A Star Is Born (2018)
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
The William A. Wellman and Robert Carson classic Hollywood love story “A Star Is Born” has been retold time and time again. Whether it’s the 1932 precursor “What Price, Hollywood,” with Constance Bennett, the 1937 original with Janet Gaynor and Frederic March, the 1954 musical with Judy Garland and James Mason, or the 1976 rock-&-roll version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, the story seems to resonate with generations of movie-goers.
The 2018 version co-written and directed by Bradley Cooper once again forgoes the Hollywood story for another look at ascending and descending stardom in the world of music, but with a twist. Jackson Maine (Cooper) is a country/rock superstar dealing with the pressures of touring by drinking heavily and consuming prescription pills because of a hearing problem.
One night, he goes to a random bar where he sees a young woman named Ally (Lady Gaga) perform a burlesque routine. He’s so impressed with her singing that he offers her a spot for an upcoming concert. At first she refuses because of her waitressing job, which she needs in order to take care of her father Lorenzo (Andrew Dice Clay), but after her father encourages her, she accepts.
Once on stage, she sings one of her original songs with Jackson, and it makes her an overnight sensation. She continues to tour with the band while gaining adoring fans and a husband in Jackson, until a record company executive invites her to record an album. Soon enough, she starts to become a rising superstar, performing live in her own tour and on TV.
While that’s happening, Jackson spirals into an alcoholic depression that’s affected both his career and his relationships with loved ones, including his manager brother Bobby (Sam Elliot). But his love for Ally seems strong enough to overcome those emotional obstacles.
As anyone would expect, this movie follows some of the same beats as the previous versions, despite the lack of Hollywood setting. In fact, it seems to be more of a remake of the 1976 version, but with an added value of the music industry more in charge of careers than actual music.
More than that, it’s head and shoulders above the previous version with its love story, thanks to the more committed chemistry between the two leads. In terms of the rock-&-roll love story, this version is easily superior. The best thing this remake has going for it is the soundtrack, which is filled with amazing songs that combine pop, rock and country that will fill anyone’s ears with amazing clarity.
Cooper did do some singing and can rock a guitar like any classic rock guitarist can do. When he and Lady Gaga perform together, it’s a beautiful collision of pop and rock with a dab of romance. Gaga also shines in her ballads, which will leave even jaded viewers in tears. As both star, co-writer, and director, Cooper easily juggles those different hats with precision, proving he’s not just another Hollywood pretty boy. In some scenes, he delivers an emotional performance without any dialogue, and does an amazing job.
Gaga is equally fantastic using both her singing and natural acting to her fullest. She has come a long way from her outrageous pop star persona, and it’s here that she became a big star in her own right. All the other actors are great especially Dave Chappelle popping up as one of Jackson’s friends.
No matter which version you prefer, this version of “A Star Is Born” is sure to be a beloved classic for the new generation.
It’s very well put together with great writing, wonderful music, and astounding acting. This is sure to be a winner in every major awards category.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity, and substance abuse)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
