Maestro

 

Maestro- Netflix

Leonard Bernstein was gay, a husband for twenty-seven years, he had three children, and was a world-renowned conductor; Leonard Bernstein was complex. He was also selfish. In the 1950’s some gay men married to hide their alternate lifestyle, not Bernstein. His wife knew of his attraction to men and he knew she knew. It hurt her greatly. Yet they truly loved each other. She also loved his music and genius as a conductor. This may have contributed to her tolerance.

Bradley Cooper plays Bernstein and is the director. His performance is powerful. He displays Bernstein’s passion for conducting and music. With a prosthetic nose and affecting a cultivated accent, he channels Bernstein. The resemblance is uncanny. Cooper shows how Bernstein coexisted in the gay world and as a husband and father with minimal conflict for himself.

Carey Mulligan plays  Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein’s wife. Her performance is outstanding. She displays love for her husband but at the same time is tormented by his homosexual liaisons. She appears placid and supportive but she has an inner rage. She is brilliant in portraying this duality.

The tension of the movie is how they remained married.  This is a new twist for better or worse. Bernstein has his liaisons and is absorbed by his music but he is devoted to his wife. When tragedy befalls his wife he tenderly cares for her.

The movie is free on Netflix and absolutely worth seeing. I think there will be a few Academy nominations.