A STAR IS BORN is a story that has already seen three big screen interpretations, first in 1937 with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, next in 1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason, and again in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. There have also been several variations of the concept realized in other films that didn’t necessarily share the same name, but let’s just say it’s a familiar tale for the Silver Screen. The new version is the directorial debut of actor Bradley Cooper, who has certainly worked with his share of exceptional Hollywood directors, and obviously learned a lot in the process. Cooper has always been a big of a creative sponge, look up YouTube videos of him frequently in the audience on Inside The Actor’s Studio in his younger years, always asking smart questions to the guests. The female lead in the new version of A STAR IS BORN is played by superstar pop singer Lady Gaga, in her biggest film role to date, and one that has the potential to make her a bankable Hollywood star.

Jackson Maine (Cooper) is a giant name in the country music scene, filling enormous concert arenas on a regular basis with screaming fans who love him. But when the music stops the drinking starts, which is partly to help him deal with psychological trauma from his childhood, and partly his way of coping with an increasingly bad tinnitus problem (for those unfamiliar, it’s a painful ringing in the ears). Though the drinking problem is acknowledged frequently in the film, it’s oddly never mentioned that one of the things that can in fact exacerbate tinnitus is too much alcohol. One night after leaving a concert, Maine stumbles into a bar looking for yet another drink, and it turns out it’s a gay drag bar with lip-sync singers performing on stage. One of the singers is a woman named Ally (Lady Gaga), a frustrated kitchen worker who used to waitress in this same bar and now performs on certain nights as the one true singer in the place… and she just so happens to be amazing.

Jackson takes an immediate interest in her, and they start hanging out… a lot. He realizes she’s not just a great singer, but writes songs as well, including one she creates on the spot while hanging out with him. He invites her backstage for one of his concerts, where he surprises her by performing the song she wrote, and even persuades her to come on stage with him and sing it herself. Footage from this unexpected performance hits YouTube, and Ally quickly becomes a phenomenon. She decides to leave her normal life behind and join Jackson on the road, where they fall in love and she becomes a star on stage by his side. Not long after an agent grabs hold of her and helps cultivate Ally into a megastar that no longer needs Maine. So while the two stay in love, they spend more and more time apart, and Jackson’s life spirals down now that he’s lost his constant muse. As Ally’s star shines bright, the love of her life begins to fade.

Since music is such a big part of the narrative, it’s imperative that it works well for the audience to buy into the story and feel like what we’re watching is plausible and real, and that’s one area where the film really excels. From the opening minutes of the production, Bradley Cooper’s singing and stage presence feels incredibly authentic, and you believe he’s a country music superstar without hesitation. We actually saw this in a Dolby Atmos theater, and the sound design is incredible, so much so that in various scenes you almost feel like you’re there in the concert hearing the music performed live, it’s quite effective in that setting, in case that’s an option for you. Cooper talked about working with folks like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, and others who were greatly experienced in the music world, and it helped him find his voice for the character. It’s almost hard to believe after seeing the movie that Cooper hasn’t been performing in concerts his whole life, as he makes it look and feel incredibly natural and convincing. And of course Lady Gaga is no stranger to being on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans, but there is a fun sort of disconnect here as she looks so drastically different from the way we’re used to seeing her. No make up, average-looking clothes, and un-dyed hair (at least as first) help deliver a very ordinary-looking Ally, and there’s more than a few moments where it’s easy to forget you’re watching one of the biggest names in pop music on the big screen, instead it’s like discovering an amazingly talented unknown actress.

Gaga is equally impressive in the dramatic moments, finding qualities easy to relate to when showing the blue collar side of her character, looking after her limo-driving father (played wonderfully by Andrew Dice Clay) and his co-workers in their crowded home. Oddly enough, she almost seems more convincing as a “normal” person here than as a superstar on stage, so it makes the transition of her character feel that much more dramatic and smartly scripted. Even when she’s glitz and glam toward the latter half of the movie, you never feel like you’re just watching Lady Gaga trying to act, it’s instead natural and realistic, and this will almost certainly open up possibilities for her on other movie roles. It’s also a very un-glamorous take, as there are more than a few mentions of how Ally was told by many growing up that she had a great voice but a big nose and wasn’t as good looking as the other singers. This is something Gaga has had to deal with in real life, as critics and fans have frequently targeted her appearance or compared her to other similar singers as if they’re trying to tear her down in the process. In some ways this cinematic performance feels like the ultimate retort, showing she not only has the talent but can be beautiful in every possible way, even when playing a character who is intentionally dressed down and presented in a very normal way. And I’m telling you, as great as we all know she can be on the mic, when Ally gets over her hesitation and starts belting out the notes on the stage here, it’s almost magical and will give you goosebumps. Every performance in the movie feels powerful and inspired, and really gives you the feeling you’re experiencing something special.

Cooper as a director has found a way to craft a classic-feeling production that’s almost evocative of something Hollywood would have delivered decades ago, long before the days of sequels and reboots, more of a true powerhouse cinematic ballad that will capture the hearts of audiences with intense power and emotion. To put it simply, we don’t get films like this much anymore, and Cooper’s touch on the look and feel of the movie, all the way down to the editing, is done in a loving and reverent way. It’s like the best aspects of Clint Eastwood and David O. Russell (he’s worked with both), mixed with more classic sensibilities of directors like John Schlesinger or Martin Scorsese, yet it feels fresh and unique at the same time. To put it simply, for a directorial debut it’s an exceptional effort. Even with its two hour and 15 minute run time, the movie never feels too long or self-indulgent, which a film like this could easily do. Kudos should also be paid to the casting, with great familiar faces like Sam Elliott and Dave Chappelle, and of course the aforementioned Andrew Dice Clay, along with fresh faces like Anthony Ramos and Rafi Gavron… everyone is great, not one performance feels miscast or phoned in, though there is one surprise cameo about halfway through the film that seems like an odd addition.

A STAR IS BORN isn’t a particularly happy film as it deals with things like addiction, depression, and even shades of family abuse, not to mention some of the uglier sides of fame and celebrity, but the end result is nevertheless impressive and impacting… I found myself thinking a lot about this movie after I had seen it, and I do feel like it could be destined to become an instant classic within the right circles. Many are already saying things like “Oscar worthy” and implying it’s a lock for awards season. I’d bet hard money on it winning “Best Song” for “Shallow”, and maybe even best director for Cooper, though I wouldn’t be surprised if the Academy needs to see Gaga do a few more movies before handing her a trophy just yet. And while we’re on the subject, I should note that while Gaga is excellent here and will likely be the most talked-about aspect of the film, Cooper is equally terrific with his performance, which is worthy of note as he had the herculean task of co-writing the film, directing it and starring in the lead… and did amazing work on all three jobs. Gaga will undoubtedly get more roles after this, but any trophies being considered should probably go to Bradley first and foremost, and considering he’s been frequently nominated for some of those big awards but never actually won, I’d say it’s about time.

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