10 Great Movies About Hollywood
2. A Star Is Born (1954)
Whilst all four versions of this powerful and deeply affecting romantic musical deserves a shout-out, this list is having a look at the Judy Garland-led drama from 1954.
Garland stars as Esther Hoffman, an aspiring actress and singer who falls in love with actor Norman Maine (James Mason), who helps her gain recognition and watches as she gets bigger and bigger and his own career begins to die out.
With great performances, a dark but effective storyline and some of cinema's most recognisable musical numbers, A Star Is Born is a deep dive into the world of the celebrity and how fame effects both future and former stars.
Norman Maine's character is a deeply troubled, alcoholic man whose career shows no signs of ever getting back on track, and though his story's end isn't winning any awards for its happiness, it is nonetheless a brilliantly realised story effortlessly juxtaposed with the rising popularity of the lovable Esther.
Though at three hours long it runs the risk of falling flat and re-treading familiar territory, A Star Is Born is a perfect organism of a film - no actor is wasted, no song let down, and no emotion left untouched.