Actor
Bradley Cooper makes a strong directorial debut with his remake of the classic
Hollywood story, A Star Is Born. Not
only does he star and co-write the screenplay, but proves an adept singer/songwriter.
Jackson Maine (Cooper), a superstar singer, discovers Ally (Lady Gaga), a talented
singer/writer who languishes in obscurity under superficial makeup until Jack
looks deep in her soul. When the recording industry takes notice
and grooms her for stardom, Jack’s personal, family demons catch up to him and
drag him to an alcoholic spiral much to Ally’s embarrassment as she celebrates success
and accolades. Through their struggles and
pain, all that remains is their bond of love.
Early
on, you can tell this film is directed with a sure hand, and it actually
elevates to another level in the second half.
Ironically it was slated for director Clint Eastwood, whose collaboration
on American Sniper may have
benefitted Cooper. Nothing feels phony or forced here, and the sharp screenplay
depicts the price of fame and the anguish of addiction and rehab.
The
performances are authentic; Gaga convincingly embodies a yearning artist with
vulnerability and strength, and her
musical moments particularly in the finale are standouts. Cooper,
a pretty good singer in his own right (who knew?), gives one of his best
displays of acting. Sam Elliott has
his best role in years as Jack’s older brother.
Major Oscar
nominations are likely (especially
director Cooper and actress Gaga), and the question is not if it will win Best Song,
but rather how many songs will get nominated. With actors Ben Affleck and John
Krasinski becoming legitimate directors, Cooper
joins their ranks with this labor of love, a bona fide hit.
***1/2
of **** stars (add ½ * for Cooper and Gaga fans)
