Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
A Star Is Born is a musical drama directed and written by Bradley Cooper and stars Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, and Sam Elliott. It follows the story of a troubled musician who helps a young singer find fame as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
Under The Lens: Real life concerts, reinvention
Real-life concerts: A very interesting aspect of this motion picture was that it filmed many scenes at real-life concert venues, which included Coachella, Stagecoach, and the Glastonbury festival. This added a gritty realism to the picture and had the added benefit of featuring real music audiences and locations, in this era of soundstage and CGI crowds it was refreshing to see the musical portions of the picture actually taking place at the place they were showing in the film.
Reinvention: Bradley Cooper had an uphill battle ahead of him as A Star Is Born is widely regarded as a classic of cinema, in these types of pictures so much can go wrong. Cooper was able to take a story that is very old and has been done many times before and add a new flavor and spin to it. Not only by featuring catchy songs, but by making the focus in the picture squarely on the characters. If the setting was changed and the music was taken out, this would still be a very compelling character drama, and that is the film’s main strength.
Highlights
Lady Gaga’s first stage performance of “Shallow” was moving and powerful.
Bradley Cooper turned in a career best performance that was tinged in heartbreak and passion.
The picture has a down and gritty quality to it and this adds to the feel of the drama.
Something to think about
How would you handle the fame if overnight you became a sensation?
Conclusion
Overall A Star Is Born is an excellent piece of filmmaking, the script and direction pull the best from the actors in terms of performance and songs. It’s a tragic tale of fame, passion, and love, and the viewer feels all of it for its entire runtime, the pictures only slight weakness is that it has a host of great supporting actors and actresses who doesn’t always get to shine due to the radiance of Cooper and Gaga. A Star Is Born is the perfect date night film for those who love a good drama or simply want to hear some great music.
