Five years after his triumphant A Star is Born world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Bradley Cooper is back on the Lido with his latest film, Maestro. However, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, the director and star is unable to physically attend the festival. Nevertheless, the film, which recounts the story of legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, was warmly welcomed with a nearly 10-minute salute during its Sala Grande screening. The absence of Bradley Cooper did not hinder the excitement surrounding Maestro, especially with the presence of members of Bernstein’s family who kept the beat going.
Maestro serves as Cooper’s directorial follow-up to his acclaimed film, A Star Is Born, but this time, it delves into Bernstein’s decades-long relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, portrayed by the talented Carey Mulligan. The film takes viewers on a journey through the complex dynamics between art and personal life, presenting Bernstein as a larger-than-life figure with an insatiable appetite for success and a lingering sense of ambiguity.
Prior to its premieres at the Venice and New York Film Festivals, Maestro faced some controversy concerning its use of prosthetics. Make-up artist Kazu Hiro, who worked on the film, took the opportunity to address these concerns during the film’s Venice press conference. While the specifics of the controversies were not detailed, Hiro reassured the audience that they had done justice to Bernstein’s appearance without compromising the emotional depth of the story. The controversy surrounding the prosthetics adds an intriguing layer of intrigue to the film’s reception.
Critics have praised Maestro for its captivating portrayal of Leonard Bernstein and his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Felicia. Pete Hammond from Deadline described the film as a “complex story of a man who can’t quite define the intersection of his art and personal life, but seems to thrive on the ambiguity.” Cooper’s direction and Mulligan’s performance have been highly acclaimed, showcasing the pair’s ability to breathe life into these iconic characters.
Following its premieres at prestigious festivals, Maestro will make its way to Netflix, allowing audiences from around the world to experience the compelling story of Leonard Bernstein. The anticipation surrounding the film’s release on the streaming platform is high, as subscribers eagerly await the opportunity to witness the captivating performances of Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan.
Despite Bradley Cooper’s absence, Maestro’s screening at the Venice Film Festival was met with enthusiasm and applause. The film’s exploration of the complex relationship between art and personal life, paired with outstanding performances and direction, ensures its place as a powerful addition to Cooper’s directorial repertoire. As Maestro prepares for its Netflix debut, audiences everywhere eagerly await the chance to engage with this captivating tale of love, music, and the enigmatic life of Leonard Bernstein.