Directed by Chris Moukarbel, Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017) offers an intimate, unfiltered glimpse into the life of Stefani Germanotta, known to the world as Lady Gaga, during the creation of her album Joanne. Rather than a glossy pop-star hagiography, the documentary leans into raw vulnerability, capturing Gaga’s physical and emotional struggles with a clarity that transcends typical music biopics. Moukarbel’s direction is unobtrusive yet deliberate, allowing Gaga’s unguarded moments whether grappling with chronic pain from fibromyalgia or navigating personal turmoil post-breakup to anchor the narrative. This restraint elevates the film, letting authenticity emerge without forced drama.

Cinematography, handled by Moukarbel himself, is a standout. The camera lingers on Gaga’s face in close-ups, catching fleeting expressions of exhaustion or defiance that reveal more than her words. These shots, often handheld and unpolished, contrast sharply with the polished spectacle of her public persona, creating a visual tension that mirrors her inner conflict. The choice to shoot in naturalistic settings dressing rooms, studios, even a baptism grounds the film in a tactile reality, though occasional over-reliance on backstage chaos can feel repetitive, diluting the pacing.

Gaga’s performance as herself is the heartbeat of the film. She oscillates between fierce creativity and fragile humanity, her candor disarming even when it borders on performative. Her interactions with fans, family, and collaborators reveal a woman wrestling with fame’s isolating weight while striving to reconnect with her roots. Yet, the screenplay less a script than a curated assembly of moments lacks a clear arc at times. The film meanders through Gaga’s life without fully resolving its exploration of her identity, leaving some threads, like her evolving artistry, underexplored.

Music, unsurprisingly, is a vital pulse. Tracks from Joanne, interspersed with recording sessions, underscore Gaga’s shift toward a rawer, country-inflected sound. The film’s sound design amplifies these moments, with studio banter and live performances carrying emotional heft. However, the documentary shies away from deeply interrogating Gaga’s creative process, a missed opportunity to unpack her artistic reinvention.

Ultimately, Gaga: Five Foot Two succeeds by peeling back the artifice of stardom, though it occasionally stumbles in its loose structure. It’s a portrait of resilience, not perfection, and Moukarbel’s lens captures that truth with quiet power.