First Take: A Star Is Born- a very good view into a complex music industry

SYNOPSIS:

A musician helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.

Usually I’d be reviewing this in the solace of the cinema I’ve called my home for 15 years- but because their film buying department appear to have forgotten about this film getting a saturation release (I know full well that they’re reading this, get it sorted Screen Content lads), I had to venture elsewhere for the first big Oscar contender of the year- so I am very glad to report that the film certainly delivered on the hype.

Bradley Cooper helms the directors’ chair on this remake of a remake, and it’s obvious he’s been working on this for the last 3 years- as every small detail is there on screen, from the vocals, to even the damning critiques of the music industry today, something a lot of my fellow media academics will pick up on. The script from Cooper, Eric Roth and Will Fetters also delivers, but my main issue is the 2 hour 15 minute running time- there is a lot of good material, but also too much filler, and maybe a 2 hour running time could’ve helped the film along. It’s shot brilliantly by Matthew Libatique (who also shot Venom, you’ll be seeing my thoughts on that one very soon), and well, the music is fantastic. I won’t be surprised if we’ve already heard the winner for Best Original Song.

That brings us on to the cast. Cooper delivers the goods as ever, with some great support from Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, and a variety of cameos that do unfortunately constitute spoilers. But arguably, this film is all about the female lead- her name is Stefani Germanotta- or as we better know her, Lady Gaga. She is electric throughout, and having seen her absolutely ace it on American Horror Story, I knew she would be able to carry the film easily- and without question, she’s secured a lot of attention as we edge towards the big awards push over the next 4 months. Be prepared for a real gut punch of an ending though, because this ain’t La La Land.

THE VERDICT

Provoking, intimate and personal, A Star is Born is arguably the standard to beat as we begin this year’s awards season. If your local cinema actually has this film, see it big and see it loud. But if you don’t happen to have this film yet, make some noise on social media and tell the powers that be (both the cinema and the distributor Warner) that you want to see it.

RATING- 4.5/5