Maestro: A Ravishing Cinematic Duo - Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan's Mesmerizing Chemistry Steals the Show: Movie Review
Maestro' shines with the captivating chemistry between powerhouse actors Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan Mulligan's stellar performance takes center stage alongside Cooper, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience (350 characters)
Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan. Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Maestro, which features Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan in the lead roles, impresses We movie critic Mara Reinstein, who rates it 3.5 stars out of 4.
Despite the initial focus on Bradley Cooper's prosthetic nose in the first Maestro trailer released in August, a more notable and unexpected aspect is Carey Mulligan receiving top billing in the credits. It is surprising considering that this is a biopic about the renowned music man Leonard Bernstein. One would expect Cooper to have a higher prominence in a film titled Maestro!
After its premieres in Venice last month and at the New York Film Festival on October 2, the reason behind Maestro's success becomes clear. Cooper, the director and co-writer, has chosen to deviate from the conventional biographical approach and instead presents a captivating love story that spans decades. This daring move may seem unlikely to work considering Bernstein's impactful presence in American culture.
Jason McDonald/Netflix
Go one step further. Despite the triumphant triumph of the 2018 A Star Is Born remake, where Cooper could have taken it easy with a less challenging project, he exceeded expectations by skillfully capturing the intensifying love between Bernstein and Mulligan's Felicia Montealagre. Their romance unfolds like a mesmerizing symphony, captivating and enrapturing the hearts of their audience.
Bernstein, a Jewish conductor, composer, pianist, and educator, is widely recognized for his exceptional score for West Side Story. At the young age of 25, he is unexpectedly called upon to fill in as a conductor for the renowned New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall in the 1940s. Cooper skillfully captures Bernstein's journey through captivating black-and-white cinematography. The film depicts the fateful meeting between Bernstein and Montealagre, a sophisticated Chilean actress, at a smoky house party in New York City. Instantly enchanted by each other's wit and creative abilities, they engage in a passionate love affair filled with shared secrets. As Bernstein works on the score for the musical On the Town, he simultaneously pursues and impresses Montealagre. The couple eventually marries, and their future appears extraordinarily promising.
In the beginning of the relationship, there is a fast-paced and lively exchange of conversation, with occasional references to notable figures in the theater world, such as "Stevie Sondheim." However, this energetic presentation may feel a bit ostentatious and difficult to relate to for those who are not familiar with mid-20th century theater. It is not until Cooper takes a leap forward in time and switches to technicolor that Maestro transforms into an intense melodrama, infused with a raw and captivating quality.
Rather than showcasing the behind-the-scenes elements of West Side Story or highlighting the couple's achievements, Maestro delves into the intricate dynamics of their relationship. Montealagre finds herself in the role of a lonely housewife and mother, residing in her Connecticut mansion. She can no longer ignore her husband's affairs with other men, with Matt Bomer portraying one of his previous lovers.
Though small in size, Montealagre delivers such a devastating insult to Bernstein during the NYFF press screening that the audience gasped in disbelief. In contrast, her husband exudes a zest for life in everything he says and does. In the 1970s, he indulges in cocaine with enthusiasm, while in the 1980s, he dances in nightclubs with the energy of a man half his age.
Jason McDonald/Netflix
Cooper and Mulligan, with their impressive careers that include six acting Oscar nominations, may not seem like a revelation. However, they truly are! Mulligan effortlessly portrays a strong-willed character who refuses to play second fiddle, while Cooper's performance is not a clumsy mimicry but a bold and fearless portrayal. It is worth mentioning that the prosthetic nose does not distract from their performances.
However, the real star of Maestro is the music. Bernstein's timeless compositions, which serve as the film's score, resonate with every emotional moment. In an awe-inspiring six-minute recreation, the legendary conductor's rendition of Mahler's second symphony in 1968 captivates audiences, starting with the iconic performance at NYC's Lincoln Center and soon spreading to every movie theater equipped with a top-notch sound system. Simply astounding!
Cooper never discloses the intricacies of Bernstein's remarkable and unconventional mindset, but we are privy to the person who held a special place in his heart.
The highly acclaimed film "Maestro," selected for the New York Film Festival Spotlight, will hit theaters on November 22 and will be available on Netflix starting December 20th.
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Bradley Cooper
