Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017) User Reviews

Everybody is great

[maki-j-7 · 6/10 · 27 July 2019]

Too many excerpts, statements whose context I didn'tt understand. If this is about permanent mutual adulation "you're great" "no, you're great" ... then again there are problems whose causes are not really explained. The documentary jumps from one action to the next and apparently nobody seems to bring out a straight, understandable sentence except permanent compliments.

A woman is shown who is'nt at all with herself. Understandable. Healthily and psychologically at her limit, she can't survive an hour without medication and you can clearly see that. She pays a very high price for her fame.

Often she repeats how she used to be insecure, permanently felt she wasn't enough. But I didn't get the impression that this former condition was actually over. She seems to have taken on a new role, but it's just a role. If the make-up falls off, in the end the person stands there who she still is.

Lady Gaga is surely a musician. The documentary provides an insight into her life, but is very superficial to my taste and therefore oftentimes boring.

I THINK I LIKE GAGA NOW

[belinda26637 · 8/10 · 1 March 2019]

So here's the deal. I haven't ever really been a huge Lady Gaga fan. I grew up listening to her music but I never really felt like she was ever in it for anything but shock value. I just never really understood the appeal .... until I watched a star is born. That movie was one of, if not my favorite movies of the year and I very much enjoyed Gaga's role in it and her acting abilities. The only problem was : now I wanted to like lady Gaga but I felt like she was exactly who her character ended up being in the end of a star is born and I wanted the down to earth woman from the beginning.

I watched Gaga: five foot two after the shallow Oscar performance because I wanted to see who Gaga really is and I feel like this movie really does that. It was very cool to see her at that point in her life emotionally and physically dealing with a lot. It takes place when she performed at the super bowl halftime show and shows her signing off to star in a star is born. She struggles with so much in this movie but she also has some break throughs, amazing performances, and people who pick her up when she's down.

Overall I felt like she gave a raw and real look into her life and I finally feel like I'm beginning to like Lady Gaga. Not for the pop star version of what she's expected to be like but for the actual person she is.

My Real Intro to Lady Gaga

[Miles-10 · 7/10 · 25 September 2017]

I knew unbelievably little about Lady Gaga before seeing this documentary.

I knew that she wears elaborate costumes that sometimes make her look equal parts regal and ridiculous and that she has a gorgeous singing voice. I did not even know that she is an American (from New York City) and an earthy person in her private life. The first scene in this movie shows her as she looks when she gets out of bed and feeds her dogs. She is more how I would have imagined that her personal assistant might look.

Basically, a camera crew follows her around for possibly longer than we know. It is a good thing not to feel as if we are with her in real time because this doc may have followed her for many months.

The word exhibitionist might be a bit strong, but little of Gaga's anatomy is left to the viewer's imagination. We also meet the inner Lady Gaga (nee Stefani Germanotta) learning that she is affectionate with her friends, generous with her fans, and lonely at the end of every day. She is often insecure and is perhaps something of a snowflake. Her combination of provocativeness yet wariness about men is not explained, but is presented as is.

Gaga is conscious that she has turned thirty. The fact that her latest boyfriend has not worked out is only part of her misery. We learn that Gaga has an old pain in her hip that contributes to her worries. Keeping up with her backup dancers requires frequent sessions with physical therapists. She would like to have children, but she anticipates that her hip could make that prohibitively painful.

In one scene, her mother (?) suggests that she not be maudlin. It is a suggestion made in kindness, but might profitably be taken in a firmer sense. The heart of the movie – if there is a plot to this slice of life – is that Gaga is putting together an album (ultimately a successful one) dedicated to her aunt Joanne who died at age 19. This is not difficult to understand. Joanne was a promising writer and artist. Gaga clearly identifies with her almost as if she herself had died at a younger age. (Joanne is one of Gaga's middle names, I have since learned.)

For technical reasons, we do not get to see much of her concerts. This is not a filmed concert. We get to hear her sing, but not enough. The movie cuts away at the beginning of huge concerts. It is a little like being left on the launch pad at the end of "The Right Stuff," just as Gordo Cooper is about to take off on one of the most exciting and harrowing flights of the entire Mercury Space Program, but we don't get to see it.

