Behind the Scenes with Cooper, the Bernsteins, and the Cinematic Ode to a Musical Icon
Written By Shafeek Ahmad, Published On 12-November-2023, 12:10 PM EST.
In a recent gathering at the Bernstein family’s Connecticut home, Nina Bernstein Simmons, Alexander Bernstein, and Jamie Bernstein shared their thoughts on “Maestro,” the latest film by Bradley Cooper. The movie delves into the life of their late parents, the renowned composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre.
A Personal Touch: The Bernstein siblings revealed their deep connection to the family home, where many scenes of the film were shot. Jamie expressed, “Every chance we get, weekends and lots of summer-time. It’s heaven here.” Cooper, not only the star but also the co-writer and director of the film, needed the consent of the Bernsteins to bring their family story to the screen.
Cinematic Immersion: Cooper’s commitment to the project is evident as he immersed himself in Leonard Bernstein’s life, undergoing a four-year transformation to portray the iconic figure accurately. The makeup controversy surrounding Cooper’s portrayal as a non-Jewish actor playing a Jewish character was dismissed by the Bernsteins as a non-issue.
A Love Story Unveiled: “Maestro” doesn’t follow the traditional biopic format but rather explores the complex love story between Bernstein and his lesser-known wife, portrayed by Carey Mulligan. The Bernsteins described their parents’ relationship as a mix of love and complications, acknowledging Bernstein’s affairs with men.
Facing Truths and Regrets: While the film delves into the rumors surrounding Bernstein’s personal life, Jamie Bernstein revealed her mother’s sacrifices for the marriage and the toll it took on her. Alexander expressed that Felicia Montealegre, their mother, might have had regrets looking back, contributing to her early death from lung cancer in 1978.
Musical Passion: “Maestro” not only uncovers the personal aspects but also celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s love for music. Cooper, deeply involved in the musical scenes, even conducted the musicians during the filming of Mahler’s Second Symphony, describing it as a unique and profound experience.
A Special Connection: Though Leonard Bernstein passed away in 1990, Cooper, who never met the iconic figure, expressed a profound connection during the making of the film. Nina Bernstein Simmons questioned Cooper about missing Bernstein, to which he emotionally replied, “It’s hard to even articulate. But he was with us, he was with me certainly, throughout the entire time.
“Maestro” stands as a harmonious tribute, blending personal anecdotes, love, and musical passion to offer viewers an intimate look into the life of Leonard Bernstein. Bradley Cooper’s meticulous approach, combined with the Bernsteins’ approval, ensures a cinematic experience that transcends the screen.
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Disclaimer:- This news article was written by the help of syndicated feed, Some of the content and drafting are made by the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) ChatGPT.
About the author: Shafeek Ahmad is a freelance writer passionate about business and entrepreneurship. He covers a wide range of topics related to the corporate world and startups. You can find more of his work on Howtobeaspoonie.com.
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