“A Star Is Born” Shines Brightly In the Hollywood Galaxy

“A Star Is Born” (Warner Brothers)

There have been four different versions of “A Star Is Born”. Each has been successful and each has been unique. The latest version stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga and they both excel in their roles. Cooper brings an inordinate supply of acting skills while Gaga brings her voice. It should also be noted Coper directed this film (his first time out) and he did an awesome job. It is praise all around for a movie that could have been overhyped and under accomplished.

Cooper plays Jack, a super popular singer/composer who meets Ally (Gaga) when she is performing at a club near one of his concert venues. They have immediate chemistry and on the spur of the moment he invites her to his concert the next night. After at first declining she accepts and the rest, as they say, is history. Jack adores Ally and raises her confidence which is sorely lacking. Her encourages her songwriting and performing. She gives him total adoration.

Later Jack’s problems with alcohol and drug abuse rise up and affect his abilities to perform. As his star descends hers is on the rise. This is the basic core story that has been in each of the “A Star Is Born” versions and it is most appropriate in this modernized version.

Cooper is the “star” of this movie. It is usually the female role in this story that dominates but in this one it is the male lead. Coper’s Jack comes on the screen with a cloud over his head. You are fully aware, by the way he talks and moves, that there is a darkness in his soul. This darkness is most painful in his eyes, Cooper gives us glimpses of Jack’s pain at the beginning of the film and takes it forward to the end.

Lady Gaga is a competent actress. More so than you probably expect. However it should be noted she is at her best in her scenes with Cooper. His acting and his directing draw her out. Plus when she opens her mouth and sings it is pure magic. Surprisingly Cooper, who is not known to be a singer, adds to the enjoyment with the sound of his voice.

Praise should also be given to the supporting cast. Tapping that list is Sam Elliott. He plays Bobby, Jack’s much older brother. Bobby has seen Jack through the good times and the bad times and it has worn him down. Elliott makes each scene he is in larger than it should be because of his talent. As a side note, listen to Jack speak in the film and acknowledge how much he sounds like his older brother. Well played, Bradley Cooper.

Ally’s father is another crucial role. He is Vegas type who basks in his daughter’s success. It was perfect casting when they got Andrew Dice Clay to play him. It is a match made in Heaven. David Chappelle is another gift. He takes the role of one of Jack’s childhood friends.

As for the directing of the film, Cooper is secure in what he wants and what he presents. The camera angles, the use of light, the flashback between scenes. All of this is done with the hands of a seasoned professional. Perhaps Clint Eastwood taught him well.

The film is rated R for profanity, violence and nudity.

“A Star Is Born” is definitely one of the year’s best movies. The music, the drama, the passion are all there for audiences to enjoy in a big way – and they will. Oh yes they will.

I scored “A Star Is Born” a twinkling 9 out of 10.

Jackie K Cooper

www.jackiekcooper.com