Bradley Cooper’s second feature film, after the spectacular success that was “A Star Is Born” (2018), is a musical and romantic approach to the biopic genre. Cooper takes the leading role, as well as that of co-producer, co-writer and director, ultimately making “Maestro” his personal masterpiece.
“Maestro” depicts the life of conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, one of the greatest American musicians of the 20th century and composer of West Side Story, a musical drama for Broadway. Cooper ensures to include the musical highlights of Bernstein’s career, his work as music director of the New York Philharmonic.
The film also centers on his relationship with actress and social activist Felicia Cohn Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan. Montealegre, whose success blossomed at the golden Age of Television, appeared also in theaters, opera houses, and often performed alongside Bernstein. Featuring the complexities of this romance and the composer’s immense dedication to his craft, the film is not afraid to tackle the highs and the lows of Bernstein’s life. Cooper’s biopic is one that is honest about the burden of being a phenomenal creator. For some critics, the film is “an uplifting, sad and bitter poem”.
“Maestro” has undoubtedly been crafted by some of the most recognizable faces in modern film – produced by Martin Scorsese, of “Shutter Island” and “The Wolf of Wall Street”, Steven Spielberg, of “Jaws” and “Schindler’s List” and Bradley Cooper himself. Cast alongside Mulligan and Cooper includes “Stranger Things” actress Maya Hawke and young breakout star Sam Nivola.
The trailer, released in August, depicts moody black-and-white cinematography, before effortlessly transitioning into full color, tracking a young to middle-aged Bernstein. Described by Netflix as “a love letter to life and art, Maestro, at its core, is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.”
“Maestro” is available to watch in selected theatres from November 24th and on Netflix from December 20th.
