Top 10 A Star Is Born (2018) Moments
#10: “Always Remember Us This Way”
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If you’ve seen the previous incarnations of “A Star Is Born,” you know going into the theater that Jackson and Ally’s romance is destined to end in tragedy. In this scene, however, the affection this couple feels for each other seems unstoppable. Declaring his love for Ally for the first time, Jackson gives her the confidence to go on stage and perform solo in front of an audience. The aspiring songwriter sings “Always Remember Us This Way,” an original song that encapsulates a point in time when Ally and Jackson were both at the pinnacle of happiness. The sun may inevitably set on their love story, but this nostalgic number demonstrates how music can make a life-changing moment last forever.
#9: “La Vie en rose”
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Given her background as a pop artist, many skeptics weren’t sure if Lady Gaga could fill the shoes previously occupied by Janet Gaynor, Judy Garland, and Barbra Streisand. Bradley Cooper knew she was perfect for the role, however, after witnessing Gaga perform “La Vie en rose” at a fundraiser. Just as life imitates art, art imitates life in this scene, as Ally brings down the house singing Édith Piaf’s signature song at a drag bar. This marks Jackson’s introduction to Ally, putting a more modern spin on the classic meet cute. Jackson immediately sees something special in this mysterious singer destined for greatness. Likewise, it’s as if the audience is seeing Gaga for the first time, redefining her as an actress with phenomenal range.
#8: Like Where You’re At
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Speaking of unusual casting choices, comedian Dave Chappelle is known for his impressions of Rick James and Prince, but you wouldn’t necessarily expect him to pop up in a hard-hitting musical drama such as this. Considering that Chappelle temporarily walked away from fame, though, he was actually an ideal candidate to play Jackson’s friend Noodles, a retired musician. Where Jackson hit the big time, Noodles settled down with a family, enjoying a simpler lifestyle. When Jackson shows up passed out drunk at his house, Noodles offers some solemn advice about life. He describes Jackson as somebody lost at sea and Ally as a port. Encouraging him to appreciate where he’s currently at, Noodles gives Jackson hope that Ally just might save him from drowning.
#7: Jackson & Bobby Reconcile
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Outside of Ally, Jackson’s half-brother/manager Bobby is the most significant person in his life. With his mother dying in childbirth and his father being a drunk, Jackson only had Bobby to look out for him growing up. Bobby sticks with Jackson through thick and thin, although he’s eventually driven to walk away. Jackson later makes amends with his brother shortly before taking his own life. During this bittersweet heart-to-heart, Jackson tells Bobby that he was his true father figure, giving him his voice. Much like how Jackson always wanted to be like his big brother, Bradley Cooper ironically drew inspiration from Sam Elliott’s distinctive voice while trying hone his own delivery for Jackson. In that sense, Jackson stole his brother’s voice in more ways than one.
#6: The Grammy Awards
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As Ally reaches the height of her newfound fame, Jackson sinks to his lowest moment and pulls his wife down with him. Accepting the award for Best New Artist, Ally tries to remain composed and professional as her inebriated husband wanders onto the stage. Jackson overshadows Ally in the worst way possible, however, wetting himself on television and collapsing. Deviating from the other versions of “A Star Is Born,” Jackson doesn’t set out to sabotage Ally’s big night here. He wishes to stand by her side in this moment, but his inner demons once again get the best of him. The scene plays out in an uncomfortably authentic manner, painting a realistic portrait of substance abuse and celebrities who’ve gone off the deep end.
#5: Can I Tell You a Secret?
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Although Ally blossoms into a singing sensation, her music career and relationship with Jackson stem from humble roots that are planted in this scene. Bonding outside a grocery store at night, Ally gives Jackson a small taste of her musical gifts. The lyrics she strings together on the spot sum up Jackson, a man who appears confident on stage but feels empty behind the scenes. As Ally continues to piece the song together, her passion shines through, as if the shimmering star inside of her is finally being awakened. In this moment, Jackson becomes more determined than ever to bring Ally out of her shell, knowing that her songwriting talents can’t merely be confined to a parking lot.
#4: The Wedding
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Where some celebrities make a spectacle out of their nuptials, Jackson and Ally’s wedding couldn’t be more casual, which is exactly what makes this sequence so romantic. While visiting Noodles and his family, Jackson is suddenly overcome with the desire to marry Ally, popping the question with a guitar string ring. Ally quickly gets swept up in this impulsive moment, accepting the proposal without giving it a second thought. In a heartbeat, the couple goes from being engaged to being husband and wife. Their wedding is accompanied by a duet that just as easily could’ve been their marriage vows. Many people go through life uncertain what exactly love is, but when you find a kindred spirit, love becomes a bit less difficult to define.
#3: Take Another Look at You
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One of the most crucial moments in every version of “A Star Is Born” finds the male character asking the female lead if he can take another look at her. This line carries the most weight in Bradley Cooper’s film, however. Insecure about her appearance, Ally has been told time after time that she’ll never make it as a musician due to her nose. Throughout their first night together, Jackson comes to see just how beautiful she truly is, giving Ally a confidence boost while dropping her off. As charming as this scene is, it foreshadows a devastating moment later in the film when Jackson takes another look at Allie. Little does Ally realize that this is the last time he’ll ever look at her.
#2: “I'll Never Love Again”
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After Jackson tragically cuts his own life short, Ally closes out the film with the definition of a showstopper. Ally immortalizes her late husband’s memory by not only taking his last name, but also singing a love song he never had a chance to perform in public. Jackson wrote the song while thinking of Ally, who in turn sings it for the only man she’ll ever love. Simultaneously, this song captures both the affection these two felt for each other and the heartbreak of their romance being cut short. Lady Gaga is nothing short of a revelation in this scene, juggling the pain and vulnerability of losing a partner with the resilience required to carry on as a solo act. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Ally Singing on “SNL” Jackson Sings in Drag Bar Bobby & Ally Talk About Jackson’s Death Ally Quits Her Job
#1: “Shallow”
Jackson is resolute on sharing the song Ally wrote in the parking lot with the rest of the world, even if she has her doubts. Despite Ally’s initial hesitation, it isn’t long until she joins Jackson on stage, singing this Golden Globe-winning number. Swimming out of shallow waters, Ally dives in and goes for her dreams like never before. As Ally falls into the embrace of superstardom, she also falls deeper in love with Jackson. This duet flawlessly embodies why Jackson and Ally complete each other, as if both had been adrift at sea before crossing paths. Their lives will never be the same from this moment on, as they’re far from the shallow now.