Therein lies the problem that most viewers might have. If you want to see the diva, warts and all, then this is the documentary for you, but if you want to see her in action – or more importantly hear her – then you should hold out for one of her concert films.

This is NOT Truth or Dare People!

[brian_wbr · 7/10 · 2 February 2018]

I have to give Gaga credit for doing this. She had to know it was going to be one of those "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situations. People are going to take their biases and filter them into a film like this, regardless oh how this was shot or what was said.

The main question I ask myself when I watch any program is, "Was that entertaining?" Yes, this certainly was! This film gives us a glimpse of Gaga's life when the cameras aren't usually rolling and we're introduced to her usual surroundings and the people in her inner-circle. Sometimes I'm guilty of thinking that rich and famous people have no cares in the world. This film serves as a reminder that this notion is the farthest thing from the truth. Money provides comfort but not happiness, and I think that's one of the takeaways for me here.

A lot of reviewers are comparing this to Madonna's "Truth or Dare" which is a movie about the creation and fruition of the "Blond Ambition Tour" and focuses mainly on the difficulties of touring and life on the road with your dancers and staff. TOD does a great job of showing how you become a family unit for that period in time. Half the film is concert footage shown in black and white. Lady Gaga's "Five Foot Two" is not a concert film at all. It's more loosely-based on her life in general but chronicles the time frame from making her latest studio album to her preparation for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. It's mainly about her life, so I can see why some reviewers are saying she's a narcissist to the Nth degree; but to be fair, how can a film like this NOT seem narcissistic if it's about her life? I think nearly all celebrities of this caliber are the centers of their own universe. When you have the entire world judging your every step, maybe it's just the nature of the beast and done for self preservation...and maybe I'm being too kind?

I also found it interesting that she brings up Madonna's dislike of her. You can tell it really bothers her. It would be difficult to not get the approval of the one artist you basically worship and molded your own career after. It would have been a good time for Gaga to directly address and put to rest the blatant piracy of Madonna's music and her culpability in the matter...no such luck!

For the most part, I thought she came across as being very genuine. Certainly, some of the scenes were staged but this is done in almost every "reality" based TV show or documentary these days. She cries a lot. She seemed very vulnerable and insecure at times. I had remembered hearing that she had hip surgery but didn't realize how much pain she was in and how her body just completely shuts down at times. To me, this humanizes her. Calling her whiny really isn't appropriate, especially when it relates to a condition like this. I know that people say she's all about fame and money, but when she explained the title of her new album, Joanne, and that it was the name of her deceased aunt who had lupus; I mean, do you seriously think that was a money grab? Whatever has happened between the beginning of her career and now, she seems to be finding herself as an artist, is becoming more comfortable with herself and with opening up and not hiding behind all the crazy couture (which we all love, don't get me wrong).

To be fair, this was a mere 100 minutes of her fast-paced rock star life. I wish there had been more of Sonja Durham in the film. I think it's terrible other reviewers have said Gaga made it seem that Sonja's cancer was all about her. Come on people, think! Gaga clearly loved her and only a few minutes in the film was dedicated to their friendship and working relationship. We have no idea what happened behind the scenes and what Gaga did for Sonja and her family. I would wager she did everything she could.

I wasn't planning on writing a review on this film but I really enjoyed it, even though I'm not a huge Gaga fan. After I read many of the super-judgmental reviews, I felt compelled to counter-balance all the negativity. All I can say is, I'm so glad I'm not famous!

Gaga Rocks!

[bettycjung · 23 September 2017]

9/23/17. This is the way to do a music biopic! Non-fawning, warts and all look at one of the biggest stars of today. Beneath all the glitter, meat dress included, she is a down-home NYC girl. She has her moments and she has her pain, but so far she has managed to balance her life, expressing herself in her music and outrageous fashion statements. She does appear to have some mental health issues that hopefully will not overwhelm her. As for her feud with Madonna? Lady Gaga is by far the better person and much more talented than Madonna. (Like she actually plays instruments!) Madonna thrived on shock value. While Madonna was a good concert performer, as a person she was condescending, petty and overbearing. Just watch Truth and Dare. Keep in mind that most artists start off imitating their heroes as homage than intentionally ripping off the works of people they admire. This is what Madonna accused Lady Gaga of doing. Well, Gaga has found her voice early on and it's a beautiful one.

