A Star Is Born (2018)

We’re back after a longer than anticipated break to fulfill a promise we made to discuss the 2018 version of A Star Is Born, directed by and co-starring Bradley Cooper. Lady Gaga is the titular character and, at least ostensibly, the protagonist; but we struggled to understand where her heart (and her music) lay. We discuss Gaga the singer and the spectacle, and the parallels between her career and the film; generational differences between the two films and the two characters; and comparisons with Streisand and Kristofferson. We close by wondering whether this kind of storyline has any relevance anymore, given today’s music culture. Finally, we hint toward some changes in the podcast going forward—including a new name and new direction.