Bradley Cooper says that his lifelong interest in the legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein came from watching cartoons as a young child.
“It started with Tom and Jerry and Bugs Bunny as a kid, watching them conduct,” Cooper said on “CBS Mornings.” When he was about eight years old, he told the story of asking Santa Claus for a baton and then getting obsessed with conducting.
Cooper recently said in an interview that “there was a magical quality that you just do that, and sound comes out, you know, and that’s where it began.” He characterized the sensation as an amazing sense of being a maestro.
Bradley Cooper is bringing Bernstein’s life to screens
Following his feature film debut directing “A Star is Born,” Cooper is now bringing Leonard Bernstein’s life to the big screen with “Maestro.”
Cooper not only directs the movie but also plays the part of Bernstein, the enthralling conductor and composer best known for pieces like “West Side Story.” Cooper says that directing and acting are one process and that they are not separate from one another. It truly seems to me like filmmaking. As you may know, writing begins with an idea. And then I have the desire to embody the character.”
Bradley Cooper on making Bernstein’s life to screens
After spending six years training for the part, Cooper chose Carey Mulligan to play Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein’s wife. Using the couple’s love letters as a starting point, the actors explore the complex dynamics of their relationship together.
Montealegre was praised by Mulligan, who called her “iconic, magnetic, wry, and deeply intelligent.” Mulligan also recognized the beauty in Montealegre’s steadfast love for Bernstein despite her struggles.
The film tackles the issues, including Bernstein’s extramarital affairs—a bold subject in light of the historical setting. Cooper emphasized that the couple was truly in love despite their difficulties.
He said, “That’s the reason why I wanted to make the movie—because I believe that they found each other’s soulmates.” In his words, Cooper sees their relationship as “complicated” as well as “universal.”
Cooper also discussed the thrill and difficulty of conducting, which he did in real life for the movie. He acknowledged that he was more nervous about the experience than he was about to sing at the Oscars. “This is what the entire orchestra has done their entire life,” he said, describing the musicians.
And I’m directing them while I sit there talking like Leonard Bernstein. And they’re asking themselves questions like, “Who is this guy?” and “How will he lead us?” Cooper admitted that during the first day of conducting, he made mistakes.
According to Mulligan’s viewpoint, “Hard is the fun stuff.” That’s, I believe that’s what we’re searching for,” she continued. It’s kind of not worth doing if it’s not scary. Like, you want to take on a challenging and terrifying task.”
Bernstein’s family was involved in film’s making
Bernstein’s family actively participated in the film’s production, and Cooper made sure they were involved at every turn.
Recognizing the value of balance, Cooper contemplated not using the prosthetic nose when confronted with criticism about his transformation into Bernstein.
“I thought, ‘Maybe we don’t need to do it,'” he clarified. However, it all comes down to balance, and let’s face it—my chin and lips are nothing like Lenny’s. Thus, we had that, and it didn’t seem quite right.”
Cooper was defended by Bernstein’s children, who wrote a letter of support saying, “It breaks our hearts to see any misrepresentations or misunderstandings of his efforts.” Cooper personally gave them a call to thank them.
“After reading it, I gave Alex [Bernstein] a call to express my gratitude. I seem to recall that when I called him, I heard his voice. Then, I was crying so much that I was unable to even thank him. I couldn’t believe how much emotion had come out. And he began to cry,” Cooper said.
He continued, thinking back on the occasion, “And it was an amazing moment. And sometimes, you know, you’re not even aware of what’s happening. It was an unbelievable gesture to me. I found it to be quite moving.”
