Maestro: A Poignant Portrait of Leonard Bernstein
One of the last major Oscar contenders, Maestro—nominated at this year’s Academy Awards—marks Bradley Cooper’s second outing as both director and lead actor, following A Star Is Born. This time, he brings to life the legendary American composer Leonard Bernstein, alongside Carey Mulligan, who delivers a stellar performance as his wife, Felicia Montealegre.
The film’s release was surrounded by controversy. Initially, Cooper faced criticism for using a prosthetic nose to portray Bernstein. Later, Maestro was accused of being Oscar bait, with its black-and-white sequences and interviews in which Cooper described years of exhaustive training to perfect his conducting skills, leaving early audiences with mixed feelings.
However, I must say that the backlash was undeserved. Maestro is a solid film, told with honesty and featuring outstanding performances—particularly Mulligan, who serves as the story’s emotional core and moral compass. Her presence allows us to measure our own stance toward the film’s characters. Cooper, as a director, ensures that his cast shines, and despite playing the lead role, he crafts a cohesive, collaborative piece. It’s no coincidence that this film was also produced by Hollywood’s biggest names, including Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Cooper successfully captures the essence of Bernstein, portraying a man full of contradictions. He delves into the composer’s personal life without reducing it to superficial conflicts or sensationalism, instead exploring identity through the lens of its era. Bernstein’s homosexuality is handled with sensitivity and depth, depicting a complex artist searching for his true self rather than reducing him to a cliché.
Carey Mulligan’s gaze tells us where to look, but Cooper sets the rhythm and guides us to the film’s final crescendo.
It’s truly a shame that Maestro was overshadowed by external controversies rather than being appreciated for its artistic merit. Currently streaming on Netflix, this film is well worth watching.
