Bradley Cooper Speaks Out About Filming A Star Is Born

Alongside Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga has caused a worldwide stir with her tremendous breakout role in a remake of the iconic film, A Star is Born. Making his directorial debut, the actor took a surprising risk casting Gaga as the leading lady. With their undeniable chemistry and Gaga’s awe-inspiring vocals, the film is already considered one of the best of the year.

Showing an emotional side

Lady Gaga has always been a powerful force in the music industry. With her authenticity and unashamed vulnerability, she has garnered millions of impassioned fans from around the world. Her debut role in A Star is Born shows the actress making a touching and superb venture into the world of acting. Indeed, the role has seemingly given the singer-turned-actress another outlet for her torrid emotions.

Wet Hot American Summer

Born in Philadelphia in 1975, Cooper began his studies at New York City’s Actors Studio. He had his big-screen debut in the 2001 cult hit starring in the comedy Wet Hot American Summer. Then, in 2005 the actor landed a supporting role in box-office smash Wedding Crashers. With his brooding good looks and irresistible charisma, the actor charmed audiences.

Big Break

But Cooper’s big break would arrive in 2009 when he starred in one of the decade’s biggest comedy hits, The Hangover. He subsequently starred in a string of films that would solidify his status as a leading man.  Yet it would be his emotional role in 2012’s Silver Linings Playbook that would truly rocket the actor’s career.

Oscar Nod

Cooper, in an outstanding display of his acting talents, would go on to pick up the first of three consecutive Oscar nominations – making him only the tenth actor in history to achieve such a feat. He was nominated for his role in the 2013’s 70’s hit, American Hustle and 2014’s American Sniper. On stage, the captivating star also received a Tony Award nomination for his leading role in The Elephant Man.

Taking The Director’s Chair

Once again, Cooper has dazzled with his first attempt at directing. A Star is Born is now on the receiving end of some spectacular Oscar buzz. In true character, the actor’s choice for his leading lady would be unconventional and daring.

Leading Lady

But the magnificent Lady Gaga is no stranger to the silver screen. She has made cameos in Muppets Most Wanted and Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. A more substantial role came along in 2015, when she starred as The Countess in American Horror Story’s fifth season. With her signature conviction and spell-binding tenacity, Gaga deservedly picked up a Best Actress Golden Globe for her performance in the popular horror anthology.

On And Off The Cameras

In A Star is Born, the singing supernova has received her first opportunity to wow in a a lead role in a motion picture. The much-talented star plays Ally, a strong-willed singer-songwriter discovered by the troubled but brilliant singer, Cooper’s Jackson Maine. The two A-listers not only took on the lead roles but also collaborated for the film’s official soundtrack.

Critical Acclaim

A Star Is Born premiered at the 2018 Venice Film Festival and was met with an outpouring of rave reviews. The Wrap described Gaga and Cooper’s chemistry as “dynamite” and musical efforts as “electrifying,” meanwhile, The Chicago-Sun Times declared the film “the best Star is Born yet and one of the best movies of the year.” Many have been wildly impressed by Gaga’s emotional and breathtaking performance.

What Cooper Had To Say

The critics weren’t the only ones who were awed by Gaga and her seemingly endless talent. Director and co-star Cooper gushed over his onscreen romantic interest when he appeared alongside co-stars Sam Elliott and Anthony Ramos on Good Morning America. “I’m just so glad God gave her the talent that she has, and he chose her, because that’s quite a vessel to go through,” remarked Cooper during the September 2018 slot on the show.

Chemistry Is Electric

From the first moment Jackson drunkenly walks into a drag bar and witnesses Ally seductively sing “La Vie En Rose,” the fiery electricity between the two is palpable. The pair end up in a bar connecting over whiskies and their shared love for music. Jackson is instantly infatuated with Ally’s strength and radiant talent. Soon, the two would embark on a musical journey exploring love, loss and the tumultuous world of super stardom.

Chemistry Off Set

Cooper went on to say, “…She’s such a beautiful human being.” A visibly touched Gaga, who had already shed a few tears during a rags-to-riches story told by Ramos, then returned the compliment. “So are you. Thank you,” she told Cooper.

Revealing Intimate Details

Gaga then revealed how she instinctively knew she’d strike up an instant rapport with the director. She said, “As soon as I opened the door to my house and saw him, it was like, ‘[Are] you hungry?’ And we’re both Italian and from the East Coast. Before I knew it, I was heating up some leftovers for him, and we were eating together.”

The Second The Laid Eyes On Each Other

“The second that I saw him,” says Gaga, “I was like, Have I known you my whole life? It was an instant connection, instant understanding of one another.” Cooper shared, “She came down the stairs and we went out to her patio and I saw her eyes, and honestly, it clicked and I went, ‘Wow’.”

Admitting Being Blown Away

Gaga admitted that she had been blown away by Cooper’s unexpected singing talents. The film’s director spent six months training his voice for the demanding role – a commitment that the pop superstar told Good Morning America had certainly paid off. She said, “He began to sing. I stopped dead in my tracks, and I said, ‘Oh my gosh, Bradley, your voice. You can sing.’”

