Screaming is/as Singing

Rating: 6/10 (25 October 2018)

"Scream," as an explosively loud voice, is a part of the modern music industry. Just try listen to Lorde, Adele, Gaga. TV Talent Shows also admire the artists whose primary vocal attribute is a powerful vocal range (Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Tessanne Chin). "Scream" was a typical feature of metal culture, but "A Star is Born" shows us how new artists can gain fame by "screaming" in pop music. The movie plugs in to this idea in several ways. One way is the brilliant casting choice of an artist and her lyrics with a strong voice and the ability to be vocally explosive. Another way is a dramatic line ending metaphorically with "scream" as feedback on the tragic events (substance abuse & suicide). From a directorial point, the movie had some dramatic ellipses which are never resolved. Throughout the movie, the sound department perfectly complements the mood and drama of the story. Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) in the role of Ally never transcends her own established persona. She never creates a sovereign, unique character. However, for Bradley Cooper his character portrayal is a real breakout in his career as an actor. He has transformed himself visually on the screen, as well as vocally and psychologically. Cooper expresses this transformation amazingly. It is a great achievement for him. His character, Jack, fantastically portrays the dilemma which comes with fame and the easy access to illegal substances. The way the picture is presented it is difficult to tell whether Jack downfall is the result of his wife's enormous success or of his inability to control his alcoholic and drug excesses. Probably, Cooper's character would rather express a typical infirmity which some talented artist struggled with (Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and others).