Review of A Star Is Born (2018) by Edwin C — 17 Nov 2018

In his directorial debut, Bradley Cooper has a clear vision when he made this film. In a 4th remake of the film, he made a used up story feel fresh and new. With a brilliant cinematographer and great use of colours in the film, he did a very good job on his first go. A promising director indeed.

This is a story about a professional country rock singer from Arizona who stumbles upon a talented singer in a bar where he helps her get into the industry and gain fame, while his own career goes downhill as he suffers from alcoholism and drug addiction.

I have stated before that singers who act are usually terrible at it, but Stefani, Lady Gaga's real name, surprised me with her genuine emotional acting. I believe what helped her get into the role is through her own experiences as a real life musician. I have never enjoyed her music but I do love watching her act in this film and hopefully she does act more. Speaking of this, Bradley should sing more as well.

The music was purely written for the film and written in the perspectives of the characters. There are a few numbers of songs that could gain an Oscar nomination but I think it's gonna be Shallows, simply because of the part it played in the film. It was the first song they sang together that started it all.

The cast's performance in this film is top notch. Bradley sells his acting so well that he's just being, instead of acting. His chemistry with Stefani was beautiful to watch. I have mad respect for people who direct, produce, write, and then star in their own films. It's not an easy thing to do, but he killed it in all aspects. If he doesn't get an Oscar for any of these categories, it would be a crime. He truly deserves credit.

The screenplay was brilliantly written with many deep and meaningful quotes. The story itself is simple and is very similar to other music drama films like Begin Again. Though personally, I prefer Begin Again.

Favorite Quote: If there's one reason we're suppose to be here, it's to say something so people wanna hear it.