Gaga: Five Foot Two chaotically illustrates the pressure and idolisation of being a pop star.

[TheMovieDiorama · 7/10 · 4 September 2018]

Lady Gaga is quite simply known everywhere. From the tiniest of countries to the most desolate of wastelands. She has made a name for herself through her unconventional provocative work and visual experimentation. But more importantly, she is a talented musician who (despite us all forgetting) is actually still a human being. This documentary chronicles the conception of her fifth album 'Joanne', a devoted production delving into the death of Gaga's aunt. Pressure was an understatement for the singer. Deterring away from the memorably eccentric albums that were predominantly dance-pop, to a stripped back vocally charged album that reminded us all how talented of a musician she really is. Powering this production though, is a sense of emotional distress. Tackling themes of family, love and life, this lesser documentary acts as a small window peering into a large life. Is this part-biopic entirely necessary? Not at all. With a lack of genuine emotional heft and/or an inevitable tragedy, it does negate its very purpose. However, it's still not without sentimentality. Moukarbel's focus on the struggles and immense pressure of an album release is prevalent, particularly Gaga's chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia. You feel every inch of her personality burst through the screen as she balances music with acting and other performances. The style to the documentary was ever so haphazard to begin with, lacking coherence and structure. Not to mention the lack of performance footage, I wanted to see that Superbowl performance! But picks things up when Gaga works on 'Joanne'. Showcasing her meltdowns and fan interactions only emphasises her humanity. Her formidable exterior that the media present is torn down by this intimate film, where her compassion is enhanced gently. Radiating benevolence and decency, a whole new side to Gaga is explored and presented captivatingly which both fans and casual audiences will enjoy. Although, I've heard she's actually five foot one...

Very good insight on Lady Gaga's life

[lisafordeay · 8/10 · 21 December 2018]

Gaga: Five Foot Two is a 2017 Netflix documentary about Lady Gaga releasing the Joanne album and on her struggles with fibromyalgia. Which she developed since she broke her hip,back in 2012. Before she won millions over as Ally Maine from A Star Is Born,she was always an icon for so many people and we see what she is like as a person.

She comes across as a very down to earth,no nonsense and very emotional person.

If your looking for a good documentary and your a fan of Lady Gaga then check it out.

Interesting insight - but a bit random as expected with Gaga

[hooma814 · 6/10 · 23 June 2020]

These types of documentaries always interest me, regardless if they were actually any good or needed to be made. Many people will dislike a movie like this simply because they will think it is just a way to make more money for a whole of people that already have tonnes of money. Or the problems they face aren't really problems, and watching someone whinge about how hard their life is when they have a mansion and millions of followers is excruciating. But I find it quite captivating. In many ways I think these movies capture quite a clear extract of modern pop culture and share it with the world. I find it educating to see how someone like Lady Gaga lives her life, what her day to day looks like, what annoys her or what gets her excited, or what someone of this fame's values are. Most of the time I come away from a movie like this, thankful I'm not famous, or a pop star, thankful that I have my own quiet place with a handful of people that care about me, and I was again in this viewpoint after watching Gaga.

She shares an insight on what it is like to work for producers and some of the power plays going on behind the scenes that just seem so twisted and power hungry as she shares about the dynamics at play when men with lots of money can ask for whatever they want. It's no wonder that the #Metoo movement was exposing many people like this, and long may it continue.

