Film Reviews & Movie Analysis

We all know that stars shine bright, but never as bright as when they burst into life. It’s about more than just fame and fortune. It’s about recognition, appreciation and finally being heard.

However when a star is born, another fades.

When renowned country singer Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) hears the french notes of La Vie En Rose from a fearless beauty at a drag bar one night, he is hooked.

Anny (Lady Gaga) a waitress by day and a struggling singer/songwriter by night has been held back by her features, when she know it should be her voice propelling her forward.

After spending the night talking, bonding and jamming, Jackson invites Anny to his next show, then surprises her by giving her the stage she deserves.

From there, both their lives change as Anny moves forward and Jackson seems to stall instead of moving with her. Both stars need to decide whether they would be better off heading forward together, or better off alone.

Because I guess it needs to be said; yes I’ve watched the 1976 Barbra Streisand remake of A Star is Born, but this won’t be a side by side comparison; it’s a review.

One of my top things about this movie is how well cast it was. There were a lot of chops and changes made to the primary cast since the movie entered development in 2011, and actors in the running for the lead roles included; Beyonce, Esperanza Spalding, Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio. As great as I am sure they all could have been, there was a nice rich authenticity in choosing Cooper and Gaga.

Speaking of Gaga – because I am only ever used to seeing her in costume, the woman who acted in this movie may as well have been brand new. I rarely looked at her as Lady Gaga – she was Anny. She was believable, likable and man did she give me goosebumps with that voice.

There were minute characteristics that made up Jackson Maine, such as blend in clothing and his constantly ducked head. I thought the latter was a touch of added brilliance as it subconsciously helped the audience to warm to him and sympathize with him.

The story was pretty similar to the 1976 Barbra Streisand version but it was still powerful, and I liked that the similarity to one didn’t diminish the worth of the other. I literally feel as if I can’t compare, and that takes a heck of a lot of talent.

Hmmmmmm.

Mostly from this movie I wanted more, and not even in a selfish why did it have to end, way.

There were times I thought the story moved from point to point/scene to scene quickly, and other times it seemed to linger almost on the edge of overdoing itself.

With that being said I still thought that the movie left so much unsaid.

I wanted to know more about this great country singer called Jackson Maine. The broken home childhood that was given as an explanation just wasn’t enough for me to rationalise the broken man we were supposed to pray healed.

The character we grew to love came across as layered, complex. As such I wanted an answer that was fitting, but was left with cliche.

I understand the way it had to end, but with reference to the above point I don’t know if it was given a good enough reasoning – but then again maybe that’s just life and that’s the point. To be honest I can’t say much else without spoiling the movie so I’ll just leave it at that.

A moment of appreciation needs to be taken for Mr Bradley Cooper. I know he isn’t the first person to write, direct and act in a movie, but I will be the first to admit that I didn’t really expect much from his trifecta, let alone to be wholly impressed by it.

As a remake, and in its own right this version of a Star is Born has a subtle and overwhelming charm that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s one that I would both recommend, and watch again.