Typically, when Hollywood produces remakes, they have a tendency to end up becoming two-dimensional, rehashed versions of an original film that was fresher and compelling. However, in the case of this rendition of "A Star Is Born" the opposite was clearly spelled out. This latest incarnation was acted, directed and written with a freshness and originality that practically allows this film to stand alone from its predecessors.
Seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers--and falls in love with struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer--until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. Even though Jack and Ally have the support from family--Bobby Maine (Sam Elliott), Jack's brother, Lorenzo (Andrew Dice Clay), Ally's father, and friends--Ramon (Anthony Ramos) and George 'Noodles' Stone (Dave Chappelle), their relationship, with moments of connection, continues to deteriorate.
Others to round out the cast are Rafi Gavron as Rez Gavron, Ron Rifkin as Carl, Marlon Williams as Himself, Brandi Carlie as Herself, Michael D. Roberts as Matty and Michael Harney as Wolfie.
Have I mentioned films that have been directed by naturals with the innate ability to make a film look as though it was effortlessly executed? Well, this film being directed by Bradley Cooper (video short) definitely would be worthy to be placed in that category. There have been a handful of actors that have been able to make the transition from acting to directing: Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Peter Berg, Denzel Washington, so now we can clearly add Cooper to that impressive list. I would say that these filmmakers' ability to direct well has everything to do with the fact that they have/are actors and realize what it takes to be in front of the camera--basically they can empathize. This was brilliantly well directed where Cooper was able to effortlessly extract the correct amount of pathos and emotion from his actors with aplomb. Luckily, we will be able to see his brand of directing soon since his "Bernstein" has been announced. It was equally well executed by writers Eric Roth ("The Nichel Ride" '74, "The Concorde: Airport '79" '79, "Suspect" '87, "Forrest Gump" '94, "The Horse Whisperer" '98, "Ali" '01, "Munich" '05, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" '08, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" '11) plus others, shorts and TV, Cooper and Will Fetters ("Remember Me" '10, "The Lucky One" '12, "The Best of Me" '14), based on a story by William Wellman and Robert Carson, which is based on the 1954 screenplay by Moss Hart and based on the 1976 screenplay by John Gregory Dunne, Joan Didion and Frank Pierson. Certainly both Roth and Pierson have the lion's share of the vast experience here, but Cooper was integral with his contribution--Cooper is slated to write "Bernstein" to add to his writing resume. This running time exceeded a two hour time slot and it simply moved effortlessly. I typically can become fidgety when a film exceeds that magical two hour running time, however because this screenplay was concise, cohesive and was able to meld the dialogue and originals songs with freshness, the 2 hour and 16 minute running time moved quick. The original songs predominantly written by Lukas Nelson, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper were incredibly well executed. Both Cooper and Gaga's chemistry was as magical as it was easy to watch. The cinematography by Matthew Libatique, asc was done so in a gritty way to give the audience that feel the film needed.
When I saw the first trailer of this film, I felt then that it had potential Oscar awards written all over it. Well, after viewing it, it will undoubtedly be nominated for best actor, directing, original song and possibly best actress, supporting actor (Elliott) and cinematography. Time will tell--as usual with anything. Suffice it to say, this is one film you must see, however you might want to bring a half box of Kleenex.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 136mins.
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