LakshmiConsidering that this movie is backed by Spielberg and Scorsese, Maestro is almost definitely a Best Picture Oscar 2024 nominee. Bradley Cooper directs and stars in this biopic that centres on the relationship between the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein (portrayed by Bradley Cooper) and his wife Felicia Montealegre Cohn (portrayed by Carey Mulligan).
Mulligan and Cooper in Maestro. Photo: Jason McDonald, Netflix
The opening sequence begins with a quote by Bernstein “A work of art does not answer questions, it provokes them; and its essential meaning is in the tension between the contradictory answers.” A young Bernstein, a genius, suddenly receives a phone to fill in for an ailing guest conductor and lead the New York Philharmonic. He races in his bathrobe to the venue. This unprecedented performance marks his conducting debut and changes his life forever.
The son of Jewish-Russian immigrants, Bernstein was everywhere in his prime- he composed for ballets, operas, Broadways and TV. With gold and platinum-selling albums, ending up on the cover of Time Magazine, and several Grammys and Emmys to add to his accolade collection- he had it all. This movie portrays all the tumultuous emotions he dealt with behind the scenes, his relationship with his soulmate and his inability to completely believe in his abilities.
Cooper’s take on this expansive, exuberant life of Bernstein is a solid attempt to capture the conductor, his success, his transgressions with younger men and his wife who absorbs all of it. The beautiful, yet slightly imbalanced relationship between Felicia and Leonard, constitutes the primary storyline. The Costa Rican actress and activist, Felicia’s, instant attraction leads to a long-time friendship, rather than a solid foundation of a marriage. Despite his immense prestige, Bernstein’s numerous indiscretions with men created a suffocative environment for Felicia. To maintain appearances and keep family harmony, neither of them reveal the truth to anyone, until much later. This movie depicts how they faced all the pain together and yet remained the best of friends, despite all the faults.
The present timeline is in colour while the past is described in black and white. This cinematography technique aptly brings in the glamour and retro outlook of the storyline. As the timeline progresses, the invigorating monochrome is replaced by vibrant colours. The majority of the key sequences are accompanied by Bernstein’s theatrical scores, which enhance the viewing experience when combined with Dolby Atmos.
Mulligan’s role is unparalleled and probably one of her best works to date as she marvellously plays the rather self-deprecating nature of Felicia. Her pragmatic spirit embraced the truth- one wishes adjustments on oneself. But is that possible? She sure has come a long way since playing one of the Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice (2005).
Her most remarkable sequences are in the final moments of the movie, where almost everyone in the audience shed a tear or two.
Mulligan in a still from the film. Photo: Netflix
Cooper’s aggression while leading the London Symphony Orchestra to perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection) at Ely Cathedral, is fittingly, one of the best moments in the movie, delving into the enormous influence of Bernstein as a conductor. The shot is almost identical to the live performance, making it an intriguing watch.
Cooper demonstrates that although though Bernstein appeared to effortlessly walk the lines of his passion for men and his love for his wife and kids, it was an extremely unpleasant scenario for him and those closest to him.
Cooper in the scene at Ely Cathedral. Photo: Jason McDonald, Netflix
Ultimately, undeniably, Bernstein was the Maestro- he was both a composer and a conductor, a closeted gay man and also a husband to a woman. He was the greatest creator and as he once said, “I love people so much that it’s hard for me to be alone’’. That rang true, whether it was his personal life or his music-making.
| Release Date: 2023-09-02 (Venice Film Festival) 2023-11-22 (US) | Distributor(s): Netflix | ||||
| Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper | Producers: Fred Berner, Bradley Cooper, Amy Durning, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese | ||||
| Director: Bradley Cooper | Screenplay: Bradley Cooper, Josh Singer | ||||
| Runtime: 129 Minutes | Genres: Biograhical |
Lakshmi
