Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga
Sam Elliot, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle
This is the fourth version of this iconic film and I haven't seen the other three movies. But the gifted Bradley Cooper directs and stars in this "musician meets unharnessed yet talented songwriter and turns her into a rising star" saga, so I was game!
After a tiring show, crooner Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) enters a bar to drink his fatigue and troubles away. He comes across a struggling singer Ally (Lady Gaga) who performs there after her job as a waitress is over. He is impressed with her talent and soon invites her to join him in his numerous gigs. Naturally, they fall in love amidst all the fame, his alcoholism and all the intrigues that hound a powerful music couple.
Bradley Cooper's portrayal of Jack as a vulnerable singer with a drinking problem, as his way of coping with his declining fame is a very convincing and heartfelt performance. It was difficult to watch so he did a great job in showcasing his character's flaws and struggles.
First of all, I had no idea he could sing, I like his rich, deep singing voice. I read he had extensive training with a voice coach and he also learned to play the guitar. His voice blended well with Lady Gaga's solid tone in their duets.
In fact, they exuded so much chemistry on screen, people actually believed they were a couple in real life. Never mind, that Bradley Cooper was with model Irina Shayk with whom he has a daughter, during the filming of the movie. But now, they have already called it quits yet I don't believe Lady Gaga is the third party. Well okay, I will stop gossiping and speculating. LOL
Lady Gaga as Ally in her first full length movie did have some awkward moments. Her lack in acting skills was fortunately masked by her very soulful voice. She has a great tone and most of her songs (as Lady Gaga not Ally) are now anthems for several people who credit her as their inspiration.
The fourth edition of "A Star is Born" steered by Bradley Cooper is a good offering with a brilliant soundtrack. It tackles the trappings of fame, the effects of alcoholism within a believable plot and well performed by its main leads who really sang everything, live.