A Star is Born

“Maybe its time to let the old ways die.”

Filmology Rating: 3.25 out of 4

A Star is Born is a remake of a remake from Bradley Cooper who makes his directorial debut and stars in the film along side Lady Gaga. Jackson (Cooper) and Ally (Gaga) experience the rise and fall of fame as Jackson discovers that Ally, a waitress, has a talent for singing and song writing. Watch their love blossom on screen while Bradley Cooper does his best Sam Elliott impression.

To say I loved this movie may actually be an understatement. This film has so much going for it and will more than likely have a few Oscar nominations. Bradley Cooper co-wrote this film and his performance is probably the best I've seen from him. Lady Gaga is shockingly fantastic. She has not been in much, but she may actually have a best actress nomination.

What I loved about the movie is that it had something to say about fame. It's not all rainbows and sunny days, in fact, it may lead to addiction, chemically or emotionally. And it was very interesting to see the fall of Jackson and the rise of Ally while also watching them try to balance their career and love life and shows how damaged artists can be. But most of all, I really believed in that romance, almost like I was part of their relationship and that's the beauty of film as an art form.

However, there are some technical complaints. One being editing, it was a strangely edited film. Often there will be a cut in a very awkward place. And the film is nothing but close up, close up, close up in another location with no establishing shot. It felt very claustrophobic from a cinematography perspective which lead to pacing issues in the second half. Like The Greatest Showman, I see this film blowing up in soundtrack sales because this film's music is phenomenal. I really want to hear Lady Gaga blast that “Shallow” song again.

The immortal man, Sam Elliot, is in this as Jackson's brother who gives a great performance as well as Dave Chappelle, who was in this because, like the film, Dave had issues with fame when he was younger. So it was interesting to see that extra layer in the film.

This is definitely one of my favorites of the year and is a must watch for anyone who wants an emotional roller coaster.

Rating: See It

-Nolan