‹ All movies

The Rewatchables ·

A Star Is Born

year 2018decade 10sdirector Bradley Coopergenre Musicalgenre Romancegenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Amanda Dobbinshost Sean Fennessey format New Release Exception
All 16 categories

Most Rewatchable Scene · 26:58

The live performance of “Shallow”

Bill Simmons: The panel calls the live “Shallow” performance the clear winner and one of the century’s best seven-minute sequences.

Bill Simmons: The drag-bar introduction works through Bradley Cooper watching Lady Gaga and then singing “Maybe It’s Time.”

The film

A Star Is Born (2018)

Directed by Bradley Cooper · Musical

136 minutes

IMDb Letterboxd JustWatch Find on Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Bradley Cooper Jackson "Jack" Maine
Lady Gaga Ally Maine
Dave Chappelle George "Noodles" Stone
Sam Elliott Bobby Maine
Rafi Gavron Rez Gavron
Drena De Niro Paulette Stone

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

26:58

Most Rewatchable Scene

The live performance of “Shallow”

The live performance of “Shallow”

In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:58Read transcript
  • The panel calls the live “Shallow” performance the clear winner and one of the century’s best seven-minute sequences. — Bill Simmons
  • The drag-bar introduction works through Bradley Cooper watching Lady Gaga and then singing “Maybe It’s Time.” — Bill Simmons
  • The grocery-store parking lot is praised as an intimate songwriting and courtship scene.
  • The Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliott fight is praised as an amazing compact scene. — Bill Simmons
  • “Always Remember Us This Way” is treated as Gaga’s last great musical moment before the pop-star turn.
  • The Grammys sequence becomes darkly comic on repeat viewing even though its humiliation remains difficult to watch. — Bill Simmons
  • The final Cooper and Elliott scene became a durable meme and emotional payoff. — Bill Simmons
  • The cop-bar conversation is praised as an unusually specific and believable flirting scene. — Sean Fennessey
  • The supermarket sequence sustains the early romance through mundane details and the leads’ chemistry. — Sean Fennessey
  • Dice and the drivers watching the viral video provide a charming family-comedy interlude. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The parking-lot scene is the preferred runner-up because Bradley Cooper recognizes Gaga writing a song in real time.
  • The opening concert introduces Jackson’s addiction, charisma, and physical mess without dialogue. — Sean Fennessey
  • Ally’s bathroom introduction establishes a separate crisis and character with equal economy. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The “Shallow” scene is praised for every checkpoint Lady Gaga crosses before stepping onto the stage. — Bill Simmons
  • Bradley Cooper’s supportive reactions communicate love, belief, and encouragement, making that support a major part of his performance. — Amanda Dobbins
Share this discussion More Most Rewatchable Scene answers
42:23

What’s Aged the Best?

Sam Elliott’s driveway reaction, Jackson’s speech about truth and having legs, the inherited franchise line, the endi...

Sam Elliott’s driveway reaction, Jackson’s speech about truth and having legs, the inherited franchise line, the ending, and the soundtrack

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:42:23Read transcript
  • Sam Elliott’s silent tear and the brothers’ inability to speak directly are expected to remain a durable meme and emotional truth.
  • Jackson’s “dig deep in your soul” speech to Lady Gaga about truth and having legs is treated as inspirational. — Bill Simmons
  • The ending improved on rewatch because Gaga’s performance cuts back to Bradley Cooper creating the song.
  • The soundtrack is expected to endure because its two musical personas both have convincing songs. — Sean Fennessey
  • “I just wanted to take another look at you” moved from punchline to sincere and memorable franchise line.
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Best? answers
47:14

What’s Aged the Worst?

The second hour, the Dave Chappelle detour, the abrupt marriage, the weak SNL pop song, and the movie’s confused pop-...

The second hour, the Dave Chappelle detour, the abrupt marriage, the weak SNL pop song, and the movie’s confused pop-music argument

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:14Read transcript
  • The second hour is harder to rewatch than the first and begins to grind around the Dave Chappelle section.
  • Chappelle performs well, but the material does not explain why his character and the sudden marriage are necessary. — Bill Simmons
  • The SNL scene supplies cool backstage access, but the song itself is judged poor. — Bill Simmons
  • Jackson’s suicide is defended as necessary tragedy and the culmination of earlier addiction and depression signals. — Sean Fennessey
  • “Why Did You Do That?” is criticized as neither a plausible hit nor a clear intentional parody. — Bill Simmons
  • The movie appears to condemn pop music without showing why Gaga’s character loses agency or why Jackson Maine’s style is more authentic. — Sean Fennessey
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Worst? answers
54:43

Casting What-Ifs

Earlier versions involved Clint Eastwood, Beyoncé, Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Ray Lio...

Earlier versions involved Clint Eastwood, Beyoncé, Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Ray Liotta, and several alternate Ally-father choices.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:43Read transcript
Share this discussion More Casting What-Ifs answers
58:34

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Andrew Dice Clay

Andrew Dice Clay

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:34Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers
59:18

Half-Assed Internet Research

Los Angeles performance locations, Jackson’s house, Cooper’s makeup and voice work, Gaga’s screen makeup, live singin...

