As humans, we can't help but compare one version to another. I personally did not care for this version. I spent a lot of time watching Bradley Cooper look down at the ground and feel sorry for himself. I didn't "feel" anything when witnessing the lives of these two characters. A good film invokes strong emotion...this one didn't for me. It ended up playing out like a lifetime movie rather than a blockbuster for the big screen. I don't quite understand the exceptional reviews of this movie but I for one was not moved in the least. The tragic end did not feel tragic at all. It felt more like someone moved away. It just didn't work, IMHO. If I had to use one word to describe the move it would be LIFELESS.