A Star is Born [1954]
Starring: Judy Garland, James Mason, Jack Carson, Tommy Noonan, Lucy Marlow
Direction by George Cukor
Language: English
'The night is bitter, the stars have lost their glitter. The winds grow colder, suddenly you're older. And all because of the man that got away! No more his eager call, the writing's on the wall, the dreams you've dreamed have all gone astray.'
'Ever since this world began, there is nothing sadder than…a one man woman, looking for the man that got away.'
'I'll get by as long as I have you, though there'll be rain and darkness too, I'll not complain, I'll see it through.'
In the past, I was a staunch believer in the fact that Bollywood Hindi songs were always better than English Hollywood ones. Anyone who told me otherwise purely didn't understand the beauty of Bollywood, and I would dismiss their opinion straight away. However, I have realised the errors of my ways after this movie right here! Nobody can sing a 14 minute medley with such grace and grit simultaneously: Judy Garland is something special.
I love, love, LOVED this movie. I actually have not seen any other of the 'Star is Born' movies, and after watching this one, my standards have been pushed very high. This combines everything I would ever need in a movie. It gave me a glimpse into the world of glitzy 50s Hollywood before it became oh-so-commercial: this elegance and luxury was so well-communicated to me through set and costume design. From long, cascading evening dresses to maroon slim fit joggers, from simple blue blouses to feather boas, this movie had it all!
There was romance, and any long-time reader of this blog would know that movies with romance are a big hit with me. And the MUSIC! My oh my! Judy Garland singing is a breath of fresh air compared to the swill (no offence) that we hear today. Don't get me wrong: modern day music is great and all but nothing I've heard rivals this. Garland's voice is what I imagine heaven to sound like, and if that doesn't paint a clear enough picture for you, I don't know what will.
One thing I picked up on is the use of colour in this movie. And before you come to me and say that I am out of my mind, hear me out. It is only after you have watched black and white films of the 50s that you realise how significant a role colour can actually play in a movie. The use of colour in this production really demonstrated the vibrance of Hollywood, and it really made everything come to life for me!
Judy Garland was definitely the dominant force in this picture. I've said it before and I'll say it again: her voice could rival that of the most experienced primadonnas in Europe. The versality of her style was awe-inspiring. She was the main reason I kept watching (3 hours for an English movie is so foreign to me).
James Mason was alright, I guess. I feel like there's a certain style that all male actors fall into in movies from around the time period this was made in. The men all play these stoic, hardened characters who are ultra-masculine, until they meet a girl and all of these traits sort of dissolve a little bit. I mean he pulled it off, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
If you're going to watch ANY movie from the 1950s, watch this one. Give it a chance and stick it out. You'll be left with a movie that will completely lift your spirits.
11/10