All We Are Trying To Do

Gaga then shared with viewers the greatest words of wisdom that Cooper had offered her. She said, “What he taught me was know your lines, but [also] really know the story that you’re telling [and] what you’re trying to say.” Cooper then commented, “All we’re trying to do is not act. That’s all we’re trying to do.”

Love Didn’t End There

And the real-life love between the stars didn’t end there, as Gaga continued, “Bradley really has been an incredible leader in creating a beautiful family.” She then added, “I just love every single person that’s sitting here today and feel so grateful to be here.”

Speaking Out

But Gaga’s GMA appearance isn’t the only time one of her A Star is Born colleagues has made her weep. Speaking at a Q&A at the Toronto International Film Festival, soundtrack co-writer Lukas Nelson told the pop sensation, “You just destroyed every single scene you were in.” Gaga began to shed tears of gratitude.

Waterworks Arrive

When the Q&A audience responded with a standing ovation, the star was further moved by the outpouring of admiration. Cooper, who lovingly comforted Gaga by grabbing her arm, then joined in with the rapturous applause. And although Gaga humbly implored the crowd to stop, she also thanked them and blew them a kiss.

Life-Changing Experience

At a press conference at the same festival, Gaga was effusive about Cooper and making A Star Is Born. She said, “This entire experience was life-changing… I don’t know that I’ve ever had a closer artistic relationship than I have had with Bradley, a closer exchange.”

Oscar Buzz

Gaga then added, “It meant a lot to me – and I think to both of us – that at the beginning of making this film, we kind of shook hands literally. And he said, ‘You are an actress,’ [while] I said to him, ‘You are a musician.’” It is widely expected that both stars will receive Academy Award nominations for their roles.

Brought To Tears

In September 2018 Gaga also told Entertainment Tonight that Cooper’s skills in front of and behind the camera is enough to get her emotional. She said, obviously touched, “He’s such a visionary and so brilliant, it could just make me cry. I just believe in him so much.”

Finally Feeling Herself

“I just remember feeling so irritated at the thought that I had to conform to being ‘normal,’ or less of whatever I was already born as. And so I took such radical enjoyment in expressing who I am in the most grandiose of ways,” Gaga laughs. “It was sort of like a very polite ‘F*** off.’ It was never about looking perfect—it was always about just being myself. And I think that’s what it’s always been about for my fans, too. It was a form of protection, and a secret—like a wink from afar. I’m a monster, and you’re a monster too.”

The Things She Cares About The Most

She recently stated in a candid Vogue interview: “I have my unique existence, just as everyone else does, and at the end of the day, it’s our humanity that connects us—our bodies and our biology. That’s what breeds compassion and empathy, and those are the things that I care the most about. Kindness!”

Focusing On What She Believes In

Speaking of her next moves, she stated: “I’m focusing on the things that I believe in. I’m challenging myself. I’m embarking on new territory—with some nerves and some overjoyment. It’s an interesting time in my life. It’s a transition, for sure. It’s been a decade.”

Her And Him

“I’m just grateful to have been a part of this experience,” she said. “It’s interesting for me, I think, taking off my wigs, taking off my makeup, you know, going back to an earlier place in my life to play this character. It’s an interesting thing for me to reveal, and to experience.”

All You Got To Do Is Trust

“I enjoyed the process (of getting into the role) because no one recognized me when I went out looking this way and it kind of put me in that space of where Ally (Gaga’s character) would be and the trust. ” The star appears without her usual extravagant outfits and make-up. “Bradley used to say all you got to do is ‘trust me’ and he says it in the film to Ally and he said it to me in real life and we captured that in film which allowed me to feel safe, to open up and be vulnerable to put my pain, my despair, my insecurities on film,” she added.

He Changed Her Life

The actress says it was “remarkable working with Bradley. He is such an open and kind person. It was a beautiful experience because I feel absolutely privileged and humble to sit beside him. I have always admired him but he changed my life,” she added.

Where It All Began

The scene where they two meet was actually inspired by a real life experience. Cooper knew he wanted Gaga as his co-star after watching her sing at a 2016 concert benefit in Sean Parker’s backyard. “She had her hair slicked back, and she sang ‘La Vie en Rose,’ and I was just…levitating,” he told Vogue. “It shot like a diamond through my brain. I loved the way she moved, the sound of her voice.”

Then He Locked Eyes On Her

He soon called her agent, set up a meeting, and drove to her home the very next day. The connection between the two was immediate. Cooper was instantly taken aback by her beauty, vulnerability and authenticity. It seemed the pair were destined to create something spectacular.

Instant Connection

“He taught me so much about acting and taught me so much about being present on camera,” she has said. “This is his directorial debut, but I feel like he’s been a director in many ways his whole life because of his love for movies.” Indeed, it seems both stars are set to take on the world.