In Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, he takes on the role of alt-country star Jackson Maine, whose lovve for the stage and his music is equalled only y his love for alcohol and other substances. Following a concert one night, Maine is downing shots at a club when he locks eyes with budding singer Ally. Blown away by her talent, he takes her under his wing and on to his own stage the next night where they perform one of her songs. That instantly becomes a huge hit and launches her into the limelight. As their love deepens, Ally scores a record deal while Maine continues on a self-destructive course that eventually leads to dreadful consequences. Lady Gaga’s turn as Ally. her first starring role in a feature film, is both refreshing and genuine, bringing a vulnerability to the character that complements the harder- edged Maine. The two also performed all the music and vocals themselves, with Cooper going through six months of intense training to develop his guitar, piano and vocal skills for the film.
A Star Is Born (18)
