"A Star Is Born": A Masterclass In Filmmaking

"A Star Is Born": Movie Review

"A Star Is Born" is something special. 

Acted with pride, and shot with confidence, this fresh take on the original is the type of film to keep you up at night. A sad take on addiction and relationships that hits all the right notes along the way. What sounds like a giant cliche ends up being one of the best movies of the year. 

A famous country singer named Jackson (Bradley Cooper) takes a young, aspiring musician named Ally (Lady Gaga) under his wing, but as times goes by, their relationship degrades. It's no doubt sometimes hard to watch, but Cooper and Gaga are electric on screen together. They're dynamic along with their wonderful duets are powerful, and they're song "Shallow" will most likely win best song at the Oscars. But it's their quiet moments together that are just as sweeping as their musical performances. The Oscar nominations for both are certain.

To note also is the distinct side characters that come in and out of Ally and Jackson's lives. Andrew Dice Clay plays Ally's father and is the best he's ever been. His performance is heartwarming and often feels incredibly real. Also is Jackson's much older brother, Bobby (Sam Elliott), a protective older sibling who is looking out for Jackson's best interest. Elliott is the best he's ever been as well, and his monologue towards the end is devastating. At last is George (Dave Chapelle) a long time friend of Jackson, who worryingly looks from the outside in. The performances are stupendous. 

While the music is masterful, and the performances are something special, "A Star Is Born" is by no mistake a story about addiction. Some audiences might be put off by how dark the film gets, similar to the 2008 film "The Wrestler", but it's gut wrenching material that has to be seen. 

The filmmaking by first time director Bradley Cooper is perfect to boot. The graininess and various colors of each scene compliments the storyline with precision. This is hands down the greatest directorial debut I've ever seen and it's a testament to Coopers directing abilities.


To sum it up, "A Star Is Born" is easily one of the best movies of the year. It's an emotional roller coaster of brilliant direction, acting and masterclass filmmaking. 

The Oscar race has begun. 

3 1/2 Stars Out Of 4