

21: The Birth of Barbra Streisand’s A Star is Born
15 snips Nov 4, 2014
The podcast dives into the tumultuous history of 'A Star is Born,' highlighting its legacy through various adaptations. Barbra Streisand's rise to fame shines a light on her determination in a male-dominated industry. The intense relationship with John Peters complicates the film's production, reflecting personal and creative tensions. Additionally, Streisand's struggle for control in her performance adds depth to the narrative, showcasing her desire to redefine women's representation in cinema.
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Remaking A Classic For Image Rehab
- The 1976 A Star Is Born was crafted as a reinvention vehicle for Barbra Streisand and a career leap for John Peters.
- It aimed to update an old Hollywood myth into a 1970s rock-and-roll context with Didion and Dunn's rewrites.
How Peters Transformed Streisand's Look
- John Peters met Streisand as a hairdresser and pursued her aggressively until they became a couple and creative partners.
- He reshaped her image with blonding, tight jeans, and banning bras to make her appear younger and hipper.
Didion And Dunn's Road-Trip Rewrite
- Didion and Dunn wrote a contemporary rock-centered A Star Is Born, originally targeting James Taylor and Carly Simon.
- Streisand initially resisted but later embraced the project when Peters persuaded her it mirrored aspects of their lives.