Review of A Star Is Born (1954) by Tristan Clay P — 06 Jun 2012

Despite the editing quirks, offbeat montages, and diluting length, Judy Garland shines like never before. She not only redeems "A Star is Born" from any flaws, some which may have resulted from the reconstruction of the film, but also adds an unforgettable charismatic charm to the picture, giving it life and exceptionality.

Even though the musical numbers may not be as visually grand as the ones in, say, "Singin' in the Rain" or "West Side Story," Garland's impeccable acting, empyrean voice, and pitch-perfect singing elevate every number she is in. Cukor's direction, though occasionally pedestrian, would also become livelier and innovative during these numbers; combined with Garland's presence, indubitable cinematic magic is created. Needless to say, I enjoyed the numbers here more than the ones in any other musical.

The story itself is deceptively simple. "A Star is Born" may give away the cliche rags-to-riches story everybody is so familiar with but underneath the familiarity is a beautiful love story of sacrifice, involving Esther Blodgett (Garland) and Norman Maine (played by James Mason; the man who played the increasingly psychotic scholar in "Lolita" now plays an increasingly psychotic drunk in "A Star is Born.") Maine creates a star and a lover out of Esther, and his inner motivations (revealed in a dialogue near the end) buttress the unconventionally romantic undertone of the film.

Also commendable is the cinematography; though throughout the entire film it's mostly dormant or reserved, the penultimate sequences that take place in the Maine household near the seaside is breathtakingly beautiful. Look at how the colors change from a bright and fresh outdoors scheme to a darker, alarming, yet warmer reddish orange aura. All nostalgic, all puissant, and all wonderful.

There are missteps along the way, but in the end the positives outweigh the negatives by galaxies. "A Star is Born," though clocking in at nearly 3 hours, will by no means waste your time.