Beyond Rating: 4/5
Two very promising new career beginnings stem from a fourth iteration of the classic “A Star is Born” tale, as Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut gives Lady Gaga the chance to shine in her first major film role. Cine-maniacs will likely debate which of the four versions (1932, 1954, 1976 and now 2018) is the best until the end of time, but there can be no doubt that this powerful and emotional tear-jerker gives the other three at the very least a run for their money.
The story focuses on Ally (played by Lady Gaga), an aspiring singer/songwriter who is discovered by Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), a very famous rock-star who hears her sing in a drag bar one night. Whilst she has doubts about being able to make it as a singer due to her appearance, Jack gives her her first shot as a singer performing at one of his shows, leading to Ally’s rise to super-stardom and the start of a relationship between them. As Ally becomes ever more successful, Jack has to deal with the impact of his own career stalling and his lifestyle catching up to him.
As can be expected from four different versions of a story from four different generations, each one varies slightly both in tone and in some story points to be relevant to its era. Bradley Cooper nails the potentially challenging job of making this film contemporary but also feel like a classic at the same time. The key to this success is making the story and the situations in it believable and down to earth. The personal nature of the up close camera work as well as the stellar acting and sound script are above all else what makes this film plausible. The dialogue is natural and well-written, with the comedic jokes and emotionally charged scenes landing equally well. Now out of context from this film, if you’d suggested the scenario that a woman would meet a famous rock star, get on pretty well and sing a few lines from a song she had written one night, then the next day would be on stage performing that very same song that rock star had remembered perfectly, finished and added music for, needlessly to say it would seem a bit far-fetched. However, you overlook that because you completely buy their relationship and the chemistry that Cooper and Gaga have together.
Both acting leads stand out both as individuals and as a pair. Whereas Cooper’s character Jack faces numerous personal issues, such as his drink and drug abuse problem and his failing career, Ally (Gaga) has to overcome her issues of self-doubt and then dealing with the limelight she’s thrust into. A testament to the quality Gaga’s acting is the fact that you are as much rooting for Ally to make it as a singer and not lose her way as you are for Jackson to overcome his own personal demons. How genuine Ally and her rise to fame are in this film is another factor that contributes to its grounded feel, especially since there have been real life success stories that have come off the back of being discovered on YouTube, such as Justin Bieber.
Cooper deserves great credit for the way that Gaga in particular is used in this film because it would have been very easy to hide her behind what is a great soundtrack and rely on her brilliant voice to carry her through. However, there are some very emotionally charged scenes in which Gaga’s acting is quite simply superb, and the risk of hiring an almost completely new actress definitely paid off, so massive kudos to both. One minor criticism to point out regarding the dynamic between Jack and Ally’s characters is that Ally’s character does feel much less fleshed out than Jack’s. When you consider the relationships in the film, it is Jack’s that are explored much more, such as his troubled relationship with his brother, Ally’s father and Ally’s agent to name but a few. Gaga largely holds her own against Cooper from an acting standpoint, but there is a noticeable disparity between the depth of their characters.
Ultimately, this film carries one very important message throughout, that it is talent and the will to succeed that will make you a success not the way you look or act, and this moral has arguably never been so important or relevant than in the social media age we now live in. This film was very good and it is definitely worth watching.
gobeyondthefilm.com 