Bradley Cooper’s latest venture into the world of cinema sees him wearing multiple hats as he directs, writes, and stars in Maestro, a biographical drama about the life of American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Bradley Cooper directs, writes and star in ‘Maestro’
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The film, which also features Carey Mulligan as Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre, is set to make a significant impact in the film industry, with its official premiere on Netflix earmarked for Wednesday, 20 December 2023, following a limited theatrical release on 22 November 2023.
Maestro takes a deep dive into the complex relationship between Bernstein and Montealegre. It explores the highs and lows of their life together, beginning with a flashback to 1943.
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The narrative follows Bernstein’s sudden rise to fame as he steps in for an ill Bruno Walter at the New York Philharmonic. The film not only captures Bernstein’s musical genius but also delves into his personal struggles, including his sexuality and marriage challenges.
The film debuted at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on 2 September 2023, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion.
It also received a gala screening at the New York Film Festival and closed the AFI Fest.
‘Maestro’ reviews: Critics praise storyline depth and technical virtuosity
Critics have largely praised Maestro, with the film earning positive reviews and nominations for several awards, including four Golden Globe Awards.
Review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic have given it favourable ratings, praising the film’s powerful performances and its compelling portrayal of Bernstein’s life.
Nicholas Barber of BBC Culture and David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter also highlighted the film’s technical virtuosity and the depth of its storytelling.
They particularly commend Mulligan’s performance, describing it as “heartbreaking”.
Controversy around Bradley Cooper’s large prosthetic nose
However, Maestro has not been without its controversies. Cooper’s decision to use a large prosthetic nose to portray Bernstein, who was Jewish, stirred debates around the portrayal of ethnic characters in cinema.
This decision received criticism but also support from different quarters, including Bernstein’s children and the Anti-Defamation League. Notably, renowned special effects makeup artist Kazu Hiro, responsible for the prosthetic, expressed that the intention was to portray Bernstein as authentically as possible.
The film has already won an accolade from the American Film Institute and is pending nominations at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts International Awards for Best Film and Best Direction.
Furthermore, it is in contention for various categories at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.
Bradley Cooper, previously known for his acting roles in films like A Star Is Born, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Sniper, embarks on a new journey with Maestro.
This project not only marks his directorial debut but also showcases his versatility in the film industry, where he continues to leave an indelible mark.