Alongside this Gaga also displays many of her inner traumas as she is processing her break up with her fiance and trying to return to preforming while coming back from a hip injury. You can quite clearly see the mental weight of keeping up with trends, of trying to find yourself, of being secure, or doing what you feel you were made to do. All things that Gaga is trying to put her own spin on. She decides that this is because she's become a woman and not a girl anymore, that its something to do with age. But I think this clearly shows that fame can just prolong maturity, that she lost her sense of herself in her fame of 21, 22. She didn't know what she wanted and just went with what she was told. Compared to her now deciding what she wants. This is something I feel like, I'm able to do sooooo much easier, at a much younger age, and that becoming famous in your early 20s at a time of such change, insecurity and identity development is actually such a burden, something that can take years to unravel.

So this doco, is a bit strange, but as I've said uncovers quite a hidden world and really shows that fame and fortune are really just a huge disappointment and to put your hope in them is a terrible idea. Great to watch the doco from this point of view, any other view and its just ok.

A deep path through a decade of Gaga's emotional journey...

[georgesette · 9/10 · 23 September 2017]

Gaga, "Five Foot Two" My Review, There was great anticipation for this Netflix release, and for those that understand & appreciate Gaga's path over the last decade, it was an inviting hour & 40 minutes as it took you deeper than behind the scenes, sharing more than just Gaga performances, Numerous occasions totally unplugged, at home with family, sharing the emotion of special moments, inclusive with family hugs looking back to whom they have lost & the warmth of a baptism, There was lots of footage with her family, especially her dad, this capturing many of Gaga's emotional highs & lows, it took you beyond her celebrity & fame, it brought you to her struggles & pain, & the discomfort inclusively through health & relationships. There were many scenes capturing her warmth & sensitivity ( as expected) as well as her exhaustion & dedication in rehearsal & to her fans. Gaga shared her fears & insecurities, and showed that the life of a superstar is very much like the common woman. We all cry, we all hurt, and we all need time alone... I laughed a few times & cried as well, there was an amazing piano rendition of 'Bad Romance' which was performed at Tony Bennett's 90th birthday party, that simply gave me goose bumps It was ridiculously awesome.... I found the scenes at Wall Mart to be crazy funny as Gaga herself asked a clerk "Where can i find the Lady Gaga CD's" and the guy didn't even know who she was, nor did the security guy. Ha! Many people do not understand that Gaga's latest album "Joanne" was a full track of emotion & change, and significantly different from all the songs she had written on the previous 4 albums. It's about growth, learning, healing, being you & true to your emotions. This documentary takes you through a decade of Gaga's growth, up close & into her dressing rooms, her personal care & her travels. Her tattoos & showing her often not wearing any makeup. Oh and there's a scene where she's poolside speaking with fashion consultants, and yeah topless....that was interesting... In closing, for obvious reasons, an absolute must for those that appreciate Gaga, but then again, if you do, you've seen countless clips of Gaga's path over the years, and pretty much have a great understanding of her passion, energy & ridiculous gift to the music industry, and as always, the sensitive warmth that exudes out of her skin, straight from her heart. & for those that have never had any interest, perhaps they will find it interesting to see how 'Real' a superstar can actually be.... Have a great day, Peace to all ~Geo

Lady Gaga up close

[DLochner · 7/10 · 6 January 2021]

The film does not hesitate to reduce the quality of the recordings by cell phone recordings from the private life of the pop queen. It is precisely this directness that defines the honesty of the film. Lady Gaga up close. The documentary is nicely told but, above all, made easy.

Sweet Dee's success

[tomasadrown · 1/10 · 12 January 2018]

Gaga: Five foot two reminds me of that time in 'It's Alway's Sunny In Philadelphia' where Sweet Dee imagined her own success, she was extremely narcissistic and full of herself.

Granted if you have ever watch a Lady Gaga interview you would understand that she has developed the 'center of the world' complex. Where she has no idea what to say unless it pertains to herself.

After the first few minutes of this documentary you could tell everybody was going to constantly agree and suck up to her. One lady did start to say something that could be constructive criticism, but Gaga was suddenly topless and you could see the poor girl losing her train of thought.

There is even a scene where Gaga's car hits one of her friends and as she goes to confront the guy all you can subconsciously think is "Oh god, this guy's going to end up apologizing for to her for her mistake isn't he?"

