Roadshow Films
CONTAINS SPOILERS
A Star is Born showcases Bradley Cooper in his directorial debut alongside Lady Gaga. As I reflect on this film, my admiration for Gaga’s acting prowess only intensifies. Having witnessed her remarkable talent in American Horror Story: Hotel, I was already aware of her capabilities. However, her performance in A Star is Born transcends expectations. Unlike her previous roles, Gaga embodies a character that diverges from her familiar provocative image. Here, she unveils a naturalness that is genuinely captivating and arguably her most beautiful portrayal yet. The on-screen chemistry between Gaga and Cooper is palpable, surpassing even the dynamic performances of other notable duos. Apologies to Jennifer Lawrence, but Gaga’s presence here is a revelation.
The film commences with Cooper’s character, Jackson Maine, taking the stage at what appears to be the Coachella Festival. Jackson, a Country/Southern Rock musician, grapples with hearing loss and battles against alcohol and drug addiction, which threaten to derail his career. Following the performance, Jackson retreats to his limousine, seeking solace in the remnants of his dwindling booze supply.
In a pivotal scene, Jackson impels the driver to halt at what appears to be the lone open establishment—a drag bar. Here, he encounters Ramon, portrayed by Anthony Ramos, a close friend of Gaga’s, who warmly welcomes him with complimentary drinks. However, it’s Ally (portrayed by Gaga) who ensnares Jackson’s attention the moment she graces the stage. Intrigued by her performance, Jackson is compelled to meet her. As their conversation unfolds, Ally gradually opens up about her aspirations for a singing career, confiding in Jackson about her struggles with confidence and self-image. In a gesture of encouragement, he extends an invitation for her to attend his next performance, setting the stage for a transformative journey ahead.
Later that night, Ally sings a couple of impromptu verses to Jackson. He acknowledges her talent and assures her that she has the potential to write remarkable songs.
The following morning, Jackson drops her off at home. Just as she is about to enter, he calls out to her, “Hey, wait a second.” As she turns back to look at him, he utters those unforgettable words, “I just wanted to take another look at you.”
Ally and Ramon attend the show, where Jackson surprises Ally by inviting her onto the stage to perform the song she had sung to him earlier. Although initially hesitant, Jackson’s persuasive words, “All you have to do is trust me,” eventually sway her. With Jackson’s encouragement, Ally takes the stage, and in classic Gaga fashion, she mesmerizes the audience, igniting a frenzy of applause and cheers. Jackson, impressed by her talent, persuades her to join him on tour, leading to the blossoming of a romantic relationship between them.
Jackson finds out that his ranch where his father was buried had been sold by his brother Bobby, played by Sam Elliot, who is also his manager. Feeling deceived, Jackson confronts Bobby and punches him. Bobby had told him years earlier that he had to sell the ranch because of wind erosion and that Jackson was just too drunk to remember. Bobby quits as Jackson’s manager. Elliot plays a superb roll in this film. As Aly’s career takes off she is approached by a record producer Rez, played by Rafi Gavron, who offers her a contract. Jackson supports Aly, but becomes exceptionally jealous as her career explodes. Rez directs Aly toward pop music and away from the country music scene. This causes tension between Jackson and Aly. Jackson’s drinking becomes so bad that he misses one of Aly’s performances and passes out in front of a childhood friends house Noodles, played by Dave Chappelle.
This particular segment of the film appears to have slowed down the pacing, despite the quality of the scenes themselves being commendable. Ally arrives and expresses her concern over Jackson’s behavior, emphasizing that she doesn’t want him to disappear like that again. The heartfelt moment when Jackson proposes to Ally with a ring crafted from a guitar string is undeniably touching, culminating in their spontaneous wedding on the same day. Dave Chappelle’s character provides both wisdom and comedic relief in the midst of Jackson’s struggles.
As Ally’s career flourishes, tensions arise between her and Jackson regarding her evolving style, including changes in her appearance and musical direction. Their disagreement escalates into a heated argument, exacerbated by Jackson’s disapproval of Ally’s new music. At the Grammy Awards, Jackson’s intoxicated state during his performance of a Roy Orbison tribute is glaringly evident. Meanwhile, Ally, nominated for three awards, wins the coveted Best New Artist title. Despite Jackson’s embarrassing behavior, Ally remains compassionate and supportive, ultimately helping him confront his struggles with alcoholism and embark on the path to sobriety.
Jackson enters rehab in a bid to salvage his marriage to Ally. After approximately two months, he successfully completes his treatment and achieves sobriety. During his time in rehab, Jackson opens up to a counselor about a harrowing incident from his past: at thirteen years old, he attempted suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan, only for the fan to collapse under his weight. Ally pays him a heartfelt visit during his rehabilitation, where he sincerely apologizes for his past actions.
Despite Ally’s plea, Rez refuses her request to bring Jackson along for the European leg of her tour, citing concerns for his well-being. Consequently, Ally is compelled to cancel the remaining tour dates in order to support Jackson in his recovery journey.
Rez pins the blame on Jackson, accusing him of holding Ally back and predicting that his eventual relapse will lead to Ally leaving him. Troubled by Rez’s words, Jackson lies in bed, visibly distressed. Ally enters the bedroom and pledges to spend more time with him, while Jackson promises to attend her concert that night. As she departs, he calls out to her, “Wait a second. I just wanted to take another look at you.”
Later, Jackson retreats to the garage, clutching a rope. Meanwhile, at the concert, Ally performs “The Shallow,” the very song they had once shared on stage together. Through the small window of the garage, Jackson’s legs can be seen dangling from the ceiling.
Ally is overcome with grief and self-blame upon learning of Jackson’s death. Bobby visits her and offers reassurance, absolving her of guilt and accepting responsibility for Jackson’s fate.
In a poignant moment at another concert, Ally honors Jackson’s memory by performing a song he had written, introducing herself for the first time as Ally Maine.
Lady Gaga delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in this film, showcasing her remarkable versatility as an actress. Bradley Cooper’s direction is nothing short of outstanding, and if this movie fails to receive any award nominations, it would be a great disappointment. The supporting cast also shines, with Andrew ‘Dice’ Clay portraying Gaga’s father in a role that showcases a side of him I’ve never seen before, and he excels in it.
“A Star is Born” is undeniably a great movie, although it may have suffered from being slightly overlong and could have benefitted from some trimming for pacing purposes. Despite some pacing issues, the film’s ending took me by surprise, although there were subtle hints foreshadowing it. While I had anticipated a tragic ending for either Jackson or Ally, perhaps due to illness or accident, I was not prepared for the gut-wrenching reality of suicide. The impact of the film’s conclusion lingered with me for days afterward.
I eagerly anticipate future collaborations between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, as well as Cooper’s continued ventures into directing. Their combined talents have undeniably produced a remarkable film. I rate, “A Star is Born” HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE.
