Oscar season has just begun with the Bradley Cooper's directorial debut, A Star is Born. The film has been getting universal acclaim since its release at the Venice International Film Festival, with praise going towards Bradley Cooper's and Lady Gaga's performance, the direction, the writing, and the music. A Star Is Born more than lives up to the hype, as it is able to deliver an emotionally-resonate drama that perfectly deserves all of the critical acclaims, and it is definitely a favorite at this year's Oscar race. A Star is Born tells the story of Jackson Maine, a seasoned musician who discovers-and falls in love with a struggling artist Ally, who has given up on her dreams to become a singer/songwriter. When Jackson coaxes her into a spotlight, Ally's career takes off, becoming one of the most successful singers. As Ally rises to fame, the personal relationship between the two starts to break down, as Jackson struggles with alcoholism and his ongoing inner demons. This is the third remake of the 1937 film of the same name. For everything great that the film does, it isn't all perfect. For those who have seen any other versions of the story, whether it the original 1937 film or the Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand version, the story will be predictable, and you will see all of the familiar moments coming. Another aspect is that like the other versions, the film does struggle with the second act that focuses on Ally's or the "star'" rising to fame, and it does feel like it drags along these scenes. However, even these minor nitpicks cannot take away from the incredible and emotional viewing experience that Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga is able to take us. One of, if not the best part of the film is the Oscar-worthy performances from both Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. This is by far their best performances of their career, and they are a lock for a Best Actor/Actress nomination, maybe a win in their respective category. Bradley Cooper as the troubled artist Jackson Maine is phenomenal, as he is able to bring a hefty amount of depth, vulnerability, and nuances to the role. He is able to perfectly capture the charm and charisma of the character but also is able to dig deeper into the character's self-destructive nature that is able to rise above the typical substance abuse cliche that we have seen a million times. His performance is emotional, heartfelt, and incredibly powerful that will definitely be in contention at this year's award season. In addition, Lady Gaga absolutely steals the movie as the rising artist Ally. Her performance as the titular character is able to bring the character's ability to achieve success all on her own, relying on her talents and skill through herself instead of what easily could've felt like a handout from Cooper's character. And like Cooper, Gaga is able to bring enough energy, depth, charm, and a surprising amount of vulnerability and nuances that transforms her into the character. Never once did it felt like we were watching Lady Gaga perform. It all felt natural and authentic, and Gaga absolutely shines, especially in the film's musical moments. Here, Gaga captures the shyness, quirks, nervousness, resistance, strength, and confidence all at the same time in the same scene. This is a performance that will get her an Oscar nomination, maybe even a win in this category. What adds to the performance is the amazing chemistry from our leads, making the interactions between the characters feel natural and authentic. The relationship between Jackson and Ally are the heart and soul of the film. It is here where we are able to get the best moments, the best songs, and the best emotional connection to these characters. And both Cooper and Gaga make it feel believable. They are able to invest in the story, in their believable love for each other, and they are able to make us care in both the best and worst moments of their relationship. Seeing how each character reacts to one's fame or one's deterioration is the cornerstone of the film, one that our leads are able to perfectly capture and deliver some of the more emotional moments in the film. And while Bradley Cooper is able to deliver an excellent performance, he is also able to shine in his directorial debut. However, one would never notice due to the sheer confidence and artistry that he is able to bring in his direction. This feels like it was directed by a more season and experienced director who has mastered his craft. With the help of the amazing cinematography from Matthew Libatique, Cooper is able to beautiful craft and capture the coverage of the musical numbers, as well as the fearless decision to linger on in the dramatic and extensive dialogue sequences. This is one of the most well constructed directorial debuts since Jordan Peele's Get Out, and it one where we can expect a nomination as well. In addition to the beautiful direction, Cooper and screenwriters Eric Roth and Will Fetters are able to tell an amazing story that is both an amazing musical experience as well as a great commentary of fame and the music business. The film does an amazing job of delving into both the public and private persona of an artist, and the damaged nature and experiences that they have to go through. We are able to see the soullessness that can happen when rising to fame, and the difficulty it is to keep your integrity and roots in the long run. It is able to add a sense of self-reflectiveness on not only Cooper as an actor, but also as Gaga as a performer who both have to deal with the success and consequences that go with fame and music. Where the script is able to shine is through the film's first and last act. While the second act is a bit underwhelming, it is the beginning and the end of the film that will take the audience into an emotional experience. The first act beautifully captures the rise and dynamic of our lead's relationship, and it beautifully captures both the strength and weakness, the effort, and the love that they have for each other. However, the third act is emotionally devastating. If you've seen any of the other versions, you know how the third act plays out. However, that doesn't hide the sheer honesty, rawness, and gravity of it. It is a beautiful culmination on Ally and Jackson's relationship, Jackson's substance abuse and inner demons, and Ally's rise to fame in an incredible last act. It is not afraid to delve into some unsettling places and it is not afraid to ignore some of the story's more darker elements, while also perfectly capturing the power of music and the human spirit, and trying to find hope in it. And by far the best part of the film is the incredible, exhilarating, and emotional musical moments. The songs, most of them written by Lady Gaga, are both emotionally satisfying and emotionally heartbreaking. You don't need to be a fan of rock, pop, or Lady Gaga to appreciate the amazing music in the film. Two songs, in particular, are favorite to win Best Original Song. One is "Shallows", which is able to be entertaining, catchy, and beautifully written that is integral to the story, as it captures the film's heart and soul and the dynamic of the characters. Another is "I'll Never Love Again", which is able to be soul-crushingly haunting, beautiful, and emotional that perfectly captures the love between Ally and Jackson and the emotional weight of the third act. All these songs are benefited through Cooper's amazing direction, as well as Lady Gaga's amazing voice and performance that captures the character's raw emotions and feelings. Whether it is for Best Actress or Best Original Song, Lady Gaga is going home with an Oscar that night. In the end, A Star is Born is one of the best films of the year and is a contender for Best Picture at the Oscars. Despite a predictable story and second act that other versions suffered as well, Bradley Cooper directorial debut is able to deliver an emotionally resonant and powerful film, thanks to a great performance from himself as well as Lady Gaga, excellent chemistry between the leads, amazing storytelling that adds commentary to fame and the music industry, an excellent first and devastating third act, as well as excellent musical moments found throughout. Two stars were definitely born in this film. One in Cooper's direction and the other is in Gaga's acting performance.
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