[star rating=”4.5″] A STAR IS BORN. Directed by Bradley Cooper. Starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
MEGAN FURNISS reviews
I wasn’t going to see this movie. I went to the press screening of another movie but it was cancelled and one of the other reviewers asked if we could see something else. I hadn’t given A Star is Born a thought because as a teenager I believed that the one with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson was made especially for me. I played the record until it was scratched beyond listening (even though my father would wail about how Barbra sounded like an explosion) and I would cry as I sang the songs.
I thought my tragic and talented life (it must be shared here that I cannot sing a note) would mirror that of Barbs’ character Esther Hoffman (what a name!) and that I was destined for the same romantic trajectory. Oh, how I loved that movie.
Another reason for avoiding the new one is I can’t help but think of the Hangover franchise when I think of Bradley Cooper, and the result isn’t good. They are my absolute worst kind of movie.
And finally. A remake? I find Hollywood remakes kinda offensive. Honestly? Think of your own new plot, why don’t ya?
But, I had nothing else to do, it was boiling hot outside, and I wanted to see what Lady Gaga would do. If you don’t read this any further let the last thing you read be that I sobbed my way through this most beautiful and amazing movie and I cannot stop thinking about it. It is close to being the perfect love story.
Passion project
It is clear that this movie is Bradley Cooper’s passion project. He brings all of him to all of it. His performance is masterful and magnificent. Jackson’s tortured battle with the worst of what fame brings is counterbalanced perfectly with his wonderful and naïve sense of joy and love. His script is artful and clever, bringing the story straight into the here and now; from the delicious drag venue and its artists to the slick and scary world of fame. His direction is visionary. It is clear he knew exactly what he wanted and then he achieved all the moments perfectly, both the ones he was in, and the ones he wasn’t.
The music is amazing. I love the country and rock sounds, and Lady Gaga slips into genres like she slips into costumes. The pop music is successful and catchy. And it is a “musical” where every song is justified and actually part of the story. That is the success of the formula.
But it is Lady Gaga who is the total revelation. She gives the most extraordinary, complex, emotionally complete performance and I was rivetted by her. She is in turns, diva, coquette, child, mother, partner, friend and companion. There is not a single unconvincing moment by her. I loved her and was moved by her.
I fell in love and felt all the feels through this movie. It is one I will probably see again. And I never see movies again.
PS: Jane Mayne reviewed it here too, but I couldn’t help myself. This movie deserves two.
WS