Los Angeles performance locations, Jackson’s house, Cooper’s makeup and voice work, Gaga’s screen makeup, live singing, songwriting, sound, improvisation, and visual foreshadowing

In the discussion (16)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:18Read transcript
  • The opening concert footage was shot at Coachella. — Bill Simmons
  • The drag bar is identified as the Virgil and the cop bar as the Short Stop. — Sean Fennessey
  • The supermarket was a Super A in Glassell Park and Gaga’s big debut was filmed at the Greek Theatre. — Bill Simmons
  • Jackson’s Calabasas-area house had sold for about two million dollars after filming.
  • Cooper reportedly used a daily spray tan and menthol to create Jackson’s red, bloodshot appearance. — Bill Simmons
  • The panel disputes the publicity claim that Gaga wore only lip balm and moisturizer, distinguishing “no-makeup makeup.”
  • Jason Isbell wrote “Maybe It’s Time.” — Bill Simmons
  • Cooper trained for a year to lower his speaking voice by an octave. — Bill Simmons
  • The “ugly” line was ad-libbed and Gaga’s shocked reaction was reportedly genuine.
  • Lukas Nelson wrote several songs and Cooper’s own dog Charlie played Jackson’s dog. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Gaga reportedly persuaded Cooper to record the music live rather than lip-sync. — Bill Simmons
  • Sound editing and mixing make unfamiliar live performances feel populated and immediate. — Sean Fennessey
  • Gaga performed the final song soon after learning that a friend had died. — Bill Simmons
  • Much of the drag-bar material was improvised. — Bill Simmons
  • A billboard with four nooses beside Jackson is presented as early death foreshadowing. — Bill Simmons
  • Blue and red lighting join Jackson Maine and Lady Gaga visually and recur in the police lights after his death. — Sean Fennessey
Share this discussion More Half-Assed Internet Research answers
1:00:18

The Amanda Dobbins Award for Best Piece of Real Estate

Jackson Maine’s Calabasas house, its Zillow listing, two-million-dollar sale, and ominous garage

Jackson Maine’s Calabasas house, its Zillow listing, two-million-dollar sale, and ominous garage

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:18Read transcript
  • Jackson Maine’s home is introduced as “the real estate” and the intersection of Amanda’s interests.
  • The panel opens the home’s Zillow listing and places it in a Calabasas neighborhood.
  • The house reportedly sold for two million dollars after filming. — Bill Simmons
  • The garage is criticized as frightening and the panel jokes about changing how its door opens. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Amanda Dobbins Award for Best Piece of Real Estate answers
1:08:51

Apex Mountain

This is Bradley Cooper’s career apex; Lady Gaga is debated and receives only a tentative yes unless an acting win fol...

This is Bradley Cooper’s career apex; Lady Gaga is debated and receives only a tentative yes unless an acting win follows.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:51Read transcript
  • The film is called Cooper’s unquestioned career apex. — Bill Simmons
  • Gaga had already achieved exceptional global pop fame before the film. — Sean Fennessey
  • Her fan base is credited with much of the movie’s worldwide commercial reach. — Sean Fennessey
  • The panel gives Gaga a tentative apex verdict, becoming certain only if she wins Best Actress. — Sean Fennessey
Share this discussion More Apex Mountain answers
1:10:33

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Ron Rifkin and Greg Grunberg are co-winners over Anthony Ramos.

Ron Rifkin and Greg Grunberg are co-winners over Anthony Ramos.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:33Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers
1:11:08

Is This Movie Better With…?

Michael K. Williams is the preferred addition at Chappelle’s house; Danny Trejo and Steve Buscemi are also offered.

Michael K. Williams is the preferred addition at Chappelle’s house; Danny Trejo and Steve Buscemi are also offered.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:08Read transcript
Share this discussion More Is This Movie Better With…? answers
1:11:47

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Rafi Gavron’s manager Rez

Rafi Gavron’s manager Rez

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:47Read transcript
  • The panel finds no obvious signature overacting performance. — Bill Simmons
  • Rez is criticized as a weak link and receives the award as reverse acclaim. — Bill Simmons
  • The similarity between the character name Rez Gavron and actor name Rafi Gavron is questioned. — Sean Fennessey
  • The manager reads as an insidious Billy Zane type until the final confrontation becomes overtly villainous.
  • With the right actor, the panelist says he would have bought the career-ending confrontation. — Amanda Dobbins
Share this discussion More The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award answers
1:13:44

Picking Nits

The opening geography, Jackson’s contemporary arena-level fame, the instant “Shallow” arrangement, unaccounted-for ni...

