“A Star Is Born”: Is Gaga As Good as Streisand . . . or Garland?

First came Judy’s. Then came Barbra’s. Now, it’s time for Gaga’s. This latest incarnation of A Star is Born will have its debut at the 75th Venice International Film Festival, and — in addition to being the fourth remake of the classic romance — it will mark the directorial debut of Bradley Cooper, who also co-wrote the screenplay and stars opposite Gaga in this tale of lovers brought together (and torn apart) by show business and its excesses. The project traces its roots back to 2011, when Clint Eastwood was attached to direct and Beyoncé was to play the female rising star. In the end, Cooper and Gaga signed on in 2016 and principal photography began last year at the Coachella music festival — with other famous faces threaded through the cast, including Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay and Drag Race alums Shangela and Willam. Gaga also participated in crafting the film’s songs, and pushed for them to be sung live, rather than lip-synced to a track. In interviews, Cooper and Gaga describe their chemistry as instantaneous and magical, but you can judge for yourself when they arrive in theaters; the due date is October 5. astarisbornmovie.com