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The phrase a star is born has been overused in the past.
Plus, he dances in the movies film-within-a-film musical sequences.
If only the rest of the picture could match his vitality.
But hes also clearly bothered by Molinas homosexuality and a weakness he senses in his cellmate.
That might be intentional, but it holds the whole film at a remove.
By the end, Valentin is even finishing Molinas sentences.
But the two worlds also slowly merge.
Its a delicate operation far more delicate than it first might seem.
Condon, who directedDreamgirlsand wroteChicago, is certainly conversant with the musical genre.
His proficiency can sometimes mask a certain listlessness.
(I think his best work is still 2004sKinsey, a movie built around conversation and analysis.)
Maybe thats intentional to highlight the kitsch and artificiality of those worlds.
They shouldnt fall flat.