I love Lady Gaga's music, her music videos are absolutely brilliant, but whatever this was, it shuts your brain down. I mean it's a good show if you want to spend it playing on your phone, even then the sounds of narcissism might make you break it. Better off avoiding toad squash all together. If you have to watch something you're better off watching This is Spinal tap.

Absolutely brilliant! A Must-Watch!

[veiacava · 10/10 · 23 September 2017]

Netflix have stepped up their game on documentaries with this one. Filmed from a very private point of view, you'll find yourself in Gaga's world; from her health, to the recordings and producing of "Joanne", her family, but mostly, you'll understand why she is an icon and a role model for the younger generations. She has transformed the pop and the show business, and now we get to go inside her life and her mind. When it comes to technical specifications, don't expect to be watching the ultimate stabilized, tripod filmed, perfectly exposed film: it's not. On the contrary, you'll find yourself kind of dizzy at some points and you'll be squinting to see something before the camera guy will expose it correctly. And that's why it's so perfect and so personal. The edition is amazing and really gets you in Gaga's mindset with the paparazzi, at the recording sessions of the album, and at super bowl rehearsals... Really, a must watch for everyone that enjoys documentaries, for anyone that's a fan of Lady Gaga, for everyone in the Music Industry and for every feminist out there: Gaga shows us that it's OK to be vulnerable as a leading woman in an industry ruled by men and how to go around to ultimately do only what you're comfortable with. The cherry on top of the movie, for me, was understanding and seeing how a leaked album affects the person behind the artist. Bottom-line: Stop reading this and go watch this movie. Watch it with no distractions, no cell phone, no nothing, just the old school way, and enjoy getting into the life of a major pop icon, with none of the Kardashian razzle dazzle.

I wish the doc had been made better for such a great artist

[mr_bickle_the_pickle · 6/10 · 24 September 2017]

I feel like this doc didn't really hit its stride until towards the end. I feel like at first it was struggling to find its narrative and felt more like a bunch of random clips strewn together. The main focus is really the making of Joanne. You get a little bit of the moments leading up to Super Bowl and there is also a bit of backstory with her pain. But obviously the overall focus is the album Joanne. And so, some parts felt random. There's one point where she attends a baptism for one of her family members. But it adds nothing to the movie. There's no lead up to it and it's not like you get any interviews with the family or even see her interact much with her family. You see her take some family photos and then later on walk around the reception as some music plays over (added in post) and then it cuts right back to her in a recording studio. I sat there and just thought "What was the point of that"? And there was another moment that bugged me where Gaga is on the phone with a friend who just came back from the doctor and her Tumor had not shrunk/gone away. It's a pretty serious moment and Gaga gets all teary and she tells her friend she'll see her soon. But then nothing comes out of it. I mean who knows, maybe her friend didn't want to be filmed, but you never see Gaga address it or her friend again until the last 5 min when she shows up at the super bowl. It felt like it was forgotten about. I'm not saying Gaga is a terrible friend in real life but from a narrative point of view it felt like another random bit to thrown in since there wasn't any follow up to it. All that being said though, I don't think it was awful. There was some interesting things to learn about Gaga and to see her be vulnerable. There was also a really humorous scene with her in a Target. If you're a fan of a Gaga, I do think there will be something in this for you.

Nothing personal

[SomeGuyName · 3/10 · 2 October 2017]

I don't know what went wrong. I'm not a huge fan of her music, but any documentary that involves artists and music usually pass as "good" to me. People have criticized Gaga's personality, mentioning how she comes across as self-absorbed, and how this documentary is just an act of self-indulgence. For me, the biggest issue was how this documentary seemed to promise real "intimacy" with a world-famous superstar, and gave none of that.

How can you judge someone's personality on this material? I know she just compared making music with having open heart surgery,(??) and she does seem to be oblivious to other people - but maybe it was just an attempt to get enough material about her, so that she could finish the damn documentary. She didn't seem into it at all.

The intense music, the artsy slow-motion camera, Gaga being massaged, Gaga with her family, Gaga feeding her dogs; it seems as if though every single person on the crew tried their very best to suggest something deep, but it all amounts to nothing. It is probably the most forced documentary I have ever seen.

