ReelBob: ‘A Star Is Born’ ★★★½

By Bob Bloom

One star is born, and another is elevated, in the latest iteration of the venerable chestnut, “A Star Is Born.”

The story basically remains the same from the 1937 version through this newest remake: An established performer discovers a fresh talent, he nourishes her, they fall in love and marry and then tragedy strikes.

The names and faces may have changed, but the story still elicits tears.
This “Star Is Born” belongs to Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) who plays Ally, a singer-songwriter who is caught up in the whirlwind life of singer Jackson Maine, played by Bradley Cooper, who also directed the movie, was one of three screenwriters and also contributed a few songs.

It may sound corny, but you will go gaga over Gaga’s performance. When she is on screen — and especially when singing — she grabs your spirit.

Even if you are familiar with the plot details — and realize an aura of sadness looms like a weight over the feature — your heart is electrified by Gaga.

Most of the credit for that belongs to Cooper as the director. He continually — and wisely — puts her in the spotlight, allowing the camera to caress Gaga. Many times Cooper tracks his camera in on Gaga’s face, emphasizing her eyes, which — in this case — are windows to her soul.

She is hypnotic, presenting a nuanced character who is confident in her talent, but insecure about her self-worth; a young woman who is fighting a world that judges her by her appearance, not her gifts.

Cooper is content playing second fiddle to Gaga, which does not diminish his performance.

He makes the most of his time on screen. His Jackson Maine is a hard-drinking country rocker who believes that the purpose of music is to touch others, tell your own truth and emotionally embrace them.

Cooper adds some texture to Maine, but revealing that he suffers from tinnitus, an ear disease that is devastating to a musician. His Maine is a soft-spoken, dedicated musician fighting demons that have haunted him for decades.

Jackson first hears Ally performing Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose” in a drag bar. He is transfixed by her voice and, after talking with her, her straightforward honesty.

He is instantly taken by her talent and frankness — and thus begins their journey together.

The two biggest takeaways from “A Star Is Born” belong to Cooper. Who knew he could sing and play a mean guitar — exuding confidence with both.

Cooper the director also deserves praise. He is confident in his placement of camera, especially in the concert sequences, displaying the spectacle off the audience, the chaos on- and backstage and the intimacy of performance when the singer is one with the instrument and microphone.

As someone who has seen the three previous versions of “A Star Is Born,” I can say with the utmost confidence that the chemistry between Gaga and Cooper, plus the latter’s sure handling behind the camera, puts this reimagining of the timeless fable at the top of the list.

Sure, the movie has a few hiccups — it could have been about 10 or 15 minutes shorter as the pace slows in a few places. That, however, is simply quibbling.

This Hollywood fairy tale is a memorable experience that portends a bright future for Lady Gaga in front of the camera and Cooper behind it. They are a powerful tandem — she the movie’s soul, he, its heart.

“A Star Is Born” earns a standing ovation. It will leave you weeping and cheering simultaneously.

I am a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

A STAR IS BORN
3½ stars out of 4
(R), language, brief nudity, sexual situations, violence, drug abuse