Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

A Star Is Born
2018
*****
Director: Bradley Cooper
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, Sam Elliott, Anthony Ramos, Rafi Gavron, Greg Grunberg

Jackson Maine, a popular rock musician who drowns out his tinnitus with drugs and alcohol, helps the talented Ally to become an overnight sensation. The two fall in love, but as Ally's star is on the up, Jackson spirals deeper into self-destructive behaviour. This classic Hollywood story was previously filmed in 1937, 1954, and 1976. Bradley Cooper makes an incredibly assured directorial debut with this excellent 21st century version, which is gritty and utterly believable. Cooper, who co-wrote the script and some of the songs, also gives a career best performance as the dejected hero. Lady Gaga is a revelation in the female lead; she can play the ordinary and the glamorous with equal ease. "Shallow" won an Academy Award for best song.