Early on, Gaga complains about sexism in the industry, and how she's forced to always be sexualized; and that, in order to not go crazy, she'd always manage to "twist" things just a bit - add an obscure element on her shows, like blood - in order to feel like she was in control. Did she not feel in control when she made this documentary? Because all you get from her, is a few blanket statements, repeated over and over again with different choices of words. Yes, you'll get to see her exhibit authentic state fright, and you'll see her in physical pain, but most of all, you will see her talking about deep stuff in a shallow way, or watch her dance around in skimpy Instagram outfits, with brows to match.

Maybe she really does have nothing else to offer - I have seen people's brains and empathy slowly melt away before, simply because they couldn't smoke weed in moderation. And everyone knows what fame does to one's sense of self. But maybe Gaga just didn't feel like giving what it takes for a documentary like this to be good. Maybe she thought that if she just talked about women's issues in front of her stoned friends - who are either bad actors, bad friends, or simply hated how staged it was - and maybe if she had enough conversations about nothing,(but they all end with a hug!) it would come across as if she actually let us in close.

Well, she didn't. It just comes across as a failed experiment.

An emotional documentary

[beetrootsarered · 28 June 2020]

One thing I really liked about this documentary is how it so often uses a musical and visual way to document her life, as opposed to a verbal narrative. It uses seamless camera and editing tactics to portray the events and her possible emotional states in a way that can't be accurately described with words, which essentially served the purpose of this documentary. We get a glimpse into the life of Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, which is a stark contrast to her artistic persona as Ladygaga, a couple of scenes in this documentary depicts that. Joanne is such a sweet soul, and from this documentary we learn that every human being has struggles, even for a successful big star like Ladygaga, and that there are so many layers within one human being, her artistic stage persona does not fully represent her as a human being.

Maybe a "coming of age" film for Gaga?

[jwassdesign · 6/10 · 8 October 2017]

It's like she's a 70 year old career woman in a 30 year old body with the humility of a 20 year old. Confusing, I know.

I would have liked to seen the aftermath of her super bowl performance. I think the film really missed an opportunity there, unless Gaga didn't sign off on it. Does she maintain her "I don't give a f*** about what people think of me." mentality?

At the end of this film you will come to see how lonely she is and not okay with herself. I actually drew inspiration from that fact alone.

She's meticulous, she's usually in pain, she DOES care for her craft and has passion. If she didn't have fans and people to perform for she would likely shrivel up.

This film showed me that performing really is her calling card and she's going to have to be comfortable with being lonely at the end of the day---for a while. I have a different kind of respect for Gaga but I haven't quite figured out what that may be.

Probably

[catpantry · 6/10 · 22 February 2020]

Not gonna say anything good here. Lady g turned herself into a calm cat late in the game. She came out kicking, each step was a high kick. Kicked a door knob clean off. Cauterized the screws. 'Winston, winston" she yells. Yes my lil jelly doughnut, response. Winston leaves the back yard fence area. Lady g: "Winston, i need your face in here,"

An unadulterated, pristine lens to see a superstar's private life

[aranilabelardojr · 10/10 · 24 September 2017]

After watching "Gaga: Five Foot Two" (a Netflix Original documentary), I have found new respect for Lady Gaga. It gives us a glimpse of the vulnerable, human side of the gigantic pop provocateur we all knew. How she deals with pain. With trauma. With heartaches. And climbing her way back up. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Even though some non- Gaga fans who do not have an ample knowledge about her struggles from the past 5 years will become somewhat emotionally unattached, this documentary is still a must-watch. Not to pity her or anything but to take a second to see that 'Joanne' deep inside her. That human inside her. A human who's surprisingly relatable. Who feels pain, who feels defeated, who feels left out like many of us. Heart-tugging. Moving. A must-watch.

SHE WAS BORN THIS WAY...!

[masonfisk · 6/10 · 30 July 2018]

Gaga: Five Foot Two feels like an update of Madonna's Truth or Dare doc from 1991. Seems becoming the biggest star on the planet (at the moment!) takes a toll on you physically, emotionally & psychologically. Why do it for your art when it hurts so bad? I'm not a Gaga fan but this intense introspection works giving a life to the face & talent on display.

