Bradley Cooper’s directorial prowess returns with a flourish in the newly unveiled trailer for “Maestro”, his eagerly awaited follow-up to the acclaimed “A Star Is Born”.
Delving deep into the melodic realm once more, “Maestro” paints the passionate, multi-decade love story of the iconic composer Leonard Bernstein, portrayed by Cooper himself, and his enigmatic wife Felicia Montealegre, brought to life by the inimitable Carey Mulligan.
Opening with the evocative lines, “If summer doesn’t sing in you, then nothing sings in you. And if nothing sings in you, then you can’t make music,” the trailer offers audiences a poetic prelude to Bernstein’s soulful connection with music and love. The early moments beautifully transition to a monochromatic flashback, capturing the couple’s magnetic first encounter amidst the backdrop of a sophisticated soirée.
Montealegre, played with depth by Mulligan, exudes grace and mystery, stating, “One can be as free as one wishes without the shadows of guilt or confession. Trust me, I’ve seen your depths.”
Sarah Silverman, embodying Bernstein’s protective sister Shirley, hints at the complexities and challenges of being close to the genius, stating, “There’s a toll for being drawn into my brother’s world.” The narrative hints at Bernstein’s multifaceted personality showcased poignantly in a concert scene where he tenderly clasps a male friend’s hand, eliciting a confused gaze from Montealegre. Bernstein’s voice resounds, “My heart brims with so much love for humanity, that solitude becomes an abyss. It’s the symphony of life that anchors me.”
Echoing the opening sentiment, Montealegre’s voice harmoniously chimes in towards the trailer’s climax, “If summer doesn’t sing in you, then you remain silent. And if silence envelopes you, music remains a distant dream.” The fervor reaches its zenith, underscored by the powerful chords of Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, a piece Bernstein masterfully helmed on numerous occasions.
The trailer’s finale is a cinematic tapestry, chronicling the poignant phases of Bernstein and Montealegre’s relationship – from their youthful exuberance to their twilight years, accentuated with intricate old-age makeup (including the much-talked-about prosthetic transformation).
Set to enchant audiences initially in select theaters this November, “Maestro” will make its grand debut on Netflix come Dec. 20. Dive into this mesmerizing tale by catching the complete trailer below.