“A star is born” (2018)

Loosely the fourth version of the same drama that began in 1937 with Janet Gaynor (her only color film) and Adolph Menjou. Followed by a second version with Judy Garland and James Mason in 1954 (Judy Garland was the same age as Lady GaGa), followed by a third version in 1976 starring Kris Krisopherson and Barbara Streisand, for which Streisand received an Oscar for best original song (Evergreen).

The fourth version stars Bradley Cooper and Lady GaGa (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) and it has been upgraded an amazing amount of detail. Bradley Cooper decided to play and sing live, necessitating extensive vocal training for him. For his role, Bradley was extensively trained in guitar and how to present himself like a musician for a year in his basement by Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson. For Bradley’s stage performances, he’s backed by Lukas Nelson and his band “Promise of the real”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T17dAHtMB_s

Now comes the real blast- Bradley Cooper learned his extensive lessons well.  He emerges with world class lead singer chops and…….Lord have mercy……the “moves” of an incredible country rock singer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdjNm9UzjoY

Lady GaGa noted on some talk show that she didn’t know who the character with plain hair and no makeup was. She had to work to find that character as she considers her life as bleach blond, a ton of makeup and lots of outrageous clothes. But in the end, the two come together to make an amazing connection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSbzyEJ8X9E

The story line takes the same form as the other iterations; the girl goes on to emerge as a Britney Spears clone with fairly predictable outcome.

The film is magnificent. Very watchable. Highly recommended by me.

I give it five fresh faced Allys