A Star is Born is the fourth version of this specific story about stardom and fame. The first was in the 1930s and centered around an actor. The 1950s one, starring Judy Garland, was about an actress in Hollywood musicals. The 1970s one, starring Barbra Streisand, ejected Hollywood and was about a 70s easy listening songstress (and a rocker). This new version, starring Lady Gaga, is about a pop singer (who happens to sounds like Lady Gaga) and an aging rock/country singer.
All four films follow the same basic formula of an aging star who runs across a young ingenue, takes her under his wing, grooms her for stardom, they fall in love, and his slide into obscurity begins. I watched the previous three movies over the Summer to get ready for the new one so its pretty interesting seeing how fame and stardom changes… and how it stays the same. Call it pop archaeology!
Of the four versions of the film, I think this is easily the best (though Judy Garland or Streisand fans might disagree). This one is co-written, directed, and stars Bradley Cooper as the aging rock/country star and Lady Gaga as the up-and-comer. Like I said above, it’s largely the same story and follows closest to the 70s version. It’s not a note for note (hah!) retelling – they add new characters, remix events, etc. Though the update very much helps as the older version show their age.
If there aren’t at least two acting nominations for best actor and best actress come the Oscars, I’ll be surprised. Both Cooper and Gaga kill it in this flick. Cooper vanishes completely behind his facial hair, the way he carries himself, the way he acts drunk and in love and hate, and in his gravelly voice. Lady Gaga, stripped over her persona as Gaga, is super appealing, honest, and raw. It reveals how much an act her real world persona is and makes her far more approachable and real. Based on this performance, I’d love to see her in other films where she isn’t kind of playing to her innate strengths.
A few supporting actors get the nod too. Sam Elliot is, kind of as usual, just great in his part as Cooper’s older brother. You kind of marvel at what a gem he is… but also at the fine trim of his trademark mustache. Dave Chapelle has a smaller but important part and he’s great. And shockingly, Andrew Frigin’ Dice Clay plays Gaga’s dad and. I. Did. Not. Recognize. Him. He’s playing an older Italian tough guy, Sinatra-loving papa with white hair and I only found out it was him when I got home and read some reviews. Maybe that’s just on me but he was unrecognizable.
Musically, what can I say? Cooper is surprisingly good with his songs, assuming that’s actually him playing and singing. Gaga is, as you might expect, flawless. I mean, hell, we already know she’s good with the pop songs so no surprise there. But still, some of those songs could foreseeably be sung by the stars come Oscar night. They are solid… maybe not the best but really good. And the film takes its time to let them sing… not just Gaga who can do this in her sleep, but Cooper as well.
This is Cooper’s first directing gig and it’s really solid. There’s a great use of visuals, close-ups on faces, eyes, and noses, and a general feel of solid, tight style here. The man – and his cinematographer – knows where to put the camera. That’s the actors doing their thing too, but I was still very surprised by how mature, thoughtful, and romantic the film felt. This is not a cheep YA romance for the teens… these are adults falling in love and its filmed with equal assurance.
If there’s one flaw in the film is that it runs a little too long past its natural conclusion. But this is a problem that all four versions have had… there’s too much tail at the end… though that tail has always been… and is this time as well… an emotional gutpunch. One that hasn’t always had the same effect on me, but maybe that’s because I’m a monster or maybe I just knew it was coming. Who knows? 🙂 It doesn’t hurt the movie too much and I get why it runs that extra bit of time. But, hey, this is still the same movie where, when I first looked at my watch, I was legitimately surprised an hour had passed and I hadn’t realize it. So who cares for length when things are running this smoothly?
This is a really good film. Kind of a perfect remake since it’s been around 40 years since the last one and I bet most people going to see it will not know the old versions. In other words, what’s old is new again and this story can be the definitive version. I’m not sure its worth going back to the older versions for a better telling as they have all aged in their own unique ways. Unless, as I mentioned before, you are a diehard Judy Garland or Streisand fan. But this one shines and should be seen by all.
Score: 90