Perhaps taken in by the hype a bit, I took Mrs Fiddlesticks on a date to see the new Bradley Cooper / Lady Gaga film A Star is Born. This is a remake of a remake of a 1937 film, and one which, by all accounts, Cooper was advised against making.
The story surrounds Jackson Maine, a fading American Southern Rock legend who meets Ally, a massively talented, but undiscovered, singer/songwriter. It's a love story of sorts, but also deals with hope, depression, integrity and despair.
I remember seeing Gaga a few years ago on a TV chat show, and realising that behind the pop career and silly name there was raw talent in spades (confirmed later when she did her duets with Tony Bennett) . Save for one or two wooden lines delivered at the start of the movie, she gave a brilliant performance, full of emotion, with singing that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Bradley Cooper, looking like a grizzled Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart was every part the hard-drinking damaged soul. The film did not shy away from the darker side of life, and this might, in part be the reason many pop music fans may part company with the critics who, by and large, loved it.
So, in one way, it was a feelgood Cinerella type of story with a slightly quirky, uncomfortable, world-weary, unrecognised princes (very reminiscent of Jenifer Lopez in some of her films). At the same time, you have this cynical world of music producers and promoters who care little for the art, and want to remake the artist in their own image. Altogether the effect was atmospheric, thought-provoking. Strangely, it's a film that manages to be at once joyfully uplifting and achingly sad.
Some stand out moments though. The point when Ally first is beckoned on stage to sing despite the nerves is superb. Bradley Cooper co-wrote and performed many of the songs, and has a great singing voice himself.
Good performances from the supporting cast, particularly Sam Elliott who played Jack's brother and manager (if you haven't seen him in Justified definitely check that out).
To wrap it up, certainly worth a watch, particularly if music films are your thing. Definitely a departure from the usual "guy meets girl" Hollywood tale.
