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A Star is Born (2018)
A universal trope that reappears in various cultural forms is drawn from the Ancient Greek mythology of a sculptor called Pygmalion. After falling in love with one of his statues he was granted a wish that she come to life and love him in return. In its modern form, the story is usually based on a successful male who nurtures the potential of a rising female and is rewarded with love. The unbroken lineage of this narrative can be seen in its latest and most spectacular version of A Star is Born (2018), updated with themes of substance abuse, mental illness, and the fickle perils of celebrity.
Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a famous country music singer who regularly binges on drugs and booze. The film’s opening scenes define the man: he holds a packed concert hall in the palm of his hands, then goes onto a night bender in a chauffeured limo. He stops to drink at an obscure drag bar where he is swept away by waitress-singer Ally Campana (Lady Gaga) who mesmerises with her rendition of Edith Piaf’s La Vie En Rose. The rest is well known: they fall in love, he literally sweeps her onto the big stage with the simple words “Just trust me”, and she is a knockout. It’s a whirlwind romance that sees them bond emotionally and professionally. He fights his addiction and promises to stay clean, but as her celebrity star rises, his tragically falls.
Describing the storyline is easy but the powerhouse acting and musical performances of Cooper and Gaga are superlative. Both fill their roles with authenticity because that’s who they are. Unlike her real-life persona, here Gaga is stripped bare and is the epitome of vulnerability. Words and melody take second place to the expressiveness in her vocal tones, and her simply divine finalé of “I’ll Never Love Again” is unforgettable. Cooper channels every all-American country singer that ever existed: macho, hard-living, and impossible to listen to without tapping your feet. The chemistry between them is palpable; whether it’s in the highs of romance or the lows of shattered lives, the synergy is electric. The cinematography never wavers in its intensity. It turns stage backlights into an organic canvas, and shapes big and small spaces into elements of narrative.
Much more could be said, but it’s the performances and music that leave their mark. The film has things to say about the misery of addiction and it teases out high-art music against pop pulp. Depending on how you look at it, there is also gender power in play. But these are not what you will remember most. It is a standout musical and a modern classic of entertainment.
Director: Bradley Cooper
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott
CineMuseFilms 
I find your comment very interesting David, but I see it differently. I agree that there is no ‘need’ to tell the story again, just as there is no need for any adaptation, appropriation, homage, remediation, remixe, and remake. When you think about the essence of storytelling as cultural expression, there are actually not than many different stories on the planet. But there are infinite ways of telling them. I think the widespread use of the term ‘remake’ does a disservice to this unique take on an ancient tale. It is different from the so-called earlier versions and is a contemporary story with contemporary themes. Cooper and Gaga are both iconic representations of modern culture and at the same time, they are mere avatars for the era. Gaga in particular is hardly in need of a film role to show off, rather the film shows her off as a quintessentially modern musician; and I’ve never been a fan of her music and I doubt I ever will. I hope you do see it; I expected shmaltz but was swept up in the power of its music and celebration of showbiz.
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Wooo totes looking forward to it! I’m not a fan of either Gaga or Cooper (didn’t even know the latter could sing!), but I was hoping it would be reminiscent of Lala Land? I will be catching a long haul flight soon and definitely hoping this will be on the inflight entertainment menu! 😊
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Please share your thoughts here Jolene; I’d love to know what you think after seeing it.
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A lovely review that has really made me wish to see it, Thank you. I saw the Streisand one when I was 16, so my memory of it probably bears little relation to how it actually was. This one sounds equally good, if not better.
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Not better, nor worse, just different; and totally contemporary. Hope you see it.
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Couldn’t have said it better myself 🙂 I was excited to see this and loved it even more than I thought I would. I really hope it gets more than a few nominations when the Oscars roll around!
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It surprised me too; Gaga’s finale song must be a strong contender.
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You have moved this up on my list!
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Look forward to reading your thoughts after you see it Christine.
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I have bitten my tongue and discarded all words regarding pomposity and utter rudeness thrown your way, the film not even having been taken in by the person in question, who lacks any capability for discussion without said rudeness concerning a difference of both taste and opinion. There is much ingenuity and worth to be had in the retelling of tales; the whole of humanity has been enriched by the process. Do I think, say, ‘Casablanca’, should be retold? No, not personally, but I’d watch the bugger before tearing it to shreds if it had excellent reviews. I wasn’t keen on this one at all when I heard about it, I don’t like him, and I do love the Judy Garland and James Mason original (the voice of God no less), (the second version was not so strong for me) however, a very old friend of mine who can be quite scathing himself, went to see it with a friend, and by the Gods of all sizes he was impressed, and you are not so easily pleased either, so I shall indeed be giving it a go.
Thank you for the time taken over your review sir, as ever.
– Esme upon the Cloud have none of that at all thank you very much.
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Lovely to hear from your Esme; as always, your contributions bring a smile upon me.
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The original ‘A Star is Born’ was made in 1937 with Janet Gaynor and Frederick March.
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Dear David, it does read that way. Perhaps only to myself. Worth knowing when that occurs I always think.
I’m no full shilling; typing with one eye open in the deadly dark of the night sky. Pardon my technical onions. My point stands, however intention makes a difference.
CMM – aways a pleasure to return, flying monkeys and medium-sized dog in tow. *smiles broadly*
– Esmeralda Cloud of sticky bun fame
– Esme upon the Cloud simply
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Good review. Definitely agree with you. This movie was pretty great. Both Cooper and Gaga were excellent in the movie, with both providing some quality talents (Cooper singing and Gaga acting).
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Nice to hear from you Jason; glad you liked it too.
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I can’t watch it yet because I’ve listened and watched the song ‘Shallow’ and reckon the whole film might kill me. – Esme Cloud getting there when she’s about 80 and won’t dissolve.
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Be brave Esme; crying is good and your Clouds hold much emotion to moisten the earth.
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I might drown everyone, I’ll check my Cloud insurance policy.
– Esme looking dubious upon the Cloud
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