Film Review | A Star Is Born

A Star Is Born is directed by Bradley Cooper and stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

Released 2018. Drama, Music, Romance.

Accomplished musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). As her career takes off, their personal relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his internal demons.

Naturally, this was one of my most highly anticipated films of the year - Bradley Cooper is a terrific actor, and I couldn't wait to see how he collaborated with Lady Gaga: undisputedly one of the most talented individuals on the planet. Regardless of my excitement and the faultless, glowing reviews, I was worried A Star Is Born wouldn't live up to my inevitably sky-high expectations.

But forget the sky, A Star Is Born went to Heaven. Nothing but praise should be given to Bradley Cooper - this is an absolutely magnificent feat for a directorial debut. He nails it. When Jack is on stage, you're on stage. When Ally and Jack are in the empty car park in the early hours of the morning, you're there with them. Everything feels real, and this is also thanks to the nuanced, awe-inspiring, knockout performances delivered by both Cooper and Gaga. 

I'll start with Lady Gaga. After this performance, she has solidified herself as a Hollywood icon and the quintessential superstar of this decade, and I've no doubt she will deliver plenty more spectacular performances - both film-wise and musically - in the next few years. She is so natural in this role. Yes, it plays to her strengths, but any wise filmmaker would direct her in that way... we know she can own the stage, and there is no exception to this assumption here; it's incredibly impressive. But what's more impressive is that every other aspect of her performance is just as skilled, just as authentic, just as spectacular. She's already a star, but I think a true Lady Gaga renaissance is on the horizon. 

Bradley Cooper as Jackson is transformative, and has given the performance of his career with this film. He utterly loses himself in the role and you truly believe him to be a rockstar; a damaged one, but still a rockstar. He carries himself with poignancy, power and poise and his character feels so incredibly authentic. It's about time he gets some gold.

Also, a small shoutout to Sam Elliott. Wow. Am I stupid to predict that three of the four Academy Awards for acting are going to be taken home by the stars in A Star Is Born? 

Musically speaking, this soundtrack is going to be a hit. It's immense. Notable tracks include 'Is That Alright?', 'Always Remember Us This Way', and of course 'Shallow', which is a lock for Best Original Song.

A poignant, nuanced, epic and emotional

directorial debut from Bradley Cooper.

Be amazed if you haven't already.