On December 20, Netflix released the movie “Maestro”. It is a biographical film focused on the life of composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. Bradley Cooper, who also directs the film, takes on the role of Leonard Bernstein. Having previously delivered a commendable performance in the music genre with “A Star is Born” in 2018, Cooper’s direction and acting prowess make “Maestro” a captivating watch.
Unveiling the Narrative of Maestro
The film begins with an aged Leonard Bernstein (played by Bradley Cooper) being interviewed. The narrative then flashes back to 1943, when Bernstein unexpectedly got a significant opportunity to conduct music. “Maestro” endeavors to encompass various facets of Bernstein’s life. It reflects his diverse musical interests and also his sexual tendencies. In this sense film also sheds a little light on the challenges of leading a life outside the traditional norms.
For music enthusiasts, “Maestro” promises a rich experience. Cooper’s portrayal of Leonard Bernstein is outstanding, capturing not only the external expressions but also the inner passion inherent in any musician or artist.
A Cinematic Maestro
In the realm of direction, Cooper has demonstrated exceptional efforts in portraying the evolving times. The utilization of color and black-and-white techniques evokes a reminiscent ambiance of ‘Schindler’s List,’ a cinematic masterpiece associated with Spielberg. Notably, Spielberg is also involved with this film at the production level. Maestro, the movie, employs a stylish cinematic approach to depict the passage of time—altering not only the color scheme but also manipulating the aspect ratio of the screen. Additionally, the film endeavors to encapsulate the spirit of time through its portrayal of changing fashion trends
The Limitations
Biography films face constraints, one being the challenge of doing justice to secondary characters. While Felicia’s character, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, is brought to life with excellent acting, the film falls short in exploring other aspects of Felicia’s life. It misses an opportunity to delve into her political stances, such as opposition to the Vietnam War and support for the Black Movement. Since movie solely focused on Leonard’s life it left very little room for audience interested in drama movies.
A Moving Cinematic Symphony
However, these ifs and buts do not make it any lesser. The movie again makes it clear that Hollywood is still moving forward to create a movie that resonates with real life. In essence, “Maestro” stands out as an exceptional film. If the power of music moves you, this cinematic journey into Leonard Bernstein’s life promises to be truly moving.