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People were skeptical about Bradley Cooper starring in, and directing, A Star is Born. Then it was a hit, a critical darling, and an Oscar player. This allowed Cooper the chance to operate in that “blank check” way, and so he got to make Maestro, a biopic of composer Leonard Bernstein. Also, star in it once again. I’m not a fan of classical music, or showtunes, but I was curious about Maestro. I’m glad I watched it, because Maestro is great.
Now, the film basically only has two characters, Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealnegre Bernstein, an actress who was married to Bernstein. However, both characters are compelling, and the performances are great. If Bradley Cooper doesn’t finally get that acting Oscar, it will be a shame. He’s fantastic in the film. Carey Mulligan, though, is also quite good. I feel like she may be my favorite for Best Actress. If, somehow, she character-frauded her way into Best Supporting Actress, I feel like a win will come her way.
Beyond two great performances in the center of the film, Cooper directs the film well. There are some flaws. I am fine with the movie not spelling everything out, but it was perhaps too obtuse. I knew effectively nothing about Bernstein, and honestly when the film was over I had not picked some things up. Watching it knowing more about Bernstein is beneficial. Of course, just seeing Cooper and Mulligan’s performances again would be well worth it. The music, well, I still don’t enjoy it.
I assume Maestro is going to be in the mix for the Oscars in a big way, as it should. This could be the time Netflix finally gets Best Picture. It would be a worthy winner.