The opening geography, Jackson’s contemporary arena-level fame, the instant “Shallow” arrangement, unaccounted-for night hours, and the effort to make Sam Elliott a plausible brother

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:44Read transcript
  • The drive from the opening venue to East Hollywood and then Jackson’s house produces unresolved geography.
  • The panel questions whether a Jackson Maine-style country-rock star could still sell out venues at that scale.
  • “Shallow” appears fully arranged even though the parking-lot conversation contains separate fragments and no rehearsal. — Bill Simmons
  • The dark parking lot and daylight drop-off leave several unexplained hours. — Amanda Dobbins
  • One theory says the couple finished writing the song during those hours; another adds sex, which the panel disputes.
  • The movie’s otherwise grounded intimacy makes the instant musical arrangement feel especially artificial.
  • Repeated family exposition strains to make Sam Elliott and Bradley Cooper plausible brothers. — Sean Fennessey
Share this discussion More Picking Nits answers
1:21:01

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

“If I was no good, then why’d you steal my fucking voice?”

“If I was no good, then why’d you steal my fucking voice?”

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:01Read transcript
  • Bobby’s accusation that Jackson stole his voice is the immediate best-line answer. — Sean Fennessey
  • “I just wanted to take another look at you” is the inherited franchise alternative. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The extravagant “I love your nose” speech is another memorable passage. — Bill Simmons
  • “All you gotta do is trust me” is valued for the moment before Gaga’s character goes on stage.
Share this discussion More The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie answers
1:22:02

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

No; a ten-episode version would be fundamentally different

No; a ten-episode version would be fundamentally different

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:02Read transcript
  • The panel answers no to a ten-episode streaming remake. — Sean Fennessey
  • The panel says a ten-episode Netflix version would be weird. — Sean Fennessey
Share this discussion More Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake answers
1:22:11

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Cooper’s Eddie Vedder influence; Jackson’s real-world musical analogue; public reaction to the Grammys incident; the ...

Cooper’s Eddie Vedder influence; Jackson’s real-world musical analogue; public reaction to the Grammys incident; the absence of celebrity-gossip texture

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:11Read transcript
  • The panel asks why Cooper never openly admits the scale of his Eddie Vedder imitation. — Bill Simmons
  • Jackson is compared to an imagined solo-career Eddie Vedder after leaving Pearl Jam. — Bill Simmons
  • The Grammys accident is imagined as a huge breaking-news and social-media event. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The response cycle would move through mockery, addiction ethics, responsibility, sexism, backlash, treatment coverage, and counter-backlash. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The movie largely avoids magazine covers, gossip sites, and blind-item culture to remain less tied to one era. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Probably Unanswerable Questions answers
1:24:46

Who Won the Movie?

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:46Read transcript
  • Cooper is the immediate winner despite the episode’s expectation that the Oscars may not reward him. — Bill Simmons
  • His acting is considered equal to Gaga’s, with directing and authorship making the difference. — Bill Simmons
  • The star-director combination makes this one of the clearest winners across the podcast to that point. — Bill Simmons
  • Directing while staying in character, remembering lines, and playing off scene partners is emphasized as extremely difficult. — Bill Simmons
  • The gamble’s success completes the case for Cooper.
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Bradley Cooper
Speaker not identified
Bradley Cooper
Share this discussion More Who Won the Movie? answers

More from the conversation

The episode breaks the normal age rule to cover a new movie before the Oscars because the panel already considers it exceptionally rewatchable.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:25Read transcript
The opening dissects why a movie the panel considers exceptionally directed and acted lost awards momentum to weaker competitors.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:40Read transcript
The Ringer’s long anticipation and audience pushback shape the panel’s unusually personal investment in the film.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:33Read transcript
The discussion names1954 and1976 versions plus an unnamed2013 Bollywood adaptation while describing a confusing remake lineage.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:25Read transcript
Cooper’s acting, directing, singing, guitar work, and close control of production are framed as a high-risk reinvention.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:20Read transcript
A live Vegas Cooper/Gaga performance highlights how much the film depends on the Jackson Maine voice, beard, and manufactured chemistry.
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:11Read transcript
Cooper’s career is traced through comedies, prestige collaborations, commercial failures, and American Sniper before his directing debut.
Approx. transcript time · 00:14:30Read transcript
Gaga’s face, performance style, and public mythology lead to a discussion of beauty standards and screen charisma.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:39Read transcript
The early courtship works because highly constructed scenes preserve odd, mundane behavior and reciprocal attention.
Approx. transcript time · 00:32:49Read transcript
The pop-star turn exposes an unresolved conflict between commercial music, agency, authenticity, and the movie’s own hit songwriting.
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:40Read transcript
The long development history shows how star casting and director combinations could have produced radically different versions.
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:43Read transcript
Location, sound, lighting, vocal preparation, live recording, and improvisation are treated as the craft supporting the film’s concert realism.
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:18Read transcript
Jackson Maine is compared with real country-rock careers while the film is praised for avoiding gossip-media details that would date it.
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:44Read transcript
Cooper’s decisive winner case joins performance, direction, authorship, career risk, and the movie’s unlikely success.
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:46Read transcript
The follow-up discussion considers Cooper’s blank check, awards disappointment, announced and unmade projects, desired role types, and the panel’s recent-film favorites.
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:48Read transcript