'A Star Is Born' Film Review

On the edge of glory...

Bradley Cooper's remake of A Star is Born marks the fourth time Judy Garland's original got an overhaul. This isn't just a re-cast, though, because this version of the film offers commentary on the symbol of the contemporary pop star in a way that not only feels relevant to a modern audience but necessary. Musicians so often seem to sell out to reach the big time, but as Cooper's Jackson Maine states repeatedly in the film (and as I'm about to horribly misquote): when you get given a voice you have to speak with your soul. You have to speak with your soul because, if you don't, no one will listen.

And listen you probably have to Lady Gaga. The 2000's pop sensation garnered major traction after her debut album spoke openly and proudly in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The artist (who describes herself as a "drag queen") seems fittingly cast in a film about fighting for what you believe in. Despite her infamous audacity, though, Lady Gaga's stage persona was no where to be seen. Her acting skills were almost shockingly good and the music icon showed impressive emotional range. Gaga has an undeniable charisma and electricity on screen which helps her steal the show away from Cooper's (equally marvelous) performance.

Cooper (as an actor) was dazzling; he gives the quality performance we've come to expect from him. Just as Gaga surprises with her acting skills, though, Cooper stuns with his voice. He's so good, in fact, that he seems almost suited to a career in music. It must be challenging to play a character so simultaneously unlikable and endearing, but Cooper walks that fine line with grace. He manages to portray the character of Maine in a progressively sympathetic way - while addicts must own their mistakes, it's important to recognize addiction is a disease. It's this empathy that Cooper seemed determined to include in the film.

I also want to quickly mention Willam and Shangela, two RuPaul's Drag Race stars who effortlessly fit into the action and deliver such funny performances that I wouldn't be surprised if either was offered another Hollywood role.

Cooper (as a director) makes an impressive debut here, too. The film's live performances feel intimate and exciting and some of the cinematography is quite stunning. I read a quote from a film critic once who said something along the lines of 'a good director always thinks about where to put the camera, a bad director just films', and you can tell Cooper put effort into crafting every shot here. It's appreciated. There are a few directorial choices within the film which feel slightly clunky and out of place, but A Star is Born certainly qualifies as a superb first film. I'm excited to watch Cooper's directorial style begin to form.

I have one pretty large problem with this movie, though. Despite both Gaga and Cooper delivering knock-out performances here, there is an undeniable lack of chemistry between the couple. This lack of romantic energy between the pair holds the film back from its true potential as so much lies on the audience rooting for the couple. This disconnect isn't helped by the script's habit on speeding too quickly through their love story. It's hard, because both actors define the film within their own right. 2018's A Star is Born wouldn't be the same without either. I just wish there was a palpable spark between the two.

Another issue I had with the film was with its pacing. The second act is painfully slow even though it contains engaging lead performances. What makes this mid-section lag even more noticeable is A Star is Born's fantastic opening and closing acts. Because the best of the film finds itself book-ending a (frankly boring) middle section a lot of the romance's wind is lost from its sails. It took me out of the movie for a bit, and because of that I had to get myself back into and invested in the story right before it reached its conclusion.

Maybe this is why I found the film, while certainly moving, not as tear-jerking as social media had promised. There is a great film here that just misses out on greatness. If great cinema isn't enough to get you into movie theatres, though, this impeccable soundtrack should. A Star is Born features a few songs destined to become film classics (particularly Shallow and the Whitney Houston-esque I'll Never Love Again). Basically, A Star is Born has the Best Original Song Academy Award on lock. 

After Gaga inevitably wins that Oscar she'll no-doubt face a bunch of new cinematic opportunities, and in some way her potential as a leading lady is as exciting as this film itself. 

Perhaps a star was born after all...

Written by James Green