The following is an edition of Panther Picture Spotlight, The Mirror’s movie column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. 

“A Star is Born,“ starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, is Cooper’s directorial debut. It is also the fourth version of the film since the original in 1937. It is one of those movies that every generation gets their own version of, then forgets within 40 years so the remake seems fresh.

The film splits its time fairly evenly between two leads. Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a washed-up country star struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. He meets Ally (Lady Gaga) and pulls her into the spotlight, launching her to stardom with amazing – and horrible – results.

This year’s remake turned out to be a solid film: nothing groundbreaking or spectacular, but a good tearjerker held together by excellent performances and music.

The direction is clearly that of a first-time director, which is not to say it is terrible, but Cooper goes for a much less controlled feel to the cinematography than most seasoned directors would. It works well for what the film is trying to achieve: the feeling that the events are playing out in time and you are there as an observer, capturing everything with your eye imperfectly.

Unfortunately, the script leaves much to be desired. There are some pitch-perfect scenes that delve into the horrors of addiction, but for the most part, it never looks very deeply into the psychology of the leads.

Cooper’s performance elevates what is on paper a pretty bland character. His dry delivery adds an air of mystery and depth to Maine, while the actual dialogue paints him as a fairly run-of-the-mill, romantic asshole.

The acting from everyone helps the movie tremendously. Cooper and Lady Gaga’s chemistry is perfect, as are their portrayals of their characters. Each offer more with their delivery than the script offers in its entirety. It is almost good enough to save the film, but the real saving grace is the music.

This is the kind of country music that friend is talking about when he informs you for the hundredth time that “not all country music is bad.” Lukas Nelson, the son of Willie Nelson, and Lady Gaga wrote most of the music together.

It adds emotion to the film in ways dialogue cannot, and while the operatically trained Lady Gaga clearly outclasses Cooper musically, he works perfectly for the type of songs he sings and the two sound incredible together. Their chemistry shines through when they harmonize. Moreover, Nelson’s band, Promise of the Real, plays Maine’s in-film band, and that adds authenticity to the on-stage performances, of which there are many throughout the film.

“A Star is Born” is a solid drama and a good musical. It is worth seeing for sure, but maybe bring a box of tissues if you are known to cry at sad movies. Or at Lady Gaga in the bath, as I am known to do.

Written by Jacob Maher.