“Jack talked about how music is essentially twelve notes between any octave. Twelve 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 twelve notes. That’s it. He loved how you see them”
The first time I saw this movie at the cinema back in 2018 it broke me. Two years later, and it broke me again.
I want to put a trigger warning however, this could also be considered a spoiler for some. I can’t say whether the content, or if the way it’s portrayed, could cause you emotional distress however, it might be worth it to be aware that these are present within the movie: Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Suicide.
A Star is Born follows Ally and Jack.
Jack is a well-known musician and Ally is a waitress. One evening Jack stops at a bar and that’s where he hears Ally sing for the first time. Enamoured by her talent he asks her to go with him for drinks, then he asks her to attend one of his shows. Then he asks her on tour. It’s in that moment their lives are fully intertwined.
My Thoughts
First and foremost, this movie inspires me.
When we first meet Ally and she starts writing and creating, sometimes on the spot and others over a period of time, each and every time I am awed.
“We don’t know how to rhyme but damn we try”
It inspires me to write. Songs, stories, poetry. I don’t even know how to write poetry but it makes me want to try.
Throughout the movie we’re on a slow rollercoaster. Moving us along up and down through desire and envy, love and despair.
We’re witnessing two people, one just launching their career as the other begins to come to an end. But we’re also witnessing their passion. For each other and for their art. Something I think one of them lost before they met the other.
I love that the film uses live vocals and instruments. It really puts you in the moment and makes it feel like an experience.
As I say, it is the second time I’ve watched this and I saw a few moments of foreshadowing which I thought were very well done.
I love that the first time we hear Ally sing Shallow with Jack in front of thousands of people, it’s almost like she surprises herself with every note that comes out.
The final song Ally sings is the part that forces me to stop holding back tears and release them full force. Especially towards the end. It’s so beautiful and emotional It makes me feel everything Ally must feel in that moment.
This movie is stunning. From the storyline to the acting, to the vocals, soundtrack and cinematography. It’s pieced together beautifully. I love the journey on which they take us. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking and absolutely breathtaking.
