I didn't go into this movie thinking "it's gonna be bad." I went into this movie knowing that this very story has been told 3 other times, so there is no way it could be done wrong. I also made sure I entered the theater knowing absolutely NOTHING so I could absorb as much of the story as possible. Now let me tell you.. many emotions coursed through me while seeing this film and it took me about an hour after the film to fully digest what I saw, and what I saw was film at its finest. Let's jump into what this movie is all about.. no spoilers of course.
A Star Is Born stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga as they start a relationship in the music industry. Jackson Maine, played by Cooper, is an alcoholic folk/country singer who's life is consumed by the effects of alcohol and drug abuse. Ally, played by Gaga, is a server-by-day, performer-in-a-drag-bar-by-night trying to make her voice heard. Jack and Ally eventually meet, start a relationship, and go through the hardships of having a relationship in the industry whilst adding alcohol, drugs, jealousy, pride, and a bunch of other emotions that make their life a little bit more difficult to maintain together. This is Bradley Cooper's directorial debut, as well as Lady Gaga's first major role in a motion picture. The film also stars Anthony Ramos, Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, and many more talented artists.
Obviously Lady Gaga is easy to convince an audience she can sing. No doubt about it, Gaga has one of the best voices in our generation. I had seen Gaga show off her acting chops when she played the role of The Countess in American Horror Story: Hotel. Now if THAT didn't convince you Gaga doesn't have what it takes, then go out and see this film. Gaga captures the emotion of a strong woman who will do what she needs to get what she wants in life. Whether that be taking control of her career or helping Cooper's character Jack get back on his feet, Ally was a character meant to be played by Gaga. If you look at the other iterations of this film, the main female protagonist is played by a talented and respected artist in the industry. Judy Garland in the 1954 version and Barbra Streisand in the 1976 version. This character was meant to be played by someone who has a rep for being a GREAT singer. Gaga is the best, in my opinion, to play this role the right way. You could've had anyone play this character, but having Lady Gaga, a strong, beautiful voice with a knack in acting as well, was the best decision in casting that could've been made.
Let's move onto Bradley Cooper. We all know that Bradley Cooper is a wonderful actor. I've always liked his films and his work, but this was one of his best performances. Not quite reaching how much I liked him in Silver Lining's Playbook, but pretty damn close. Cooper was tasked with playing someone who struggles with alcoholism and the pressures of being in the spotlight, and he nails it right on the head. Cooper does a spectacular job of conveying to the audience his emotions and his progress through this story. The character of Jack is already a heavy one enough as it is, and knowing that Cooper starred, sang, AND directed this movie is a task in itself. I had no doubt that he wouldn't do a good job, but this was a GREAT job.
To finalize my thoughts on this film and why I believe you should see this film is a simple sentence. You won't find films like this anymore. This is a classic story that has been told for years and years, but it is such an important film to be recognized. It deals mainly with mental heath and alcoholism, which is something to be taken seriously. I won't spoil it for anyone, but the ending of this film had me in tears for a good amount of time. You can't find movies like this anymore, especially a movie with an AMAZING soundtrack! The story, the characters, the music.. it all adds up into this piece of art that is timeless. If you're looking for an "accurate to reality" kind of love story, then this is the movie for you. One more thing, bring some tissues along. You'll want to keep those close at hand.
A Star Is Born starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga opens everywhere October 5. Stream the album on Spotify to hear music from the motion picture.
