"It’s been kind of shocking and amazing to watch people latch onto that song so much because it’s, I feel for me as an artist, one of the most authentic things I’ve written…" Lady Gaga speaking with Variety
BEST LINES:
Bobby: Jack talked about how music is essentially twelve notes between any octave. Twelve notes and the octave repeats. It's the same story told over and over, forever. All any artist can offer the world is how they see those twelve notes. That's it. He loved how you see them.
Jack: Hey!
Ally: What?
Jack: I just wanted to take another look at you.
Jack: Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it so that people listen to it, that's a whole other bag. And unless you get out and you try to do it, you'll never know. That's just the truth. And there's one reason we're supposed to be here is to say something so people want to hear. So you got to grab it, and you don't apologize, and you don't worry about why they're listening, or how long they're going to be listening for, you just tell them what you want to say. Don't you understand what I'm trying to tell you?
Ally: Yeah, I do. I don't like it, but I understand it.
Jack: Oh, I think you like it a little bit.
Jack: Maybe its time to let the old ways die.
Ally: [singing] Tell me something, boy. Aren't you tired trying to fill that void? Or do you need more? Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?
Jack: Is that me?
Ally: That's you.
Jack: Did you just write that now?
Ally: Yeah.
Jack: Pretty good.
Jack: Can I tell you a secret? I think you might be a songwriter. And don't worry, I won't tell anybody. But I'm not very good at keeping secrets.
Ally: You know, what I'd like is for my boyfriend to love me. Actually, for my husband to love me.
Jack: Yeah, who's your f*cking boyfriend? You got a boyfriend?
Ally: Yeah, I've got a boyfriend.
Jack: That hurts, calling me your f*cking boyfriend.
Ally: You're my boyfriend if you don't treat me like your wife.
Ally: Why don't you have another drink? And we can just get f*cking drunk until we f*ckin’ disappear, okay? Hey! Do you got those pills in your pocket?
Jack: You're just f*ckin’ ugly, that's all.
Ally: Hey, you got – I'm what?
Jack: You're just f*ckin’ ugly.
Ally: Get the f*ck out! Get out! I said get out!
NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCE(S): This is one of those flicks that features a ton of terrific performances. Firstly, Lady Gaga is exceptional here with her beautifully fierce, yet vulnerable work as Ally. We already knew she could sing, but she really shines bright here. As for Cooper, it is beyond impressive how much he truly feels like the real thing when it comes to a musician dealing with addiction. Both shine very bright. And while I need to give special mention to both Andrew Dice Clay and Dave Chappelle, both of whom add wonderful support, it is impossible to deny just how astonishing Sam Elliott is. While it is certainly no surprise that he is so good, he really creates one of the most sympathetic characters of his career.
"Anything that any artist does, I believe, is inspired by something they’ve seen, because that’s something that we do. We look at the world, we soak it up, and then we create and say something that we want to say because of it. Everybody from Tom Waits to Mozart has inspired Jackson Maine." Bradley Cooper speaking with Entertainment Weekly
REWATCH-O-METER: Generally this kind of tragic romance wouldn’t have much of a re-watch factor, yet the music and the stunning chemistry of Cooper and Gaga make for an easy second and third viewing. While it may not be the type of blockbuster that some fans will watch over and over, it certainly holds up much better than you’d expect. When it comes to putting this one on again… and again… it will likely be when the mood strikes. Which for me will be pretty damn often.