Maestro Uncovered: Bradley Cooper's Biopic Strikes a Masterful Chord, Leaving Audiences in Awe

Summary

Critics praise Cooper's portrayal in "Maestro," citing his ability to convey emotion through subtle gestures and expressions.

The film explores the intricate connection between Bernstein and Montealegre, portraying a distinct alliance riddled with conflicts and inseparable ties.

Felicia's portrayal by Carey Mulligan is exceptional, as she skillfully conveys profound emotions with subtlety, augmenting the depth of the narrative.

Critics' reviews of Maestro unanimously acknowledge the film's success in portraying the life of Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre. Starring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan, the biopic effectively captures Bernstein's remarkable contributions to classical music and his struggles as a gay man in a highly prejudiced society. However, controversy has surrounded the film due to Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose to depict Bernstein's Jewish heritage. Despite this, reviewers have offered mixed opinions on the film, with some praising the overall experience and the nuanced performances of Cooper and Mulligan, while others express disappointment in the lack of focus on Bernstein's political activism. Here are selected quotes from critics:

While illness takes its toll and the film dips into tearjerker territory, Cooper skillfully anchors the emotional depth with sharp and nuanced techniques. The director places special emphasis on the expressive eyes of the two main characters, capturing Mulligan's subtle reactions as a well-wisher reminisces about a long-forgotten happy memory, and closely observing Lenny's desperate efforts to capture every detail, forging a new treasured memory in one of the final moments of joy shared by his family. Cooper, like a skilled conductor, understands that even the slightest gestures can provoke the most profound emotional impact.

David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter commends the film for its powerful utilization of the subject's music, highlighting it as a multi-dimensional exploration of a relationship often simplified as that of a closeted gay man and his "beard." However, Cooper and co-screenwriter Josh Singer delve further into portraying this distinctive bond, showcasing its complexities and resilience, even in times of fracture.

Owen Gleiberman from Variety praises the film for its honest portrayal of the unresolvable contradiction within Bernstein's marriage to Felicia. From a start of devotion, their relationship flirts with betrayal, gives in to despair, but ultimately returns to devotion, always revolving around love. Gleiberman highlights how "Maestro" is dominated by the grandeur of Bernstein's passion, his larger-than-life flaws, and the precarious balance he maintained between the pursuit of beauty and the yearning for freedom. However, it is Cooper and Mulligan who truly shine, turning the movie into a memorable duet.

Despite its flaws and the evident effort by Cooper to achieve greatness that doesn't consistently resonate, "Maestro" is truly Mulligan's film. In the final moments of Felicia's life, she delivers a heart-wrenching performance, fighting against despair, and there's a powerful scene where she persuades Hawke's character to not leave the table in anger after Felicia's cover-up of her father's mistakes infuriates their daughter during lunch. Mulligan's portrayal is one of her finest, effortlessly conveying a depth of emotion with remarkable restraint and without overanalyzing. If only the rest of "Maestro" could measure up to her brilliance.

Richard Lawson, writing for Vanity Fair, noted that Maestro, despite its focus on queerness, surprisingly avoids delving into Bernstein and Montealegre's political activism. The film does not mention the famous Black Panther Party event hosted by Montealegre in their apartment in 1970, which was derogatorily labeled "radical chic" by writer Tom Wolfe. Additionally, none of the couple's other charitable endeavors are mentioned. This seems to suggest that Cooper, the director, intentionally avoids exploring these complexities in order to prevent them from rigidly defining and contextualizing the deeply affectionate relationship between the two lovers.

Cooper's Maestro ultimately triumphs by honestly portraying the sacrifices that art requires from its practitioners, as well as the sacrifices these practitioners impose on their loved ones. Bernstein's unwavering commitment to his true self, despite his deep love for his wife, is met with a bittersweet acceptance.

Geoffrey Macnab from The Independent stated that a work of art does not provide answers, but rather stimulates questions. The film (which was produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg) includes a quote by Bernstein, emphasizing that the true meaning lies in the conflicting responses it evokes. Interestingly, the audience is never fully informed about what drives Bernstein. Cooper portrays the character's allure, unpredictability, and childlike self-importance, yet he remains enigmatic. Instead, it is Felicia, played by Mulligan, who exposes the film's polished exterior and adds a raw emotional dimension to the story.

Will Maestro Be Cooper's Latest Success?

These initial reviews suggest that Maestro is a success in terms of artistry, although it omits Bernstein's involvement in political activities such as the Black Panthers and other activism. The critics emphasize the nuanced performances of Cooper and Mulligan, which greatly enhance their characters and the overall film. Mulligan in particular stands out, potentially gaining attention during award season.

However, the film's failure to adequately delve into Bernstein's activism is a significant flaw. Bernstein's life encompassed more than just his complex relationship with his wife, and the neglect of this aspect prevents the biopic from accurately portraying his story. Furthermore, critics point out the controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper's prosthetic nose, which perpetuates stereotypes concerning the appearance of Jewish individuals. This aspect disappointingly detracts from a film intended to celebrate Bernstein's life and legacy.

Maestro is soon to be released in theaters for a limited time before becoming available on Netflix on December 20. With a commendable Tomatoscore of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the positive critical reception is expected to generate more excitement for the film. However, the ongoing prosthetic controversy and its R-rating might potentially impede its potential viewership.