I attended the “Maestro” screening in Hollywood during a press event hosted by Netflix in November of this year. Critics viewed the film in the luxuriously decorated Netflix Tudum Theater; the velvet scarlet seating brought back savored memories of the Steve Jobs Theater at PIXAR studios in Emeryville. Stars that appear to twinkle cover the ceiling are also similar, with the main difference being that PIXAR’s is much smaller. In the lobby, life-size costumes from the film and “Maestro” photos were on display.
While viewing “Maestro,” one becomes immersed in the world of the musical genius Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) as well as the love story between him and his wife, Felicia Montealegre, (Carey Mulligan). Having a background in teaching gifted students, writing gifted curriculum, and with the knowledge of the characteristics of a gifted person, I appreciated the script’s depth in terms of the subtle nuances in the film that show us Leonard’s genius. For this time in history, from the 50s through the 70s, it was remarkable that he could balance a family life and seek solace in his love of males. He led a dual life, which, surprisingly, Felicia approved if he kept his affairs a secret.
As a composer/conductor/musician/educator, Leonard Bernstein is considered one of America’s most important conductors of his time; he was the first American-born conductor to receive international acclaim. He’s also one of American history’s most enormously talented and successful musicians. Bradley Cooper co-wrote, directed, and stars as Bernstein, a passion project he’d been planning for years. The attention to detail of authenticity is vital in achieving success in a docudrama, and Cooper has succeeded here. I was in the dark going in, but now I’ve become educated concerning many aspects of his life, including his supportive wife, Felicia Montealegre. To say that Carey Mulligan shines in the film is an understatement; through her outstanding performance, we learn so much about this famous, important person.
Through Cooper’s study of his subject and his knowledge of visual story-telling, the scenes are filled with conflict, resolution, and love. The scene in which each sits back to back in a beautiful park filled with trees in an overhead shot is another one of my favorites. They are simply breathing in and out, taking in all the gifts they have to share, yet knowing they need each other to be complete. It’s a gorgeous scene and bound to be an iconic one attached to the film forever.
As not to spoil the details of the movie, as it’s best to see it without knowing the entire story, I won’t relay anymore concerning the elements. What I can say is that the film is in my Top Ten of Best films for 2023, and that I can’t wait to see it again. Below, you’ll find more information about the press conferences I attended after viewing the film, one at the newly restored Egyptian Theater and the other at a hotel in Hollywood.
Two press conferences were held, one with the wardrobe, production, and sound team. Due to my love of costuming, I was pleased to hear costume designer Mark Bridges speak about the help from the Bernstein family in visiting their home so he could see the actual clothes they wore and feel the different textures. Bridges said, “Chanel was so amazing to work with when designing Felicia’s suits; they sent mock-ups from Paris in the original fabrics used in the 60s and 70s. And yes, those fabulous Chanel buttons, they’d send those, and you know they are like pieces of gold.”
Dean Zupanic, the re-recording mixer, said, “I’d describe the mix as a reflection of Leonard Bernstein, as he has a dynamic personality yet is an elegant man. The mix also reflects the subtle scenes, the quietness at times, the bursts of wind, and the Ely Cathedral. Speaking of Ely Cathedral, one of my favorite scenes in the movie, I researched where it is located. My husband and I have traveled to many places in Europe, especially in England; it’s about an hour north of Cambridge, which I’ve visited several times. You can be sure Ely Cathedral is now on my list of places to see.
The press conference for Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan was held in a quaint space in a hotel in Hollywood. I sat in the front row and was about three feet from both. It’s always a treat to hear the talent speak about their projects in person, as typically, other stories are brought up in the conversation. Cooper had nothing but praise for Mulligan, as he felt she put in the extra effort that gave her the best perspective of her character.
Cooper has said in interviews, “When I was growing up, there was always classical music playing in the house,” Cooper recalls. “So, because of the cartoons I was watching, I used to wave my hands about and pretend that I was creating the music that I was hearing. One Christmas, I asked Santa, and all of a sudden, I had a baton that I was able to wield.”
Cooper also said during our press conference that when he began to research and write the script, he wanted to capture the nucellar power of the two main characters and make that into something special, just as “A Star is Born” as it was Lady GaGa’s voice that is so special.
Carey Mulligan said it was a joy to be able to meet the Bernsteins’ children and to simply be on set every day with Bradley, as she learned so much from him as a director.
I honestly didn’t know much about Leonard Bernstein and, to my surprise, enjoyed the movie immensely; the concert scene filmed in London at the Ely Cathedral is fantastic to view. I can highly recommend seeing this movie in theaters now. The film is also streaming on Netflix Dec. 21, 2023.
Sarah Knight Adamson Dec. 20, 2023