A Star is Born (2018)

In every iteration A Star is Born has been about a woman eclipsing a man. Each film examines the way this happens in its era. And perhaps a big part of what makes this version of the story work as well as it does is how well it nails the gender politics of our time and place.

Lady Gaga plays Ally in a manner which may not be as nuanced as a more seasoned actor may have played her. But she brings the necessary star essence to the role (as did the previous actors to take this spot in previous versions of the film such as Barbara Streisand and Judy Garland). Also she brings something else essential to the part, the spirit of a 21st century woman and all her values, struggles, angers, passions, strengths. When we meet Ally she is taking care of her father and his friends. She takes care of the gay men in the drag club she hangs out in. And then she takes care of Jack. She does it all while fighting to be an authentic artist at the same time.

Bradley Cooper's Jackson Maine is a wreck. The kind of wreck that you get to be as a famous powerful man who has experienced loss and everyone around you lets you wallow in it. Notice Ally still has to manage everyone else's lives but he gets to self-destruct. Jackson tries his best. Falls down a few times in his attempts to care for Ally, but is always given a second chance, and usually manages it the second time. A Star is Born is a beautiful portrait of how emotional labour is distributed. It's a tragedy and it's flawed. But it is the strength of the two actors who brings these characters to visceral life that makes it feel honest.

Cooper films his story like a pro, finding beautiful ways to show us each scene, each moment, create a real closeness between us and his subjects. Sometimes the story of their relationship feels a bit rushed. I didn't buy the progression completely. But Cooper makes his story a gorgeous one to watch. The music is alive and integral to the narrative. He has put together a very impressive debut.

A Star is Born becomes more than just its formula through their performances (and a strong supporting performance by Sam Elliot as well as - shockingly Andrew Dice Clay) and Cooper's loving direction. It is an emotional melodrama but it all comes together very well

And Shallow is one of the best songs to be written for a movie in a long time.

A Star is Born
Starring: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliot, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, Anthony Ramos, Rafi Favron
Director: Bradley Cooper
Writers: Eric Roth, Will Fetters, Bradley Cooper