Movie Breakdown: A Star Is Born
Pre-Screening Stance:
I understand those that are rolling their eyes at a fourth iteration of A Star Is Born, but personally I’m really excited for it. Not only have all the trailers been captivating, but the reviews so far have been super positive. Here’s hoping that Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga have legit pulled off something great.
Post-Screening Ramble:
Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born surprised me. Not because it turned out to be fantastic, but it’s just a far grittier, more intimate film than I ever could have expected. The songs in it are great on their own, but every performance is so tightly shot and loud that it just sweeps you off your feet. Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a nut with a whole host of issues, but it’s impossible to not love him with the constant close ups of his genuine smile and weary eyes. The same goes for Ally (Lady Gaga), her rocky rise to fame is twice as endearing when you can very clearly watch every one of her feelings sweep across her face. This isn’t to say there isn’t some Hollywood glitz sprinkled here and there, but overall Cooper’s directorial debut keeps thing up close and personal, and the film really soars because of it. Good on Coop.
Not everything about A Star Is Born is a win though, I did truly loathe one of its subplots.
Once Ally gets going with a career of her own, her schlocky manager’s mission it to turn her into some sort of sexy pop act. This happens regardless of the fact that her fame stems from a viral video of her performing a ballad live with Jackson. Wouldn’t doing such a 180 sound-wise confuse Ally’s fans? Why not make her into more of an Adele-like artist? Her character, while certainly someone who needs to be liked, is sensitive and strong, and her flopping around to some dance track just makes no sense. Also, it’s 2018! No need to put Ally on a path similar to that one episode of Saved By The Bell where Zack Attack blows up and everything goes to shit.
Maybe I’m nitpicking. Anyways, you need to see A Star Is Born.
One Last Thought:
It’s time to start giving Bradley Cooper more credit for what he’s able to do with his voice. I mean, it’s him actually singing here AND he’s the voice of Rocket from Guardians Of The Galaxy. That’s wild.
One More Last Thought:
Cooper and Gaga will surely get a lot of attention come award season, but hopefully Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliott get some as well. They both turn in performances that are worthy of Best Supporting Actor nominations.
