Gaga Is Reborn

A Star Is Born is back yet again, rebirthing the roles through starring Bradley Cooper and Popstar singer, Lady Gaga. Cleary two past variations headlining Judy Garland in 1954 and Barbra Streisand in 1976 was not enough; as this past fall the third “Star Is Born” hit theatres across the world. Not only did it serve as a popular film in the 1900s, but the public has been dwelling over this film for the past months.

The name of the film itself struck the public, as it gave many the feeling of a true throwback to their time; however, witty banter filled the theater lobby in response to Bradleys position in the film. The director of the film and taking the leading role of Jackson Maine? Oh, and since when does Bradley Cooper sing? Many were struck when Bradley is shown on stage in the first scene. Believe it or not, his vocals were all his own- as they were “completely live and untampered” says the NYtimes. The story of Celebrity Jackson Maine and upcoming star Ally, highlights the “far from perfect” life of fame.

Ally and Jackson had their first encounter after he stumbles into a local bar after finishing a concert. He then is pleasantly surprised to hear Ally on stage, belting “La Vie en Rose.” From this moment, Ally became a star in the making. After Jack inviting Ally to attend him on tour and obtaining her own fame she eventually goes solo becoming a star of our own. Now caught up in the fact that Jack has created a voice that is more powerful than his own, he struggles to cope with the dramatic transfer in fame. No longer was the spotlight over Jack, but Ally was practically covered in fame.

I would be lying If I said I had true complaints about this film. While it “only” took me three times of watching it in theaters to grasp absolutely everything, I was blown away by how the two connected through their voices and their roles. I will admit that I was not originally a follower of Bradley Cooper, however, am now avidly following him through countless interviews and his interactions with Gaga, reported by the paparazzi. And yes, I am one of the typical fans who hope to see Gaga and Bradley end up together at some point in their lifetimes.

In addition, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the many performances shot in the film were live. Interestingly enough, their top hit song Shallows was filmed at Coachella, America’s largest music festival out in California. Despite the fact that they had one shot to nail every note, they had the pressure of thousands of people directly in front of them. The audience did not pay thousands of dollars to attend a music festival only to see Gaga and Bradley being pitchy on stage; however, they avoided just that as “the audience was shocked with their talent” says my sister, Annika Florio. With Gaga’s first film to star in, and Bradley’s first chance of being the director, both had spots to fill.

The story that Bradley managed to tell was impressive. While it may have come across as being the stereotypical story of a celebrity suffering from substance abuse, Bradley was able to form an important message through it. Bradley tells the film through defining a Hollywood story. Your first reaction may have been: wow how clever, what celebrity nowadays is completely normal? However, he touched upon a sensitive topic that many directors fail in doing so; depression and suicide. As the film originally portrays itself as a love story of two young artists falling in love, Bradley painted a picture of Ally not only dating Jackson, but also drunk Jackson. I was blown away by Bradley’s ability of tackling such a sensitive topic. With an ending leaving the audience in tears, they walked away with a thought in their head.

With a rating of 91% rotten tomatoes and an outstanding result in the box office, I advice all to experience the film through the eyes of Ally and Jack. Not only will you leave with a life lesson, but you will have witnessed a genuine story of heartfelt and pain.