Bradley Cooper's 'Maestro' Focuses on Leonard Bernstein's Marriage, Critics Say Film Falls Short on Music and Activism

Despite criticisms, Spike Lee praises Cooper's dedication and performance in the film, calling it 'monumental'.

Bradley Cooper's new film 'Maestro' is a focused portrayal of the marriage between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre, with Cooper playing Bernstein and Carey Mulligan playing Montealegre.
The film was made with the blessing of Bernstein's three children and is not a holistic portrait of Bernstein, but rather a profile of his marriage and the toll his selfishness took on their relationship.
Cooper spent six years preparing for the role, learning to conduct for one sequence and adopting Christian Bale's method acting style of staying in character throughout the film's production.
The film has been criticized for its narrow focus on Bernstein's marriage and lack of attention to his music, his political activism, and his Jewish identity.
Despite the criticisms, Spike Lee praised Cooper's work on 'Maestro', calling it 'monumental' and commending Cooper's dedication to the project.