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Reminiscing Bradley Cooper's 'A Star is Born' on his birthday
Happy birthday Bradley Cooper

Reminiscing Bradley Cooper's 'A Star is Born' on his birthday

Jan 05, 2023
02:10 am

What's the story

Bradley Cooper is a name that is synonymous with good looks, charm, and panache. The actor has donned many iconic roles across various genres. In 2018, he debuted as a director with A Star is Born and the world got a taste of his way of storytelling. On his 48th birthday, we look back at one of his finest performances on celluloid.

Information

Storyline of the film

The fourth official remake tells the age-old story of a successful musician (Jackson Maine played by Cooper) fighting his demons and falling in love with a struggling musician (Ally played by Lady Gaga). As their love story grows stronger, the successful musician fades away.

Treatment

Age-old story treated like music

Cooper treats the film like one of its dialogues. Ally says, "Music is essentially 12 notes between any octave, 12 notes, and the octave repeats. It's the same story, told over and over, forever. All any artist can offer the world is how they see those 12 notes." Maine's character is way more than the usual jealousy and insecurity.

Characters

Characters rooted in writing  

Cooper weaves the characters around its roots, childhood trauma, and ingrained pain. His storytelling prowess can be seen in his choice of narrative. The film starts with the usual daily lives of both characters and as the film progresses, viewers are introduced to their insecurities and inhibitions. The character arc of everyone including the supporting actors like Sam Elliot has been powerful.

Romance

Nuanced romance and a sense of reality

The romantic scenes are subtle and nuanced. A handheld camera is used to make the viewers feel the dynamic tension and a sense of reality. Cooper wrote scenes after being inspired by real-life situations that happened to the protagonists. This tragic romantic drama is a testament to life. His voice modulation to sound like a countryside man added a different texture to the film.

Storytelling

Jack of two trades

To date, very few have mastered the art of directing and acting in the same film. Cooper's Hollywood directorial defies all preconceived notions and has emerged successful. It never felt like a first-time director's film. The actor starts living in the skin of Maine. His own history with addiction helped him to understand the perils and how it slows down daily cognitive functioning.

Detailing

Building up the character

Maine's childhood trauma has become a part of his identity which is not seen by most people around. Cooper's understanding of this loneliness and trying to fill the void with his alcohol addiction is subtle yet remarkable. He longs for solace and he does find it on the night he meets Ally and sings, "Maybe it's time to let the old ways die..."

Connection

Maine and Ally connecting with each other

Ally understands the intricacies of Maine's character and connects with him instantly. He also understands the insecurity which forbids Ally to come out of her shell. They both fit like a puzzle and their journey starts when Ally rises slowly while singing the lines, "I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in, I'll never meet the ground..."

Conclusion

Cooper's portrayal of Maine

Maine is raw, unapologetic, vulnerable, obnoxious at certain parts, yet lovable. Cooper makes viewers feel the love in every stare and the sadness after every fight. Their struggle—his with his own demons and her with her newly found life—makes the film have an effect that lingers on for hours. With this film, a star director was born in 2018!