Movie transforms ugly duckling to beautiful swan

“A Star is Born” is kind of a misnomer as there are two stars born in this fourth (or fifth?) version of the classic story. Multiple Grammy award vocalist Lady Gaga debuts in her first leading role in a major motion picture while multiple Academy Award acting nominee Bradley Cooper makes his directorial debut. Both qualify for Rookie of the Year awards.

Gaga became a household word with outrageously flashy and gimmicky outfits even before most heard her sing. She lit up the world with the release of her first album in 2011, nominated for six Grammys and winning three. Here as Ally there is no flash and no gimmicks, just a plain struggling artist with a golden voice and winning persona.

Cooper’s claim to fame began as a pretty-boy in miscellaneous roles but hit the big time with “The Hangover” (2009). He then proved genuine acting chops with “Silver Lining Playbook” (2012) and “American Hustle” (2013). Here, as Jackson Maine, he delivers a soulful performance as expected, but also produces, directs and co-writes the script.

The rise and fall of an entertainer are not so much possible as inevitable. But, this story is the rise of one star concurrent with the decline of another. It begins with veteran musician Jackson Maine discovering Ally, a struggling lounge singer in a drag bar. Ally had been prepared to give up on her dream as a recording artist, but Jackson recognizes her talent. He believes in Ally and coaxes her into the limelight.

It’s love at first sight, but as their passionate relationship develops, Jack’s personal and professional life are attacked by his internal demons. Jackson’s desperate approach to the fight is with drugs and alcohol. This showbiz melodrama is filled with raw emotion and the spirited and soulful music that reflects their struggles.

A few years back, the studio had planned for Beyonce and Will Smith to star, with Clint Eastwood directing. When that project dissolved, Cooper developed his own vision. As Jackson did with Ally, Cooper selected Gaga when by chance, he heard her sing the French classic, “La Vie En Rose,” which he has her sing so exquisitely in this movie.

We were fans of Gaga and Cooper before this project, but can better appreciate and applaud them both in this dynamic showcase of their versatility, depth and commitment to the craft. Gaga urged Cooper to film their songs live, without lip-sync, which added to the authenticity. The concert scenes were shot live at Coachella Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Fenway Park and the Tour Stop in L.A. with Neil Young’s backup band.

The most recent version of this epic starred Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in 1976. The more famous 1954 version starred Judy Garland and James Mason, while the original 1937 tearjerker starred Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. However, it was very similar to “What Price Hollywood” (1932), which loosely depicted the real lives of actress Colleen Moore and her alcoholic husband, producer John McCormick.

Just to clarify, this story of a rapid rise to rock stardom is not “That Thing You Do” (1996). This fateful romance is hopelessly doomed from the outset, but we delight in rooting for an “ordinary” person in a dead-end job going from zero to hero. The limits and possibilities of show business are richly featured as explosive when they cross into the same vibrant relationship. Meanwhile, the pulsating rock score pulls it all together.

“A Star is Born” is 135 minutes and rated R for language, some sexuality, nudity and substance abuse. The success or failure of this picture rests on the audience’s belief in the chemistry between Jackson and Ally, as well as our spirited desire for this ugly duckling to transform into the beautiful swan.

This is one of the most remade movies in Hollywood, yet the heartfelt story still feels fresh and even innovative. Sam Elliott’s leathery voiced character says it best, “Music is essentially twelve notes between any octave, then the octave repeats. It’s the same story told over and over, forever. All any artist can offer the world is how they see those twelve notes, that’s it.”

Ron’s Rating: B Leigh’s Rating: B+




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