A Star is Born (2018)
A Remake with Heart.
A Star is Born isn’t a new story, and it’s not the most original story — but, as one of the characters learns, what’s important isn’t necessarily what notes are played, it’s how they’re played. Bradley Cooper knows which notes he’s playing, and he knows very well how he’s going to play them. A Star is Born succeeds in a number of ways, from its kinetic, close-up cinematography to the genuinely compelling musical numbers. Primarily, though, the film succeeds in telling a human story, one that feels not only genuine, but consistently meaningful.
Cooper’s performance almost manages to upstage his direction; starring in and directing this film might sound silly or pretentious, but Cooper manages to exceed expectations both in front of and behind the lens. He’s intense and powerful, but also vulnerable and somber — and he sells the musical scenes so well. His co-stars are certainly able to keep up, however. Sam Elliott is riveting as Jack’s older brother, delivering what might be a career-best performance. Dave Chappelle is also memorable in a brief appearance, pending levity and thoughtfulness to scenes that might otherwise feel contrived or cliche.
But the film belongs to Lady Gaga. She steps so far from her outlandish real-world stage presence to deliver a performance so continually genuine and real that I was dumbfounded. She carries the film through exhilarating highs and crushing lows, keeping step with Cooper as they show us two very different, but also fundamentally similar people who are destined to change each other’s lives. This may be the second remake, but I won’t say a word about the plot — Cooper and Gaga are reason enough to see the film.
It’s a classic story, told with heart and style. Powerful performances and memorable music help elevate this re-imagining into what might be the best version of this story, and a compelling journey in its own right. It’s uplifting, funny, and also genuinely emotional — and certainly not one to take the kids to see. But A Star is Born entertained and enthralled me from the first frame to the last, and that’s really all I could ask for.
