"The Wrong Idea": Why Barbra Streisand Didn't Like Gaga & Cooper's A Star Is Born

Although 2018's A Star Is Born was widely praised by viewers and critics, there is one specific reason why Barbra Streisand did not like the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga film. Serving as the fourth adaptation of the original story, A Star Is Born marked Bradley Cooper's directorial debut. Even though the actor was stepping into the world of direction with the film, A Star Is Born was immensely successful both critically and commercially. At the global box office, it went on to earn close to $436.2 million against a budget of $36 million.

At the 91st Academy Awards, the Bradley Cooper movie even landed eight nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Actress (Lady Gaga) and Best Supporting Actor (Sam Elliott), and later won Best Original Song for "Shallow." Its soundtrack even received four Grammy Award wins. However, despite dominating during the award season, the film did not get Barbra Streisand's stamp of approval, who starred as the female lead in the 1976 adaptation of the original A Star Is Born Story.

Barbra Streisand Didn't Think Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper's A Star Is Born Was Original Enough

She Was More Pleased By The Film's Initial Casting Choices

Barbra Streisand revealed (via The Project) that she initially found the idea of a new A Star Is Born film intriguing when she heard Will Smith and Beyoncé were starring as its leads. She liked the initial casting idea because it promised the film would offer something different with new music and integrated actors.

However, she was surprised when she watched the movie after noticing how similar it was to the one she starred in. Although the actress stated that the film's success allowed it to etch its identity, she closed her statement with a jab by saying she cares less about success and more about originality.

Why Barbra Streisand Is Wrong About A Star Is Born (2018)

Bradley Cooper's A Star Is Born seems familiar because of how many times the original story has been previously adapted. Owing to this, Barbra Streisand is not entirely wrong about the film. However, she only seems to judge it based on its casting choices and story developments. What she seemingly overlooks is that the film effectively displays Bradley Cooper's unique voice and vision as a director. The authenticity and emotional impact with which he portrays musical numbers in A Star is Born and 2023's Maestro completely immerses the viewer into the stories the characters inhabit.

While Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson had their own charm in the 1976 movie, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's chemistry as Jack and Ally brings a fresh energy to the original story. When it comes to the overarching tone and genre, the movie's songs may not sound too different from the ones in the 1976 film. However, Lady Gaga's electrifying voice and Bradley Cooper's ability to play with her strengths as an actress and singer in A Star Is Born are enough for the movie to stand out and resonate more with contemporary audiences than the previous films.