USA TODAY International Edition
Bradley Cooper ‘Star’-struck by Metallica
TORONTO – Here’s a bit of film trivia you didn’t see coming.
At Sunday night’s premiere of “A Star Is Born,” which has received rapturous reviews at Toronto International Film Festival, first-time director Bradley Cooper revealed an unlikely place he found inspiration before shooting his take on the classic Hollywood film.
In the Q&A that followed the screening, Cooper recalled a night at Yankee Stadium when he saw a concert that changed the way he filmed his rock-star character, Jackson Maine.
“It was Metallica and I was behind Lars Ulrich’s drum kit,” Cooper said. “And I saw the stage through that point of view, and I thought, ‘Oh, wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing the sweat on the back of Lars’ neck and almost feeling his breath.’ And also seeing the scope of the crowd.”
Cooper decided to keep his cameras equally close on Maine in the film. “That was the first idea I had for always being subjective (with what to show the viewer) onstage,” he said.
Lady Gaga, resplendent on the red carpet in a black netted Armani Prive gown, teared up talking about her experience making the film. “This was the greatest artistic experience of my career,” she said, repeatedly giving kudos to Cooper. “Yes, I am interested in acting again, but, boy, am I spoiled!”
Gaga (whom Cooper calls by her birth name, Stefani) said their Italian roots helped them bond in their first summit at her house. “Before I knew it, I was heating up some leftovers and we were eating together,” she said. And when they began singing at her piano, “I stopped playing instantly and I looked at him and I said: ‘Bradley, your voice is incredible.’ “
The Toronto audience gave the film three standing ovations: one before the film even played as Cooper made opening remarks, another during the film’s credits and a final round of applause for Gaga during the Q&A.
At the after-party, Dave Chappelle, who plays Jackson’s oldest friend in “A Star Is Born,” toasted Cooper. “Tonight’s the first night I’ve ever seen myself in a good (expletive) movie,” he cracked.
Here’s a sampling of reaction from critics in Toronto:
“I’d like to formally apologise for ever doubting that Lady Gaga is absolutely out of this world. A STAR IS BORN celebrates the woman, as it should – along with every noble ambition of love and music and patience and loyalty, bursting with pain and wonder,” film editor Ella Kemp wrote.
“All the buzz you’re hearing about Bradley Cooper’s ‘A Star is Born’ is true,” wrote Collider’s Steven Weintraub. “Absolutely LOVED it and can’t believe this is his first feature. Also @ladygaga is just incredible and will be nominated for an Oscar for her performance and Best Song. Can’t recommend this movie enough.”
BuzzFeed’s Adam B. Vary said he cried “big fat movie tears that rolled down my cheeks with perfect timing.”
“Are all other movies ruined for me after A Star Is Born? Maybe?” asked film critic Katie Walsh.