'An octave has 12 notes and then it repeats itself'

Rating: 8/10 (22 February 2019)

Bradley Cooper makes a bow as writer/actor/director for this re-visit to the perennial favorite story A STAR IS BORN. Whether or not the viewer likes the music as performed by both stars - Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga - is probably secondary to the visual spectacle and the intensity of the performances.
A quick overview of the well-known plot is supplied by Warner Bros: Seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers-and falls in love with-struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer - until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.'
Lady Gaga shines in both acting and singing - a sensitive and multifaceted screen performance. Bradley Cooper has early moments of credibility but the constant in-your- face dreary alcoholic behavior grows old quickly. The big Grammy Awards scene when he practically destroys Ally's fresh career is most disturbing to watch - as it should be.
The supporting cast is exceptional - Sam Elliott, Anthony Ramos, Dave Chappelle, Rafi Gavron, Barry Shabaka Henley, and Michael D. Roberts are especially fine. The cinematography by Matthew Libatique is exceptionally fine - both in the spectacle of the performances of the songs and in the intimate moments.
The plot drops out of focus too often for the length of this film, but A STAR IS BORN once again proves that the tale of rising from nothing to stardom merits retelling. Grady Harp, February 19