A Star is Born (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'A Star is Born' (directed by the great George Cukor) represented a triumphant return to the screen of Judy Garland after a 4 yr. absence; she had suffered years of personal trauma throughout the late 40s & early 50s leading up to this 1954 film. Luckily for us, Judy is in top form, belting out the movie's musical numbers as well as she ever has. The story is an effective one. James Mason portrays Norman Maine, one-time movie star, now full-fledged alcoholic who's sliding down the career ladder. Looking for a career boost, he meets an aspiring young singer/actress by the name of Esther Blodgett (Garland), & is so convinced that she's a budding star that he's able to finagle a studio contract for her; with hopes that they can have dual success.
Vicky Lester (as she is renamed by studio heads) is a phenomenal talent, & her career ascends quickly. But Norman's career proceeds to go down the tubes. Their eventual marriage is also tested by his excessive drinking & his slight resentment of her fame. Melodrama ensues.
Judy Garland's performance as Vicky is brilliant. Garland nails both the early nervous energy of a newcomer on-the-scene, as well as the confidence of a seasoned star as the film progresses. James Mason is no slouch, either. He plays the alcoholic Norman without ever falling into the trap of overplaying it. And while he behaves like a jerk plenty of times, we also empathize with Norman's insecurities when he realizes that he's simply not the biggest name in Hollywood anymore. Garland & Mason are superb both individually & together; creating a gripping onscreen dynamic.
I loved the magnificent musical score by Ira Gershwin & Harold Arlen. The best & most iconic musical set piece, by far, is The Man Who Got Away (wonderfully performed by Judy Garland in one long take). The song is great & Garland absolutely rivets. Other songs include: It's a New World, Somewhere There's a Someone, I Was Born in a Trunk, Lose That Long Face, & Gotta Have Me Go With You.
Director George Cukor's brave portrayal of behind-the-scenes Hollywood industry is not sugarcoated; something you'd see today, but not when this film was released. Whether Vicky & Norman are attending the Academy Awards or on the set of a motion picture, Cukor's voyeuristic visual style makes us feel like we're right there; discovering the humiliating backroom politics that is a definite part of the movie business. i.e., pulling the curtain back & actually condemning Hollywood.
You know, 'A Star is Born' unveiled in 1954 with a 3 hour running time & outstanding reviews. Anyone who saw it (at film festivals) exclaimed that it would win every Oscar it was up for. But somewhere btwn. its overseas unveiling & the U.S. release, the studio cut some 40(!) minutes out of the film to provide a shorter, "smoother" movie going experience for American audiences. This, however, made the film choppy; curbing character motivations & cutting out vital scenes. i.e., Norman's proposal to Vicky; and a scene where Norman overhears Vicky planning to give up her fantastic career for his sake; and he starts sobbing. SO powerful.
At least the studio had the sense to leave in the final scene; where a thunderous audience greets Vicky when she returns to the stage after time away, "Good evening, everybody. This is Mrs. Norman Maine". Knowing what just happened in the plot, this scene proves to be quite emotional. And so, what wound up happening was that the abridged version was seen by audiences and Oscar voters, alike. Oscar voters appreciated the film; even loved it. But it missed crucial nominations for Best Picture/Director & a highly expected win for Judy Garland; probably because some of her great material was cut on the editing room floor; a shame.
Now, do I think a 3 hour run time is a tad much? Yes. But having seen the restored version, it's clear that little should have been cut; hence, dwarfing dramatic & emotional impact. Running time issues aside, I was really impressed by this movie. 'A Star is Born' is great for the acting, the engaging story, the music, the gorgeous visual style, as well as showing us how toxic Hollywood fame can be. I totally understand this film's status as a "Classic".
Vicky Lester (as she is renamed by studio heads) is a phenomenal talent, & her career ascends quickly. But Norman's career proceeds to go down the tubes. Their eventual marriage is also tested by his excessive drinking & his slight resentment of her fame. Melodrama ensues.
Judy Garland's performance as Vicky is brilliant. Garland nails both the early nervous energy of a newcomer on-the-scene, as well as the confidence of a seasoned star as the film progresses. James Mason is no slouch, either. He plays the alcoholic Norman without ever falling into the trap of overplaying it. And while he behaves like a jerk plenty of times, we also empathize with Norman's insecurities when he realizes that he's simply not the biggest name in Hollywood anymore. Garland & Mason are superb both individually & together; creating a gripping onscreen dynamic.
I loved the magnificent musical score by Ira Gershwin & Harold Arlen. The best & most iconic musical set piece, by far, is The Man Who Got Away (wonderfully performed by Judy Garland in one long take). The song is great & Garland absolutely rivets. Other songs include: It's a New World, Somewhere There's a Someone, I Was Born in a Trunk, Lose That Long Face, & Gotta Have Me Go With You.
Director George Cukor's brave portrayal of behind-the-scenes Hollywood industry is not sugarcoated; something you'd see today, but not when this film was released. Whether Vicky & Norman are attending the Academy Awards or on the set of a motion picture, Cukor's voyeuristic visual style makes us feel like we're right there; discovering the humiliating backroom politics that is a definite part of the movie business. i.e., pulling the curtain back & actually condemning Hollywood.
You know, 'A Star is Born' unveiled in 1954 with a 3 hour running time & outstanding reviews. Anyone who saw it (at film festivals) exclaimed that it would win every Oscar it was up for. But somewhere btwn. its overseas unveiling & the U.S. release, the studio cut some 40(!) minutes out of the film to provide a shorter, "smoother" movie going experience for American audiences. This, however, made the film choppy; curbing character motivations & cutting out vital scenes. i.e., Norman's proposal to Vicky; and a scene where Norman overhears Vicky planning to give up her fantastic career for his sake; and he starts sobbing. SO powerful.
At least the studio had the sense to leave in the final scene; where a thunderous audience greets Vicky when she returns to the stage after time away, "Good evening, everybody. This is Mrs. Norman Maine". Knowing what just happened in the plot, this scene proves to be quite emotional. And so, what wound up happening was that the abridged version was seen by audiences and Oscar voters, alike. Oscar voters appreciated the film; even loved it. But it missed crucial nominations for Best Picture/Director & a highly expected win for Judy Garland; probably because some of her great material was cut on the editing room floor; a shame.
Now, do I think a 3 hour run time is a tad much? Yes. But having seen the restored version, it's clear that little should have been cut; hence, dwarfing dramatic & emotional impact. Running time issues aside, I was really impressed by this movie. 'A Star is Born' is great for the acting, the engaging story, the music, the gorgeous visual style, as well as showing us how toxic Hollywood fame can be. I totally understand this film's status as a "Classic".