It's the sign of a really bad film when you come out of it perpetually angry when it seems to want to be to be inspiring and feel-good. This is a really tough one to write about as I really respect Lady Gaga as an artist; I like her music, think she's a fantastic actress and is a vibrant performer. Sadly this documentary paints a portrait that is at times insufferable, narcissistic and just confusing as to what its intention is. It follows Gaga during the creation of her 'Joanne' album (which is really good!) and in the build up to a massive stadium show while also documenting her struggles in her personal life. I think the director intended for it to be a revealing insight into Gaga's life yet it feels strangely distant and more focused on the glamour of her media image despite the camera being glued to her the whole time. There are sequences that are really patience testing including one in a wal-mart which is so irritating it makes you question why this film even exists. I hate sounding this way about a film especially whose subject is someone I'm interested in but you need to be truthful in reviewing something otherwise there's no point. There is a moment which is lovely in which Gaga plays 'Joanne' to her grandmother and the backstory behind the album is fascinating and sad. Also the behind the scenes footage of her performances and studio recordings are must sees for any fan. Unfortunately though it's mainly watching someone's ego trip and everyone around them bending over backwards to help them which is every bit as frustrating as that sounds. I mean no disrespect to anyone involved but this was my experience as a viewer looking at it as a piece regardless of it being non-fictional or fictional. One to miss but I am still interested in further works from Gaga especially after her incredible role in A Star Is Born and her keen eye for visuals
Review of Gaga: Five Foot Two
