Movie Review A Star Is Born

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Spoiler alerts – 2018 The fourth movie version of this classic story, first filmed in 1937, with Janet Gaynor and Frederick March, then again in 1954 (Judy Garland & James Mason) and 1976 (Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson). This version, with Bradley Cooper and Lady Ga-Ga is very good. The story is pretty basic fair. A famous singer (an actor in the first version) finds his career waning as his lover and co-star becomes more famous and respected. He descends into jealousy, anger, alcoholism and eventually becomes suicidal. Most versions centre on the rising star, gaining accolades but unable to stop her boyfriend (and eventually her husband) from self-destructing. This version is largely centred on the fading star’s collapse. Cooper’s character (Jack Maine) is already struggling with intensifying Tinnitus and alcoholism before he meets Ally (Ga-Ga), a waitress with singing aspirations, as she gets to sing in a friend’s gay-bar. With Maine’s encouragement, she plays to bigger audiences and soon gets a contract, rising in fame and gaining awards. Her husband slides closer to oblivion, mainly through his own addiction crisis. The singing is great though the songs are not too memorable and Cooper is terrific in the lead role (as well as in directing). Ga-Ga plays a strong, confident low-key role, very unlike her own spectacular sometimes controversial stage-persona. Sam Eliot is also very good as Maine’s Step-Brother, though he doesn’t get nearly enough screen time. Youtube of Ga-Ga singing an Edif Piaf song near the start of the movie Arthur Chappell