Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, A Star is Born, delivers a compelling experience on multiple levels. The performances are raw and authentic, the cinematography captures both the intimacy of personal moments and the energy of live performances, and the original soundtrack, featuring songs co-written by Lady Gaga and Cooper, has made waves on the Billboard charts.
While these elements elevate the film beyond a typical remake, what makes it particularly impactful is its portrayal of addiction, alcoholism, and depression. The film’s depiction of these issues is so raw and honest that, at times, it can be hard to watch.
In a minor spoiler, Cooper’s character, Jackson Maine, is an alcoholic musician nearing the end of his career. The film expertly portrays his addiction, showing how it evolves from hidden and manageable to undeniable and destructive. Scenes range from Jackson quietly downing painkillers with gin before a show to later moments of concern as those around him witness his deteriorating behavior, like finishing a bottle or falling off a couch.
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From the start, A Star is Born reveals Jackson’s self-destructive trajectory. Like many struggling with addiction, the warning signs are clear, but those around him hesitate to intervene as long as he continues to perform. Although it may not be considered high-functioning alcoholism, Jackson manages to stay on top of his concerts while, offstage, he drifts from one drink to the next.
Without delving into specific plot points, the film centers on Jackson’s relationship with Ally, a young singer he helps elevate to stardom. The narrative follows the highs and lows of Jackson’s addiction and how it impacts both their careers and personal lives. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of addiction that pulls no punches.
Cooper deserves recognition for drawing on his own past to create a film that authentically explores the inner battles of its characters. As both an actor and now a respected director and producer, Cooper has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most talented figures.
From his breakout role in The Hangover to standout performances in Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, and previously directed and starred in A Star is Born, Cooper’s journey to success involved overcoming his own personal struggles.
“Anytime you’re trying to tell the truth, you need to go to places and use things that have happened to you,” Cooper has said. While he rarely speaks about his own battles with addiction, in a 2012 GQ interview, he revealed that he was in recovery. Reflecting on his sobriety, Cooper once shared, “I’m sober, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m actually myself. I don’t have to put on this air to be somebody else, and this person still wants to work with me?’ I was rediscovering myself, and it was wonderful.“
Born in Philadelphia in 1975, Cooper graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in English before pursuing a master’s degree at the Actors Studio Drama School in New York City. Early in his career, he was often typecast in roles as the jock or arrogant supporting character. His big break came with The Hangover, which showcased his charm and opened doors to more substantial roles. However, his rise to fame also exacerbated his own struggles with alcohol, a battle he has since overcome.
“If I had kept drinking, I would have sabotaged my entire life. I wouldn’t be sitting here with you today—no way, no chance. I wouldn’t have been able to connect with myself or others, or truly engage with people if I hadn’t changed my life. There’s no way. I wouldn’t have the relationships I do now.”
In a GQ interview, Bradley Cooper shared that he got sober in 2004. While he didn’t elaborate on the severity of his drinking, he noted that it was beginning to affect the balance between his work and personal life. Though Cooper never missed a day on set, he acknowledged that the quality of his work would have declined if he hadn’t recognized the need for change.
“I was so focused on what others thought of me, how I was perceived, and just surviving each day. I always felt like an outsider. I realized I wasn’t going to reach my potential, and that terrified me.”
Now, with over 12 years of sobriety, Cooper continues to thrive in a career that shows no signs of slowing down. Although he hasn’t disclosed whether he sought residential treatment for his recovery, he credits his sobriety with bringing a more positive outlook and success to his life. At Sunrise Recovery, we provide individuals struggling with substance use disorders the tools, resources, and support needed to achieve clarity and long-term recovery. Our services include residential treatment, outpatient programs, and medical detox. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, contact our admissions team to learn more about treatment options.
