An alcoholic rock star falls in love with a gifted
​singer whose career quickly starts to surpass his own.

DRAMA

A Star Is Born (2018)

Directed by Bradley Cooper

Written by Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters

Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Andrew
Dice Clay, Rafi Gavron, Anthony Ramos, Dave Chappelle

Remake of 1937's A Star Is Born, 1954's A Star Is Born,
and 1976's A Star Is Born

Oscar Wins - Best Original Song (Shallow)

Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Actress (Lady Gaga), Best Supporting Actor (Sam Elliott),
Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, ​Best Sound Mixing

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Connor Eyzaguirre

October 7, 2018

8/10

A Star Is Born is an emotional film that deals with love, jealousy, alcoholism, and the cost of fame. It's Bradley Cooper's directorial debut and the fourth version of a story that can really be adapted to fit any time. Cooper shows a natural eye for direction that will no doubt lead to him pursuing other projects as both director and star. I can easily see him becoming the next Clint Eastwood. As for performances, they really shine in this heart-wrenching modern masterpiece. Lady Gaga shows the world that she's not just a powerhouse vocalist, but a talented actress on her way to winning Oscar gold, and her chemistry with Cooper turns this film from a remake of a remake to a standalone drama that will be remembered as a great film.

Cooper plays alcoholic, self-destructive rock star Jackson Maine who discovers talented singer Ally (Lady Gaga) in a dive bar and helps her realize her true potential by giving her a chance to be a star. Their friendship quickly turns to romance and turns into an unspoken bitterness as Ally's career explodes while Jack's starts to implode due to his drinking. Watching this relationship evolve and then slowly fall apart is nothing short of painful. The film is beautifully crafted to make you feel sorry for both of them and never take sides.

With equally strong performances from Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, and Dave Chappelle, A Star Is Born is a modern classic in the making that takes a well-known concept and molds it for today's audience. Though I've never seen the three predecessors, I know all three are considered classic films. I would argue that this version has more to offer, especially when it comes to a realistic depiction of a spiraling relationship.