|
|
|
|
|
Whether he was composing film scores or musical theater or conducting a classic symphony, Leonard Bernstein was known for his passion, his musical flair, and his love of every aspect of music. But the biopic Maestro takes a look not at his music but at his personal life.
Maestro follows the love story between the legendary conductor and composer (played by director Bradley Cooper) and actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). From their first meeting at a party in the 1940s, the two busy, successful artists built a strong bond—and later a family. Yet throughout their decades together, they faced one challenge after another—from Leonard’s creative and emotional highs and lows to a difficult diagnosis. And though Felicia often expressed her frustrations with Leonard’s swinging moods and increasing indiscretions, the two remained devoted and supportive of one another.
Artists are often larger-than-life characters. Their highs are monumental, their lows catastrophic. So it’s appropriate that this love story between two artists would be told in a way that feels big and bold and dramatic, depicting the eras of the relationship in crisp, classic black and white or vibrant Technicolor.
Bradley Cooper handles his dual roles of director and star with his typical style and sophistication. This isn’t an easy story to tell—exploring a four-decade love story in just over two hours—yet he manages to give viewers a feel for the ups and downs, the challenges and the devotion, and even the music and theater of this relationship. And he does so while playing the lead role with all of the energy and passion and flamboyance that the character deserves. He’s just a big, boisterous ray of sunshine and music—and you can’t help but get caught up in his sheer magnetism.
Carey Mulligan, meanwhile, is the grounding force here—the true heart of the film. She gives a strong and almost regal performance as this stable, dependable, loyal wife and mother who manages both her household and her husband’s whims. And while Cooper’s Lenny is big and exuberant and over-the-top, Mulligan’s Felicia is the character that audiences will truly care about.
Maestro is a striking film about art and music, love and commitment. Of course, if you’re expecting a film about Bernstein’s musical career, you’ll be surprised to find that it mostly plays out in the background. Instead, the film plays out as a beautiful and classic look at a loving relationship that was anything but traditional.
You can get to know Lenny and Felicia when their story comes to Netflix on December 20, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
|
|
|
|
