Born This Way: Bradley Cooper's "A Star is Born" (2018)

Every few decades, one remake emerges that defines the zeitgeist in some meaningful way. While there's only four versions of A Star is Born out there currently, they all have left a stamp on Hollywood and the music industries with scathing tales of fame, indulgence, and the power of creativity. Over the course of this week, Born This Way will be looking at the films, released between 1937 and 2018, and analyzing what makes each one special along with what they do right, what could be improved, and just a general celebration of all things glitz and glamour. You might want to take another look at this column, because it's something as timeless as film itself. Dive in and enjoy Hollywood's favorite franchise, which has earned 17 Oscar nominations, 2 wins, and an Honorary Award. There's few films like these, so catch them before they fade away.

Review: "A Star is Born" (2018) is a Powerhouse of Movie Magic

Scene from A Star is Born (2018)

It's a moment that has been a bit ruined by the trailers, but what director Bradley Cooper captures during the "Shallow" sequence can only be described as movie magic. Country star Jackson Maine (Cooper) prods Ally (Lady Gaga) onto stage to sing her original song, previously introduced as this throwaway ditty in a parking lot late at night. As the guitars and drums build, the intensity kicks in and suddenly Ally is out there, nervously singing her own song. However, there's a moment of impulse that allows her to free herself, breaking out into a proud harmony that tears through her, breaking into the chorus so beautifully. Better than just about any other version, Cooper has captured the magic of A Star is Born not in words, but in a ferocity of energy. It's also a moment where Gaga has evolved into an actress to be reckoned with, as the next two hours take her on a whirlwind of triumph and heartbreak. But for one moment, it was all perfect. For whatever faults Cooper brings to his directorial debut, he makes up for it with sheer joy and power in one of the best takes of A Star is Born to hit the screen.

Best Song Bonus: "A Star is Born" (2018)

Scene from A Star is Born

Welcome to a very special bonus Best Song column dedicated to the soundtrack for the 2018 film A Star is Born. Considering that this column was created to recognize all things relevant to the Best Original Song category, it only seems right that there would be a deep dive into one of the year's strongest contenders for the category not with just one song, but a whole handful of catchy, memorable tunes that will probably dominate radio and be lodged in your ears for years to come. With this bonus entry, the goal is to determine which of the many original songs from Bradley Cooper's directorial debut deserves a shot at the prize, and which ones actually stand a chance of winning. If all goes right, there will be a few of these awaiting prize consideration on Oscar night.