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Writer's pictureKell Sharpe

Bradley Cooper Transforms In Netflix's Leonard Bernstein Biopic



 

The first look at the highly-anticipated biopic, following the love story between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre has finally been released to the public.


In the trailer for this film, to be released by Netflix in December 2023, we see Bradley Cooper physically transform himself into the legendary conductor.


Cooper, who we have seen take on several real-life portrayals in the past, also takes on directorial duties for this film as well as portraying Bernstein.


Alongside the 9 time Academy Award nominee, we see British actress Carey Mulligan take on the role of portraying Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein's spouse throughout the 50's, 60's and 70's.


Although the title for this film, "Maestro", is a blatant nod to Bernstein alone and his career as a musical conductor, the plot is set to follow the relationship between Bernstein and Montealegre throughout their 25 year story.


Throughout their relationship, the pair experienced two engagements and the birth of their three children: Alexander, Jamie and Nina Bernstein.


Following the recent success of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, Maestro takes a similar leap in regards to the cinematography within the film. Throughout the trailer, we witness a variety of scenes through a black and white lens, as well as coloured.


This technique seems to be something that we see frequently across filmmakers working today.


Following the recent trailer release, director, writer and actor, Bradley Cooper has received a large amount of backlash for the use of a very prominent prosthetic nose to allow himself to physically transform into the character of Bernstein.


Cooper has received accusations of antisemitism for wearing the prosthetic nose to portray Bernstein. However, since this, Bernstein's family have since come out and defended the actor for his creative decisions.


Despite this, groups such as the non-profit "StopAntisemitism", have criticized the decision to cast Cooper in this role, as opposed to a Jewish actor. A practice that some critics within Hollywood call "Jewface".


To view the full trailer for Bradley Cooper's "Maestro", visit the following link:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU6GbM5c9aE

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