'Maestro': Bradley Cooper's Portrayal of Leonard Bernstein Earns Praise and Controversy

Cooper's performance as Bernstein in 'Maestro' is considered a strong Oscar contender, despite controversy over his use of a prosthetic nose to depict the legendary composer and conductor.

• Bradley Cooper's new film 'Maestro' focuses on the life of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, with Cooper playing the lead role. The film also explores Bernstein's relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan.
• Cooper's portrayal of Bernstein has been praised by Bernstein's children and his colleagues. The film uses Bernstein's original music as its score, with Cooper having taken conducting lessons for six years to prepare for the role.
• Controversy arose over Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose to depict Bernstein, with some critics accusing the film of antisemitism. However, Bernstein's children dismissed the controversy, stating that their father did have a 'nice big nose'.
• The film features a six-minute sequence of Cooper conducting Mahler's Symphony No. 2, replicating a legendary performance Bernstein gave in 1973. The sequence was shot in England's Ely Cathedral with the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
• 'Maestro' is currently playing in select theaters and will be available on Netflix on December 20. The film is considered a strong Oscar contender, with Cooper's lead performance garnering major buzz.

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