Barbra Streisand Shades Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga’s ‘A Star Is Born’ Remake
In a surprising turn of events, legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand has openly criticized the recent remake of “A Star Is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Streisand, who starred in the 1976 version of the film alongside Kris Kristofferson, did not hold back in expressing her disappointment with the 2018 remake during a recent interview.
Speaking candidly, Streisand commented, “I thought it was the wrong idea to do it again. I can’t argue with success, but I don’t care so much about success as I do originality.” She went on to explain that when she first heard about the remake, she had higher expectations for the direction it would take. “At first, when I heard it was going to be done again, it was supposed to be with Will Smith and Beyoncé, and I thought, ‘That’s interesting, really make it different again, different kind of music, integrated actors.’ I thought that was a great idea.”
Streisand’s remarks have sparked a wave of reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. Many were surprised by her frankness, given the widespread acclaim and box office success the 2018 film achieved. Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, featuring a standout performance by Lady Gaga, was praised for its emotional depth and compelling music, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and winning the Oscar for Best Original Song with “Shallow.”
Despite the accolades, Streisand remained steadfast in her opinion, highlighting her concern over the lack of innovation in the remake. “I was surprised when I saw how alike it was to the version that I did in 1976,” she said. “I thought it was a big mistake.”
While Streisand’s comments may come across as harsh, she acknowledged the talent involved in the 2018 film. “I think Lady Gaga is very talented, Bradley is talented,” she said. “I thought it was the wrong idea, but look, it was a big success.”
The 1976 version of “A Star Is Born” in which Streisand starred was itself a remake of the original 1937 film and the 1954 version featuring Judy Garland and James Mason. Streisand’s performance, coupled with the film’s music, left an indelible mark on popular culture, much like the versions that preceded and followed it.
In the wake of Streisand’s remarks, social media has been abuzz with debate. Some fans agree with her perspective, feeling that the 2018 remake did not sufficiently differentiate itself from previous versions. Others defend Cooper and Gaga’s interpretation, arguing that the film brought a new and emotionally resonant take on the classic story.
Representatives for Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga have not yet commented on Streisand’s statements. However, both have previously spoken about the challenges and pressures of remaking such a beloved film. Cooper, in particular, emphasized his desire to honor the legacy of “A Star Is Born” while bringing something fresh and personal to the project.
As the discourse continues, one thing remains clear: Barbra Streisand’s influence and opinions still hold significant weight in Hollywood. Whether or not fans agree with her assessment, her candid critique has reignited conversations about the enduring legacy and the artistic evolution of “A Star Is Born.”
