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Even more than 300 years ago, poet Emily Dickinson called fame “a fickle food.” That fickleness is often the subject of books and films (especially, it seems, during this time of the year). And the age-old story gets a new take in Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, A Star Is Born.
A Star Is Born stars Cooper as Jackson Maine, a troubled rocker whose addictions and hearing loss are slowly destroying his career. One night, desperate for a drink, he wanders into a drag bar, where a performance by waitress Ally (Lady Gaga) brings him to tears. After a night of singing and laughing together, Jack whisks Ally off to his next gig and brings her onstage with him. Soon, Ally is offered a recording contract—but as her star begins to rise, Jack’s addictions begin to spiral out of control.
Even though this story has been told three other times over more than 80 years, this updated remake still has a lot to say about stardom—about the struggle to get there, the sacrifices it requires, and the toll it takes. And as these two lives and careers collide, it makes for a memorable and moving cautionary tale.
Jack and Ally are on completely different ends of the spectrum. Jack has grown used to the fans and the photos and the travel, but the pressure to stay in the spotlight has led him to a serious problem with substance abuse—one that only grows as he watches Ally’s star rise. Ally, meanwhile, is a talented young woman who’s all but given up on her big break—but then Jack pushes her to get out of the shadows and make her voice heard. And, as she steps into the spotlight, she ends up sacrificing so much of herself to get where she wants to be.
The characters are fascinating—and, especially in the first half of the film, their growing relationship paired with the challenges of their careers makes for some compelling drama. The pop-star leading lady is lovable in her first starring role—even when her lines aren’t sung. But in his first time behind the camera, Cooper is remarkable in front of it as the talented but world-weary rocker whose addictions manage to lead him to love.
Once the characters’ relationship begins to crumble, however, the film loses its footing—as though, like its characters, it simply doesn’t know where to go next. Some aspects of the story are left unexplored and undeveloped as Jack and Ally face their challenges both on their own and as a couple. And while it’s still a moving tale about love and stardom, the film’s final act simply isn’t as solid as its beginning.
Despite its crumbling conclusion, though, this film is definitely one that will come up often during award season—for everything from its music to its performances. It’s both a solid remake of a classic film and a noteworthy debut for a gifted actor turned filmmaker.
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