Monday night at the New York Film Festival buzzed with anticipation and for a good reason. Bradley Cooper made a surprise appearance at the North American premiere of his directorial masterpiece, “Maestro.” The film, delving deep into the life of iconic composer Leonard Bernstein, showcases the ups and downs of Bernstein’s 25-year marriage to actress Felicia Montealegre, with Cooper and Carey Mulligan playing the lead roles. Cinemagoers can catch this gripping drama in select theaters starting November 22 and later on Netflix from December 20.
While Cooper chose to sidestep the red carpet and Q&A sessions, given the prevailing actors’ strike, his unexpected presence was unveiled just before the screening began. Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie, added to the evening’s fervor, announcing, “The Screen Actors Guild guidelines permit our director, Mr. Cooper, to share this film-watching experience with us!” The announcement was met with roaring applause at the Lincoln Center’s esteemed David Geffen Hall. The night held special significance for Jamie Bernstein, who reminisced about David Geffen Hall, recounting childhood memories linked to the New York Philharmonic and their father’s illustrious career. Watching their parents’ tale unfurl on the big screen has been a roller-coaster of emotions, ranging from sheer excitement to surrealism, she said.
This isn’t Cooper’s maiden directorial venture. He previously donned the director’s hat for the 2018 critically acclaimed “A Star is Born,” which not only starred Lady Gaga but also clinched an Oscar for the best original song with “Shallow.”
Recently, Leonard Bernstein’s legacy has been a focal point in Hollywood. The maestro served as a muse for Cate Blanchett’s character in the film “Tár.” Spielberg’s 2021 rendition of “West Side Story” was adorned with Bernstein’s musical genius, paired with Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics. Cooper’s “Maestro” faced some hurdles when the initial teaser was unveiled. His choice of a pronounced prosthetic nose for the character led to debates about cultural representation. However, Bernstein’s children ardently defended Cooper’s artistic decisions. Their statement emphasized their father’s distinct physical features and voiced support for Cooper’s portrayal.
After its debut at the Venice Film Festival, “Maestro” has been applauded by critics, boasting a commendable 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.