Chris here. Filming has officially begun on the long-developed remake of A Star is Born, which is both the cinematic debut of Lady Gaga and star Bradley Cooper's first time in the director's chair. Gaga may have some big shoes to fill after Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, but this one promises its own unique point of view: a fully country-western soundtrack. Intriguingly, Cooper will be filming live at music festival Coachella over the next few days, so you can bet we'll get a look at some of Gaga's original songs - but the studio has also given us our first look at the duo. Some first thoughts...
- Alternate title: A Star Is Born This Way.
- Lady Gaga is going by Stefani Germanotta in the film's credits. Does this attempt at serious mean we can expect an Oscar campaign if the film is received well? She's already got that Globe.
- Speaking of that Globe, I understand that people were underwhelmed by her American Horror Story work, but I think we should approach this performance with an open mind. With her passion for her music, you can at least expect her to go all in.
- This looks like a way more understated country persona than what her latest album Joanne created, so hopefully we get some diva moments. It'd be a shame if her character doesn't get to go full Gaga fabulous.
- Cooper on the other hand looks fairly unrecognizable. Directing, starring, learning the guitar, and growing a bro beard?
- Filming at Coachella?? Cooper must be looking for crowd shots of people who are, like, totally over it.
- This image is somewhat gloomy, but Cooper scored genius cinematographer Matthew Libatique. He's no stranger to music videos, so a full musical from him should deliver some strong images.
A Star Is Born opens September 28, 2018. Does