Made Me Respect Her More

[akilianetc-23277 · 10/10 · 28 June 2018]

If you want someone being 'real' and 'authentic' then definitely watch this film. I thought it was worth watching and I got to learn her work ethic. She seems to really know what she wants and she goes for it. I thought the behind-the-scenes of her music video shoots were great to show that even though she's in pain - the show must go on! It shows that she is an artist and she will continue to stand the test of time with her music, artistry and talent. She put her all into this project as she does in all her projects and that was my key takeaway from this film.

Some truth behind the real person

[carlesmiquel · 7/10 · 26 April 2021]

Stefani is a human being and here's she's pictured as one of us (somehow). She's human, receptive, with lots of downs and ups. In the end, although the film goes to the Super Bowl show at the end, it's just a way of showing Stefani is a human being. I recognise her amazing talent as a musician and as performer. But what is really important is she is one of the few people at the very top who's still human. I don't think this film alone tells us about this particular unusual trait fo Gaga. She's a real human being. She's shown this since she was a kid and I relate to that. She might be ridiculously rich. This documentary gives us a short insight on her human side with very human reactions.

An investigation into ego

[faxanadonts · 4/10 · 18 November 2017]

This documentary is interesting but seemingly not for the intended reasons. I love documentaries because it allows one to people watch without feeling bad about staring. Even when a documentary feels ham handed and like it might have an agenda, the truth of a person comes through by watching their interactions and mannerisms. There is the narrative that is attempted to be told, and then there is the truth of the person underneath the narrative. I suppose being a rock star and being a narcissist kind of go hand and hand, but some rock star narcissists are humorous and some are god awful annoying. Gaga is annoying. Her talent is impressive, whereas the person she is, is not. Her narcissism poisons any likability potential. This becomes so obvious to me in the scene with Florence Welch of Florence of the machine. The scene only lasts a minute or two but immediately one can see Florence is down to Earth, awesome, talented and a person who is a person. All her mannerisms and the way she holds herself point to Florence's awesomeness. She seems to be a person one would want to hang out with and ask questions to ... a person one can learn from and be impressed by. On the other hand, Gaga is all ego. The more ego the less impressive someone becomes. Too much ego makes a person a vampire. A person with a huge ego takes from any person they interact with. Gaga gives the world amazing music but after watching this documentary it makes one think she does it for the benefits she reaps ... to feed the ego. Her talent creates and gives us all so much, yes, but this doc makes one think Gaga's intent is to feed her ego as opposed to feed humanity. It made me feel sorry for Gaga, but also in the end mostly just be annoyed by her. Who knows if this is really how she is. But this documentary definitely made me think so.

Awesome!

[marwandxb-70372 · 10/10 · 22 September 2018]

Great story for Lady Gaga absolutely amazing!!!! This is amazing.

Very honest and raw

[acleach1 · 7/10 · 13 April 2023]

This was a pretty good documentary! It was very raw and gave a really good insight into her life. It did not give a play-by-play of her success and how she got to where she was. It also was not a timeline of her career, but rather just where she is at now and how she is doing. She is 30 when the documentary was filmed, so you get to hear about her processing that and how she plans to live her life from that day forward. She shows the hardships and physical struggles she has faced and continues to deal with. I lot of this she has not put on social media and has not been written about, so it goes unnoticed. The film uses a lot go really raw camera shots. The shots are shaky and there is not really any sit down or formal interview in it. That being said, it gives the film a very honest and real vibe to it. It makes you feel as though you are just following a day in her life with her. Even though the camera was shaky and just very casual, it was still shot with a high quality camera, and the film itself was high quality. You get to see her home and where she writes, and get to meet her family. When it shows her grandmother, the camera angles they used make it feel as though you are in the room there with them. Overall, a great insight into fame and someone who has been in the public eye for so many years now, and continues to grow.

Sadly a bit of a disaster film

[jamiedarlow-37510 · 1/10 · 31 March 2020]

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