Highly recommend both films...for different reasons. The Bernstein because in my opinion it's a challenging work of art and the Cohen because...well, Leonard Cohen.
I saw both movies. I liked them both. I was interested in the grumbling I was hearing about Maestro. It seems some would like to have seen a different film. As my writer friend Wesley Brown says: if someone wants a different story than the one I’m telling, let them write it. I think the film has a strong screenplay, interesting narrative structure and terrific acting. Two things Felicia said especially resonate with me: when she tells Lenny that it’s exhausting to try to love someone who doesn’t love himself, and when she faults herself for her unhappiness. She takes responsibility for going into the marriage with her eyes wide open and accepted full responsibility for her heartbreak. That speech—so honest, so mature, so sad.
I completely agree with Wesley's comment. This was Bradley Cooper's movie and is an expression of his sensibility. I thought the character of Felicia was extraordinary and Carrie Mulligan's performance memorable. The movie seems to be a kind of Rorschach that's received very differently by different people. It could be that I represent the long-married sub-group and may not be adequately in touch with some of the other aspects of the story.
I agree. I found some of the reviews confusing. I wondered if some reviewers didn’t like the “unheroic” portrayal of Bernstein, but didn’t want to come off as homophobic.
Well-considered and well-said. I didn't expect to like "Maestro:" I'd been a Bernstein fan forever and frankly didn't think Mr. Cooper was up to the task of playing the part of Leonard Bernstein, much less directing the film. I stand corrected after two rapt viewings of the film just days apart. Of course the film gave a limited picture of the man: Cooper's intent was to focus on Bernstein's marriage and at that he succeeded brilliantly. I hope "Maestro" is but one installment of Cooper's cinematic memoir of Leonard Bernstein: there are so many more aspects left to focus on and he's already proven himself extraordinarily capable.
The focus on Bernstein's personal life brought him down to earth for me and gave me a rounder, more fully developed understanding of him which in turn illuminated the music.
I’ve seen neither film, but your responses encourage me to see both. I also appreciated people’s comments and I assume their music must be delicious.
Highly recommend both films...for different reasons. The Bernstein because in my opinion it's a challenging work of art and the Cohen because...well, Leonard Cohen.
I saw both movies. I liked them both. I was interested in the grumbling I was hearing about Maestro. It seems some would like to have seen a different film. As my writer friend Wesley Brown says: if someone wants a different story than the one I’m telling, let them write it. I think the film has a strong screenplay, interesting narrative structure and terrific acting. Two things Felicia said especially resonate with me: when she tells Lenny that it’s exhausting to try to love someone who doesn’t love himself, and when she faults herself for her unhappiness. She takes responsibility for going into the marriage with her eyes wide open and accepted full responsibility for her heartbreak. That speech—so honest, so mature, so sad.
I completely agree with Wesley's comment. This was Bradley Cooper's movie and is an expression of his sensibility. I thought the character of Felicia was extraordinary and Carrie Mulligan's performance memorable. The movie seems to be a kind of Rorschach that's received very differently by different people. It could be that I represent the long-married sub-group and may not be adequately in touch with some of the other aspects of the story.
I agree. I found some of the reviews confusing. I wondered if some reviewers didn’t like the “unheroic” portrayal of Bernstein, but didn’t want to come off as homophobic.
One person I know described the portrayal as "unflattering." That vulnerability and sense of imperfection was what made it moving for me.
Fabulous review. Definitely deserves a wide audience!
Have you seen the movie? Would be very interested in your take on it.
Well-considered and well-said. I didn't expect to like "Maestro:" I'd been a Bernstein fan forever and frankly didn't think Mr. Cooper was up to the task of playing the part of Leonard Bernstein, much less directing the film. I stand corrected after two rapt viewings of the film just days apart. Of course the film gave a limited picture of the man: Cooper's intent was to focus on Bernstein's marriage and at that he succeeded brilliantly. I hope "Maestro" is but one installment of Cooper's cinematic memoir of Leonard Bernstein: there are so many more aspects left to focus on and he's already proven himself extraordinarily capable.
The focus on Bernstein's personal life brought him down to earth for me and gave me a rounder, more fully developed understanding of him which in turn illuminated the music.
Reading this essay was a delight on so many levels. The words sang and the thinking behind them resonated. Thank you.
Thank you, Mary. It was almost as if these two extraordinary men were archetypes.