#will fetters

[moviesframes]

Hustle (2022)

Directed by Jeremiah Zagar

Cinematography by Zak Mulligan

[90sagony]

#203 Domestic studies: Remember Me (2010)

[thestanconfessions]

[cinemafanatic]

"Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it so that people listen to it, that's a whole other bag. And unless you get out and you try to do it, you'll never know."

A Star Is Born (2018)

[genevieveetguy]

Can I tell you a secret? I think you might be a songwriter. And don't worry, I won't tell anybody. But I'm not very good at keeping secrets.

A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper (2018)

[adamwatchesmovies]

A Star is Born (2018)

There are two big music-themed features in theatres right now. If you can only see one, make it A Star is Born. This is a fictional story but the emotions and characters in it are real. It also features a fantastic soundtrack, one so good you’ll want to rush out of the theater to go buy… but that would mean missing out on the terrific performances. I don't want to rag on Bohemian Rhapsody but no one's doing any karaoke or impersonations here. Just sayin'.

Music star Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) happens upon Ally (Lady Gaga) while satisfying his persistent urge to drink. He instantly falls in love with her, and her voice. As their relationship develops, she rockets to stardom but her success highlights – if not increases – Jackson’s personal struggles.

A Star is Born has been remade numerous times but Cooper and co-writers Eric Roth and Will Fetters make the material new again. When Ally explains to Jackson why she’s never pursued a music career, you can tell it isn’t just the character talking, it’s also Lady Gaga pulling from deep-rooted truths about her own life. The romance which develops is so genuine it fills you with hope and makes the low points absolutely devastating. How can the two leads have such good chemistry, care about each other so much and then be so crushingly hurtful to each other during one of their arguments? When a drunken Jackson throws a snide remark at Ally, it cuts extra deep because he knows the one thing that’ll really hurt her. Coming from him, it’s basically unforgivable. A moment later, you see how low he's fallen and how desperately he needs help. You're batted between all of these emotional states, unsure who - if anyone - is to blame.

The romantic leads are fleshed out individually and as a couple but they're not the only standouts. Sam Elliott as Jackson’s older - much older - delivers emotional gut punches. As does Andrew Dice Clay as Ally’s father. They make it clear these people’s lives extend beyond the screen. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some - even several - cast members mentioned again come award-season.

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper both have a number of great songs. What stood out during this second viewing, however, are the quiet moments. This is a deeply intimate film. The times where the soundtrack pulls back, where no music plays and all that's left are the people on-screen make you feel like you're right there with them. While this is just a snippet of their lives, you get a complete picture of who they are, what they want, and what they could be.

2018’s A Star is Born is an impressive directorial debut; a great film with great performances and a terrific soundtrack. It’s one of the year’s best. (Theatrical version on the big screen, December 8, 2018)

[tardisman14]

Adapted Screenplay

“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” Joel Coen , Ethan Coen

“BlacKkKlansman,” Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott, Spike Lee

“Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty

“If Beale Street Could Talk,” Barry Jenkins

“A Star Is Born,” Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters

[moviesallday5]

#505 #A Star Is Born