The hype around “A Star is Born” is real. Even with months of buzz leading to its massive Venice Film Festival world premiere, Bradley Cooper’s debut film didn’t disappoint. And now, after wooing critics and setting off the Oscar alarms, “A Star is Born” is about to hit theaters to a fully hyped audience clamoring to see Cooper and Lady Gaga sing their way right into the hearts of millions.
And even though Gaga is the clear powerhouse of the duo, early reviews say that Cooper is definitely able to hold his own as a crooner. While Cooper definitely appears to be riffing off some major musicians, he explains to Yahoo that his performance as Jackson Maine in the film is more of an “amalgamation.” However, he does explain that one musician, Eddie Vedder, was the source of inspiration…and doubt.
“I went up to Seattle and spent four or five days with him and I asked him 9,000 questions. And he gave me minor, little things that only musicians know about what to do, just aesthetically and the inner workings,” he explained.
For those not steeped in ‘90s grunge music or his continued work with Pearl Jam (and solo music), Vedder is one of the most iconic rock frontmen of all time. His signature growly, raspy singing voice has been mimicked extensively in the decades after Pearl Jam dominated the rock scene. And honestly, after learning this and watching the trailer for “A Star is Born” again (for the millionth time), it does make sense and there are clearly some Vedder-isms on display.
However, even with the meeting and time spent with Cooper, Vedder was not convinced that making the film was a smart move. “He thought it was crazy I was going to do this movie,” Cooper laughed. “He was like, ‘What? Bro, don’t do that.’”
The actor-turned-filmmaker summed it up though, “He was wonderful.”
Audiences can see what critics at film fests have been raving about, and to see all the Eddie Vedder-isms for themselves, when “A Star is Born” hits theaters on October 5.