Maestro

Once again, Hollywood brings us an elegant, largely non-entertaining film.

Leonard Berstein, played with style by Bradley Cooper, became famous on November 14, 1943, when at the age of 25 he was asked to conduct the New York Philharmonic when the celebrated conductor became ill. When he got a morning call, he was in bed with another young man. This story line basically defines the film.

Shortly thereafter, he meets Costa Rican actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan) at a party and they soon marry. Much like the weakness seen in Napoleon, most of the film focuses on their turbulent relationship.

Discovering that her husband was bisexual, Felicia tried to concentrate on her acting career and raising their 3 children. As she did in She Said (2022), Ms. Mulligan gives a dominate performance as she is forced to confront a husband’s involvement with other men.

Despite some great moments where you watch Cooper’s Berstein athletically conduct in front of large crowds, the film gradually loses its magic. It fails to capture Berstein’s tenure as music director of the New York Philharmonic in the 1960s that is still considered the Orchestra’s modern heyday.

Let me also point out the emotional scenes when he rallies to his wife side as she dies of cancer. Felicia’s reaction reminded me of that old song, “You’ve lost that lovin’ feeling” by the Righteous Brothers.

In closing, I must note that Cooper’s performance becomes irritating beyond words as he is seen constantly smoking. He is lighting up morning, noon and night. His love of cigarettes rivaled Helen Mirren’s role in Golda.

While she also smoked, it was not a surprise that Felicia died of lung cancer.