Netflix has released “Maestro,” a riveting and emotionally charged film that explores the complexities of love, family, and art. Directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper, who also stars as the cultural icon Leonard Bernstein, “Maestro” explores Bernstein’s profound and lifelong relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, portrayed by Carey Mulligan.
The film tells a towering and fearless love story, chronicling the dynamics between Bernstein and Montealegre. It’s a love letter to life and art, offering an emotionally epic portrayal of their family life and love. Co-writer Josh Singer emphasizes the film’s exploration of the complexity of marriage and the various forms love can take.
“Maestro” narrates Bernstein’s illustrious career, from his unexpected opportunity to conduct the New York Philharmonic to his later years as a teacher. However, the essence of the film lies in the private moments shared between Bernstein and Montealegre, painting a detailed portrait of their life together, marked by its rapturous complications.
The film also addresses Bernstein’s relationships with men while remaining married to Montealegre until her death in 1978. Cooper, in his role as the director, wanted to capture the nuances of being in a conventional family structure while grappling with personal truths. The film explores these themes delicately, highlighting the unorthodox yet genuine love between Bernstein and Montealegre.
“Maestro” employs a unique visual style, utilizing black-and-white and color photography in various aspect ratios, reflecting Cooper’s vision of portraying the story as a vivid memory. He cites influences from renowned directors such as Ernst Lubitsch, Hal Ashby, and Sidney Lumet, with the film span different eras from the ’40s to the ’80s.
Cooper underwent extensive training to authentically depict Bernstein’s energetic conducting style, with advice from Philadelphia Orchestra music director and “Maestro” consultant Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Cooper’s physical performance, especially in the climactic rendition of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, received high praise for its accuracy and intensity.
Produced by a team including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Cooper, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Fred Berner and Amy Durning, “Maestro” features a strong supporting cast including Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, and Sarah Silverman. “Maestro” is now available for streaming on Netflix.
