Oh, the Irony in a Title

Rating: 8/10 (16 October 2018)

I'm not a big fan of remakes when it comes to making something the exact same way as what came before. Even more so when I've seen the other version. In this case, only knowing the title and the stars of the last version makes this a fresh take for me. The story itself isn't so fresh as it is a standard troubled guy (usually some form of artist) meets younger female (also artist in shared field) that is low on confidence. Their story builds from there into some spectacle that pays off in some tragic way that opens the eyes of the other that life doesn't end simply because the other is not in theirs anymore.
In Bradley Cooper's version of A Star is Born, he portrays aging country-rock star Jackson Maine, an alcoholic and pill popper. Ally is the woman he meets one night after a performance under the influence. He's left awestruck by her and goes out of his way to convince her to come along with him to another concert. At first hesitant, she relents and even summons the courage to take the stage when a song she wrote is being performed. Their relationship gradually builds from there as she decides to accompany him on tour. She is soon approached by a manager that offers a contract, which she accepts. On the cusp of breaking out, the two marry after Jackson has an episode in which she goes out in search of him. As her celebrity rises, his begins to dwindle, prompting him to fall further into his addiction.
The rest of the movie goes on from there. Again, not such a fresh story, but it is how the story is told that makes this film so good. The chemistry between the leads is great with the supporting cast (especially Sam Elliot) bringing to life what could have been a ho-hum outing. Any award buzz you hear is earned and hopefully there are plenty as Bradley Cooper has done something special for his directorial debut where Lady Gaga shines in her first leading role
Not to be forgotten is the original music for the film, the majority written by Gaga. Cooper also has a few in there as well as he dedicated himself to not simply making a film with music, but wanted to be sure that the music was the film. He dedicated over a year to learning the guitar and taking singing lessons to be able to perform authentically. Throughout the film, the music is perhaps the most telling of the story than anything as most of the songs within are almost a synopsis of where the characters are at at that point in their lives. If all that weren't enough, as of writing this, the soundtrack album sits at number one on the billboard 200.
For me, this is the type of movie worth seeing on a big screen in regards to the lane it is in. The way in which the music was recorded plays especially well in big rooms and emerses you in the journey along the way further. It may not be the best film you see of this kind, but it is worth a watch.
Similar recommendations: Begin Again (2014), Once (2007), Dream Girls (2006)