A Star is Born – a movie review by Roz Tarszisz
My rock concert going days may be long over but that didn’t stop shivers down my backbone as the first of many riffs came over the speakers.
In yet another outing of this story, director/actor Bradley Cooper has modernized the tale of a big rock singer who is losing his mojo even as he enables a younger woman to fame.
Hospitality worker Ally (Lady Gaga), has a regular gig performing Edith Piaf in a drag bar when big rock star Jackson (Bradley Cooper) unexpectedly drops in. He sees something in her that she doesn’t even know is there as he is blown away by her voice and songwriting ability.
One thing leads to another and they are soon on tour and in lurve. Jackson encourages and enables her to succeed but as her star rises, his descends further into alcoholism and drug addiction.
Lady Gaga is a revelation as she credibly morphs from shy singer/songwriter to superstardom. Given that Gaga constantly reinvents herself, it is a pleasure to watch her dig into the part of a talented, down-to-earth, young woman who achieves well beyond her wildest dreams.
Sam Elliott brings some gravitas to his role of Bobby, Jackson’s older brother. The story and script are based on the earlier screenplays.
Cooper is unflinching in his moving portrayal of a man heading downhill and has created a great version of an old story, although the film could have been a bit shorter. It is worth seeing for the two lead performances – Cooper can sing – and a new generation will appreciate the music. I certainly did.
3.5/5 2018 Released October 18 Rated M 136 mins
Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott
Screenplay by Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters
Remakes I never watch them.