Sunday, October 7, 2018

'A Star is Born' Soars High Through Its Unforgettable Music and Stars

Bradley Cooper, a well-known actor, and Lady Gaga, a well-known pop star put their stamp together on the classic and timeless tale about fame, human feelings and failings, mixed with today's diverse world of music A Star is Born, and it's incredible. It's also Cooper's directorial debut, and it's Lady Gaga's first ever film leading role and that makes this even more impressive and unforgettable. The two stars portray seasoned musician Jackson Maine and a struggling artist Ally. She has given up on her dream to become a successful artist, until she meets Jack, who immediately sees her natural talent.

The film begins with a knockout concert performance by Jack. We learn about his loneliness and drug and alcohol addiction right away after he immediately goes to his private car with his driver, head down, guzzling a bottle of alcohol. Cut to Ally who's asked to throw a bag of trash from the restaurant she's working on while she hurries to get to the local bar filled with drag queen artists where she's allowed to perform. Walking out of the resto, the film instantly pays a Judy Garland homage. She sings a soulful rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and as the introductory title 'A Star is Born' quietly appears on screen while she's in the center, it makes a signal that this is the start of something wonderful.

Photo Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Then they meet in the bar, and with Lady Gaga impressively belting Edith Piaf's La Vie en Rose, the love story of Jack and Ally rises and flows harmoniously. It's the first half of the film that doubtlessly could capture a moviegoer. We are smitten with them--from the moment Ally looks at Jack in the bar, to them eventually falling in love after sharing that whole night together in a local supermarket to a peaceful outdoor parking lot, Jack discovering Ally's songwriting talent where we first hear a few lines of Ally singing Shallow. The whole intimate moments of Ally and Jack together are magical to watch, and a penetrating lens captures each look and every touch. Bradley Cooper, in particular, looks at Lady Gaga like she's the only girl in the world. And when Jack finally says the iconic, "I just want to take a lot at you" for the first time, with Lady Gaga doing the signature touch on the nose head-turn, the chemistry between the two becomes even more solid. I can already imagine the memes and spoofs it's going to make.

Both are extremely charismatic in their roles. Cooper gives such a sincere and emotional performance where most of the time, it's his eyes that do the effective expression of his role. Lady Gaga on the other hand, has never been this natural. She makes an already root-worthy Ally even more likable despite her imperfections. But it is whenever they perform, solo or duet, that makes this film soar higher. The powerful songs, which they wrote with a handful of artists, including Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell and Mark Ronson, work wonders for the film. And all vocals for the movie were recorded live during filming, that it literally and no exaggeration, makes you want to go 'applause, applause, applause', every time they perform those songs along with a huge audience. Their duet of Shallow is incredibly chilling. Always Remember Us This Way perfectly captures the great turning point of the film from Ally's dreams of being famous to it being a reality. Even the intimate ones are electrifying and heartfelt, and songs vary from different genres making it even more accessible to all audiences. Bradley Cooper makes the performances immersive and epic, often highlighting superb piano and guitar skills, to amazing voice ranges.

Photo Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
The second half of the film is when it gets a little more serious, and dark. When Ally is finally a famous pop star and Jack's alcohol problem are both quickly becoming a problem in their complicated relationship. Here, we get to see the sad struggles of being famous where authenticity and marketability become an issue, and fame and loneliness mix up with each other. Both are fueled by their dreams, and yet it also caused their misunderstandings. A Star is Born completely confronts these dilemma and it's most likely the reason why there's a slight feeling of downward spiral at this point of the film, because the first half puts you on cloud nine.

The climax leaves a feeling of quiet sadness, in which Cooper chooses to let the audience (and the cute dog) feel the slow but intense buildup, to the actual tragedy of Jack's struggle to live as a famous artist. There was no scene of Ally learning about it. Instead, we see her devastated by the love she's lost. It's beautiful and dramatic without being over-the-top and again, both stars shine portraying the final moments of the film. With Lady Gaga, solidifying her outstanding performance with a heartfelt number of I'll Never Love Again.

A Star is Born is tragic and unforgettable. Movies sporadically captures this kind of relationship, and when they do, it's enduring. Jack and Ally's raw and passionate tale will continue to resonate throughout the years as it already does since the previous remakes. Thanks to Bradley Cooper for making a modern version and introducing this to our generation! Credits to the ensemble for making it memorable.

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