Review of
A Star Is Born
As old classic Hollywood movies go, this probably one of the best. The plot of
the movie centers around Esther Blodgett (Janet Gaynor) has grown up on a farm
but like many young girls, dreams of becoming a Hollywood starlet. She makes her
way to Hollywood and one of her first stops when she finally arrives in
Tinseltown is Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. There she makes a point to find the
prints of her favorite cinema star, Norman Maine; who is portrayed by Fredric
March.
She manages to get herself a job working as a waitress at a party in Tinseltown
and there is noticed by none other than her idol. Maine, who is an alcoholic,
immediately turns on the charm. He talks the studio head of production into
giving her a screen test and before long Esther finds herself caught up in the
glitz and glamour of Hollywood. She and Maine are paired together in leading
roles and Esther practically becomes an overnight success.
She and Maine, who has become quite smitten with her, marry rather quickly and
Esther finds herself a huge success. Her identity is transformed and she takes
on the persona of Vicki Lester, becoming a huge box office success. As she
becomes more famous; however, her alcoholic husband grows less popular and the
now famous starlet discovers that not all that glitters is gold.
Just about everything in this movie is great; including the acting, direction
and writing. The music is also really great. In a time in which a lot of movies
were ground out of the Hollywood production machine, this one is one of the
best. You don’t even feel like you’re really watching an old ‘classic’ movie
because the dialogue and writing are so timeless. Several of the topics are
related to issues that we still deal with today including success and failure as
well as alcoholism and the results of it.
You feel as though you really get to know the characters, who really come to
life. The musical score is excellent and even if the plot and acting of this
film weren’t so great, it would be worth it to watch the movie just to hear the
music.