Legendary American conductor Leonard Bernstein is currently experiencing a surge in popularity. This includes being hailed as a mentor and role model in last year’s Tár and the recent release of Maestro, a biopic directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper. The film explores the complex personal life of Bernstein, focusing on his marriage to Felicia Montealegre, his sexual identity, and the tension between his classical composing career and his more mainstream work like West Side Story. The film employs minimal biopic clichés and opt for a more subtle approach in presenting other notable figures such as Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Jerome Robbins.
The film also depicts segments of Bernstein’s life, like an unexpected performance with the New York Philharmonic, that are based on true events. Rumors also emerged around the casting of Bradley Cooper in the role of Bernstein, as he was reportedly wearing prosthetics to create a more authentic physical likeness to the conductor. Finally, the film delves into the personal letters of Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre, shedding light on their complex relationship dynamics.