© FAKESHEMP.NET
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Podcasts
    • Podcasts
    • Good Movie Monday
    • WTF was that?
  • MEDIA
    • Videos >
      • Photos
  • GLG
  • Blog
  • Interviews
  • About

A STAR IS BORN

12/10/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
2018 | DIR. BRADLEY COOPER | REVIEW BY GLENN COCHRANE.

Picture
You could almost consider A STAR AS BORN to be a franchise. With previous instalments made in 1937, 1954 and 1976 it has become an age old story which transcends time, transforming with each retelling. Now in 2018 the classic tale of a rockstar and his muse comes to life in a most outstanding fashion, adorning the big screen like the cinema of old. I cannot declare it to be perfection, but it is damn well close...​

​Co-written, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper the film adapts the story for a modern audience, placing itself in the world of rock n roll. Cooper plays a world renowned rock star who stumbles across a cabaret singer in a drunken state of desperation. In need of booze he wanders into a drag-bar and is immediately mesmerised by a young performer (Lady GaGa), whose star quality is undeniable. He sweeps her off her feet and before long they're in love and performing together. As her fame rises so too does his alcoholism and drug abuse, and as jealousy and addition threaten their relationship their love is tested to its absolute breaking point. To reveal more would be to deny you the pleasure of enjoying the film with awe, and in my opinion you need to experience its impact in a cinema with an audience.​

From the moment we are introduced to Cooper's character, Jackson Maine, rocking out on stage in front of thousands of fans, we are transported to another world. Energy pulsates off the screen as the camera dances around him, and the roar of his audience combined with his music is instantly infectious. Needless to say Cooper's direction is impeccable and he sets the film's tone within seconds. How on Earth can a directorial debut be this ambitious and this good?

Cooper's onscreen presence is electric and I can honestly say that I have not experienced a character as charismatic and captivating as his in a long time. Clearly using Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) as a point of reference, Cooper adopts a rugged, dishevelled and handsome rock persona as he delivers his lines with a deep, gruff southern accent. Lady GaGa shares the screen as Ally, giving an equally commanding delivery, making their partnership one to remember. As their relationship blossoms and evolves, their characters navigate a multitude of highs and lows. Both Cooper and GaGa reach deep to conjure a level of depth and earnestness that's totally unexpected from either of them. He gives the performance of his career and she silences her critics with an award worthy turn.
​

Picture

​Their supporting cast includes Andrew Dice Clay, who is wonderful as the doting father of Ally. Leaving his crass, confrontational schtick behind, he gives am unexpectedly heartfelt performance that provides a safe landing pad for Ally's character to rely on. Sam Elliot is wonderful as the aging tour manager whose devotion to Jackson is deeply seeded. He shares some incredible and touching moments on screen that should also earn him an award nom or two. Dave Chappelle, Anthony Ramos and Rafi Gavron add to the stellar line-up and grant the film further depth.

And if Cooper and GaGa are the equal headliners of A STAR IS BORN, then the soundtrack is without question the second lead. Produced by Lukas Nelson (son of Willie) with an assortment of writers including Nelson, Mark Ronson, Cooper and GaGa, it is an outstanding collection of songs and compositions. With dynamic cinematography by Matthew Libatique (Darren Aronofsky's long serving DOP) the music and images combine to make a beautiful marriage, leaping off the screen to create a full sensory experience. Watch this soundtrack win awards too, guaranteed!

I previously mentioned that I couldn't declare it to be a perfect film, and this comes down to the overall pacing of the narrative. The first and final acts are superb, moving as a breakneck pace without feeling rushed or gratuitous, however the middle act fumbles and loses momentum. As particular dramatic developments unfold, the charisma and gloss of the film wane significantly. It is an intentionally disarming directorial choice to facilitate the ongoing drama, and yet it makes for a brief disconnection from the audience. Thankfully the story gathers speed and rejuvenates itself for an beautiful and engrossing finale.

Just short of being a masterpiece, A STAR IS BORN is one of the highlights of the year for me. I foresee repeat viewings and a high rotation of the soundtrack. Cooper's arrival as a director is exciting news in deed, and I cannot wait to see how he flexes his creative muscle next.  


​
A Star is Born is available on 4K, BD and DVD through Roadshow Entertainment. 

​
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.


    OUR WRITERS
    GLENN COCHRANE
    JARRET GAHAN
    SHAUN CRAWFORD
    ALEX MAYNARD
    CHRIS THOMPSON​
    Picture

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    September 2010
    April 2010

    RSS Feed

© 2018 FakeShemp.Net    All rights reserved.  FakeShemp.Net Illustrations by MJ Barros. 
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Podcasts
    • Podcasts
    • Good Movie Monday
    • WTF was that?
  • MEDIA
    • Videos >
      • Photos
  • GLG
  • Blog
  • Interviews
  • About