Bradley Cooper, an actor whose name is synonymous with versatility, is stepping into the director’s chair again for Maestro, a biopic that digs deep into the life of Leonard Bernstein, the composer behind West Side Story. Cooper has previously wowed audiences with his directorial debut in A Star is Born. With Maestro, he aims to recreate that magic and possibly aim for another shower of accolades.
A Master in the Director’s Chair
Five years after his directorial debut with A Star is Born, Bradley Cooper is back in the director’s chair with Maestro. The film initially saw the likes of legends Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg as potential directors. However, it was Spielberg who handpicked Cooper for the role after being impressed by his work on A Star is Born.
“According to Cooper, Spielberg handpicked him to direct the film after watching an advanced screening of A Star is Born.”
This cements the notion that Maestro is not just any film. It’s a project so captivating that even industry veterans considered directing it at one point.
A Journey Through Film Festivals
Maestro has already caught the eye of critics and cinema enthusiasts alike. It had its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, alongside other potential hits like Michael Mann’s Ferrari and David Fincher’s The Killer.
“Maestro is a refreshing subversion of the classic biopic,” Emma Kiely of Collider proclaimed after watching the film at the New York Film Festival.
It didn’t stop there. The film also had screenings at the BFI London Film Festival and will close out the AFI Fest on October 29th.
When and Where Can You Watch ‘Maestro’?
Netflix is set to release Maestro on December 20, 2023, after a limited theatrical rollout starting on November 22, 2023. This strategy is designed to make the film a strong contender during awards season, much like Netflix’s previous releases such as The Irishman and Marriage Story.
An Ensemble Cast with Bradley Cooper at the Helm
While Bradley Cooper takes on the lead role as Bernstein, the ensemble cast doesn’t lag in star power.
“Bradley Cooper will be taking on the role of Leonard Bernstein, the esteemed composer who is considered to be one of the most influential conductors of his generation,”
He’s joined by Carey Mulligan, who portrays Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein’s wife. Mulligan, an Academy Award nominee, is no stranger to powerhouse performances.
“His energy was so similar to our dad’s, and his way of being in the world and relating to people reminded us more and more of our dad,” Jamie Bernstein said, praising Cooper and Mulligan’s performances.
Controversy and Response
Despite the excitement surrounding the film, it hasn’t been without its share of controversy. Bradley Cooper faced backlash for wearing a prosthetic nose for the role of Bernstein. This led to Bernstein’s children, Jamie, Alexander, & Nina Bernstein releasing a statement to defend Cooper’s portrayal.
(1/6) From Jamie, Alexander, and Nina Bernstein:
Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father. pic.twitter.com/y9xZWDotJe— Leonard Bernstein (@LennyBernstein) August 16, 2023
The Essence of ‘Maestro’
At its core, Maestro aims to chronicle the life of Leonard Bernstein, focusing on both his professional achievements and personal life.
“Maestro is a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love,” reads the official synopsis from Netflix.
Behind the Camera
The team behind Maestro consists of not just Cooper, who is pulling double duty as a co-writer, but also includes Academy Award winner Josh Singer. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique, Emmy winner Michelle Tesoro, and two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Mark Bridges are just some of the other big names involved.
Wrapping Up
From the director’s chair to the ensemble cast, and the team behind the camera, Maestro is shaping up to be a cinematic masterpiece. With a journey already encompassing world-renowned film festivals and backed by a star-studded cast and crew, Maestro is poised to be one of the most significant releases of the year.
