Maestro

In his homage to composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story, Mass, On the Town), Academy nominated Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Nightmare Alley) takes the dual role of director and lead actor, for the second time in his career. 

The briskly paced biographical musical drama is based on the original screenplay by Academy winner Josh Singer (Spotlight, 2015) and director and co-writer Bradley Cooper.

Maestro follows 25 years old Leonard Bernstein, (Bradley Cooper) from the time he meets his future wife Costa Rican-Chilean actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan, Shame) at a New York party in 1946, to the launching of his career as a last minute stand-in for the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, and the successful career that ensues. The feature's core, however, centers on his complicated 27 year marriage and his gay relationships, mostly with Tommy Cothran (Gideon Glick).

Mulligan's sparkling and powerful portrayal as the marriage's anchor and Cooper's immersive rendition of Bernstein's love for music are skillfully accentuated by Cinematographer Matthew Libatique's (Black Swan) scenic wide shots and long takes. His transitioning from black and white for the 1940's to full color in the 1970's, not only evoke period details but also a visual commentary.

Enhancing the scenes are the expertly researched period detail including the masterful aging by Academy winner Kazu Hiro's special makeup effects artistry, in addition to Kevin Thompson's production design, Liz Ainley and Rena DeAngelo's set decorations, and Andrew Ackland-Snow's art direction.