a star is born

With three other versions of A Star is Born already out there, could Bradley Cooper make a fourth version worth seeing? With Lady Gaga as his star, absolutely. But what sets this version apart from the others?

The Oscar race is officially on with the release of this contemporary version of the enduring Hollywood classic. Bradley Cooper stars as charming Jackson Maine, a country rock star, plagued by alcohol/drug addiction, coupled with hearing loss. One night, in need of a drink after leaving a gig, Jackson stumbles into a drag bar, where he watches Ally (Lady Gaga), a wannabe-but-insecure singer/songwriter, warbling Edit Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose.”

A Star Is Born gives Lady Gaga a platform worthy of her immense talent. Bradley Cooper spent four years obsessed with his remake and update of A Star Is Born. This investment of time, energy and creativity pays dividends in his writing/directing debut. It also stars Cooper as Jackson Maine, a popular country musician fighting to maintain his hearing and his appeal. But this film showcases the glorious, brilliant performance by Lady Gaga.

With three other versions out there, the first from the director of Wings, the first ever Oscar Best Picture, the second from George Cukor, who won an Oscar for My Fair Lady, and the third from the screenwriter of Dog Day Afternoon, could Bradley Cooper make a fourth version worth seeing? With Lady Gaga as his star, absolutely. But what sets it apart?