About the film (courtesy of Netflix):
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.
Bradley Cooper delivers a tour-de-force performance as Bernstein, capturing the maestro’s brilliance, passion, and inner turmoil with remarkable authenticity. Carey Mulligan is equally impressive as Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein’s Chilean-American wife and muse. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and their love story is both tender and heartbreaking.
Maestro‘s narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion (utilizing a stylish black and white filter to differentiate the early and “later years”), jumping back and forth in time to explore different periods of Bernstein’s life. This approach allows the filmmakers to delve into the various facets of Bernstein’s personality, from his early struggles as a composer to his international acclaim as a conductor and his personal struggles with love, sexuality, and identity.
Maestro is a visually stunning film, with sweeping cinematography that captures the beauty of Bernstein’s world. The film’s score, featuring Bernstein’s own compositions, is also a highlight, adding a layer of emotional resonance to the story.
In addition to portraying the titular character in Maestro, Bradley Cooper also serves as the film’s director. While in most productions this can be an overbearing task, in this particular film, the responsibility is immense. The blood, sweat and tears that must have gone into channeling such standout and emotional performances will almost certainly jettison his name to many year-end award considerations. Bravo, Mr. Cooper, bravo.
Despite its many strengths, Maestro is not without a few flaws. The film’s non-linear narrative can be somewhat confusing at times, and some of the supporting characters are not fully developed. Additionally, the film’s exploration of Bernstein’s sexuality, while honest and nuanced, may not sit well with all viewers.
Maestro is a complex and captivating portrait of a true American icon. Bradley Cooper’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, and the film’s exploration of Bernstein’s life and legacy is both insightful and moving. While the film’s non-linear narrative may be challenging for some viewers, Maestro is ultimately a rewarding cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
While definitely not being a film that will appeal to broader audiences, necessarily, Maestro, in its own right, is a must-see for cinephiles, history buffs and those that appreciate the art and intricacy of classical music. This one opens exclusively in theaters just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday, November 22nd. Be sure to consider it.
