Maestro is an incredible biopic about Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), two people who lived life on their terms. It’s unapologetic, laying out the facts about their relationship for you to decide.
Maestro begins in 1943, when Bernstein got his break conducting the New York Philharmonic and ends in 1987. Although the film is very much about Bernstein, its focuses on his deeply intense relationship with actress Montealegre.
Maestro doesn’t play around with Bernstein’s homosexual affairs and depicts his relationship with Montealegre as honest and true. Despite the dangers of being homosexual during the years portrayed, Bernstein doesn’t hide his affairs with other men from Montealegre throughout their courtship and marriage.
Although sexual infidelity is not viewed favorably, Bernstein isn’t portrayed as the villain. The film depicts this as a flaw in Bernstein’s character, one that Montealegre is willing to accept, even if it does give her anguish later in their relationship.
When it’s suggested that Bernstein change his name to appear less Jewish to get ahead, it becomes a point of anguish. Bernstein turns to Montealegre for guidance and support, which underscores the depth in which the two understand and accept each other.
I love a highly stylized film, so Maestro is right up my alley. The camerawork is lovely and the color palette–once the film hits the early 1970s–is spot on. Bradley Cooper is at the top of his game paying Leonard Bernstein, and the rest of the cast rises to his level of performance and artistry. Carey Mulligan’s depiction of Felicia Montealegre is natural. Cooper and Mulligan have chemistry, and it’s easy to get lost in their love for each other.
Of the remaining cast, the standout performance comes from Sarah Silverman as Shirley Bernstein. Although I can’t speak for the accuracy of the depiction, her acting is solid throughout. When she’s on, she chews up the screen. I loved it.
In the film, time advances with visual clues and dialog, so you need to pay attention. Although the shifts in time work well, the scenes that take place outside of New York City are a bit of a mystery. Aside from obviously being in the suburbs or the country, I have no idea where they take place. This doesn’t ruin the film, but an overlay with the name of the town would have helped.
If nothing else, Maestro proves that Cooper is not only an accomplished actor, but also a director with a vision. Cooper lays out the story without judgment, showing what it means to be true to who you are and how it effects the people around you. Maestro is a wonderful movie that should not be missed.
