A FLAMBOYANT female pop icon seeking validation as a serious leading actress while an established actor seeks a change of scene by going behind the camera.

Will Lady Gaga succeed where Madonna so conspicuously failed and will Bradley Cooper at least match or surpass the efforts of his contemporaries such as John Favreau and Ben Affleck?

The answer is yes. Any causes for concern will be dismantled within the first 40 minutes, when Gaga goes on stage with Cooper’s Jackson Maine and sings a breath-taking original song titled Shallow.

Not only are the vocals jaw-dropping, Cooper’s directing is equal to it.

Displaying genuine emotion through her voice, it also gives the viewer a real feel for actually being there on stage with them both.

The live performances throughout the movie are staggering, shot with real beauty but anchored by two exceptional voices, the other being Cooper himself, who had extensive vocal training for his role.

As his age and drinking problem sends his career into a downward spiral, Rockstar Jackson Maine (Cooper) discovers a young singer and actress (Lady Gaga) who may be the answer to his problems.

If the Academy Awards are right, both Cooper and Gaga will be nominated for their performances.

Cooper is terrific, completely convincing as this problematic musician who finds a new lease of life once he meets Gaga’s Ally.

Gaga too is a sensation, delivering a powerful and authentic turn, surely to leave not a single dry eye in the house once the film reaches its climax.

The leads have such a strong chemistry, one which really showcases their characters love for one another.

Cooper has also really surprised here as a director, exhibiting strong confidence for his debut feature.

Never afraid to let a scene breathe, he knows at all times where to place the camera perfectly.

Working as a producer on some of his own movies in recent years must’ve really helped him learn the ropes, especially working with talents such as David O. Russell and Clint Eastwood.

It is also a very interesting take on the music industry as a whole, with insights in to how the industry is run, the struggles as a celebrity and the power of staying relevant.

The only downside to this is that it all struggles to register, with the middle act in particular feeling rushed.

After a strong set-up, Ally’s transition to stardom feels somewhat hurried, a real feel that the editors had to trim the film down to stop it from feeling too bloated.

Overall, this is a charming and touching picture, driven by stellar performances and stunning original music.

A gorgeous piece of cinema, surely to be a serious contender come Oscar season.

Verdict: If a little rushed, A Star is Born is a powerful and raw tale of true love, following your dreams and battling your inner demons.

Best Moment: Gaga joins Cooper on stage for the first time. Pack tissues.

Rating: 8.5/10