Last week I saw A Star is Born and must say this movie does something to you when you see it; it’s more like an experience. Maybe it’s because it allows you to feel so vividly what it would be like to be a famous singer performing on stage in front of adoring fans and all the feelings that go along with it; the trepidation, excitement and in the end the amazing awareness that you are loved and accepted by those watching and listening. They want more. That’s exactly how I felt watching A Star is Born – I wanted more; more of the love story, more of the musical performances, and more of the superb acting.
I’ve been a Bradley Cooper fan since his days on the TV show Alias. There is no question he seamlessly and successfully crossed over to movies with titles like Silver Linings Playbook, American Sniper and Limitless. In A Star is Born he not only deeply won viewers’ hearts with the anguished, rock star struggling with addiction who falls in love with a yet to be discovered singer/songwriter but also makes his directorial debut, proving his acting talent is just the tip of the iceberg.
Lady Gaga brings to the screen a natural and enthralling vulnerability and perfectionism that wraps you up and leaves you feeling nothing but gratitude to be a humble spectator of her greatness. And honestly, that’s all I have to say about that. She’s just that perfect in this role.
I had not seen the other versions of a Star is Born, so I was not at all prepared for the ending. The demise that seems to inevitably come to great love stories created in Hollywood movies always seems to leave an effect on me that lingers long after the film ends. This version of A Star is Born and its deep heartbreaking effect on me is right up there with Gone with the Wind, West Side Story, Titanic, and The English Patient. It lingers there quietly whispering to me to, “see it just one more time”; all the while knowing I am deliberately running head-on into a beautiful disaster. However, like most hopeless romantics I can’t and don’t seem to help myself. I highly recommend you see this movie, but just be prepared to pick up a gallon of ice cream (or bottle of wine) on the way home.