A Star Is Born (2018)

I am one of the few people who were not hyped at all about Bradley Cooper's A Star Is Born mainly because the trailer didn't appeal me at all —I found it to be very cheesy. Then I read the reviews, and they really made me want to see it. Unfortunately, my cinema only showed the dubbed version and since I don't find the dubbing to be as effective as the original, specifically when it comes to dramas, I had to wait for home release to watch it. 

The story follows Ally (Lady Gaga), a young waitress with a great voice who's been told she's never gonna make it because of her nose, and Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), a famous rock country singer battling an alcohol and drug addiction. After one of his concerts, Jackson is looking for a drink and ends up in a drag bar where sees Ally perform. He is amazed by her and soon becomes both her mentor and her boyfriend and brings her into the spotlight. As Ally's career takes off, Jackson's spirals out of control.

Cooper's A Star Is Born has the simple and predictable story dealing with fame, addiction and depression that has been done several times before. However, unlike the 1954 version, which is the only I've seen, it handles each one of its themes incredibly well, it's compelling from start to finish and, thanks to Cooper's superb storytelling, it has a devastating and powerful impact on the viewer as it makes you experience happiness, hilarity, sadness and anger. 

Of course, it's not just the storytelling that makes A Star Is Born as effective as it is. The characters indeed play a huge role in that as they are interesting, have a backstory —specifically Jackson who isn't the cynical and jealous man James Mason played, but a more fleshed-out and sympathetic character—, and convey a sense of authenticity that really makes you fall in love with them. The connection you develop with them is so intense, you don't feel sorry for Ally when Jack yet again hits the bottle despite the promises, but you feel her pain. It's Jack you feel sorry for because he's throwing away his life and taking away a huge piece of Ally with it.

Warner Bros. Pictures

The leading performances are nothing short of extraordinary and deserve to win every single award —I'm pretty sure it won't happen though. Bradley Cooper gives the performance of his career as Jackson Maine, the once-great musician on the decline due to alcohol and drugs. Lady Gaga is beyond incredible and exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high considering how praised her performance is. Her portrayal of Ally is so genuine, charming and believable, and it's because of her if Ally, who has always had to take care of the men in her life —first her pathetic father, then her alcoholic husband—, isn't defined by them. The chemistry between Cooper and Gaga is terrific right from the start, and it's one of the most if not the most authentic chemistry I've seen on screen. As for the supporting cast, Sam Elliot shines as Jack's older brother and manager.

The songs are spectacular. I listened to the soundtrack several times in the past months but I loved only two songs, The Shallow, a Cooper and Gaga duet, and Always Remember Us This Way, a Gaga solo. It's a completely different story in the movie. Each song gives you the chills and has an emotional impact on you. The cinematography, although it isn't always consistent as at times the shots are not well framed and doesn't feel like they belong, is gorgeous.

If you haven't seen this masterpiece already, I urge you to watch it. Just make sure you have tissues at hand because you will cry, during the film and especially at the end. The ending made me cry so much, I got a headache. And I'm usually not a crier.