I’ve been toying with an idea about the latest version of A Star Is Born in response to critics who feel the second half of the film delves too deeply into the male pain of Jack (Bradley Cooper, who also directs) at the expense of Ally’s (Lady Gaga) character.

On the face of it, that’s true. Ally’s character does need some further development during the second half of the film, especially related to her artistic compromises to achieve success and the exactly what she would be giving up to devote herself to Jack’s recovery.

It’s worth noting, too, media critic and historian Rosanne Welch’s observation that earlier iterations of the script included women writers.

First, let me reaffirm that I think movies should stand on their own merits separate from source material (like books) and ancillary projects (such as soundtracks), but I can’t help but notice that there is an inverse relationship in terms of Ally’s presence in the soundtrack to A Star Is Born than in the film.

Does this mitigate the problem of pacing in the second half of the film and her (relative) lack of substantive presence? No. But, it is worth noting, I think.

I still have a bit more to say about this film after I watch What Price Hollywood?, which I am eager to do when right the pocket of time emerges!