MAESTRO

Set between the 1940's and 1970's, the film follows conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and his relationship with his wife, actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan). However, the film also explores Bernsteins other sexual appetites with men, during a period where such indiscretions were considered "scandalous." A little noise was made before the films release about Cooper's makeup as Bernstein but after seeing photos of the real Bernstein and his own family giving the film (and makeup) their blessing, the "story" was much to do about nothing. Cooper and Mulligan give terrific performances and both could be rewarded by the Academy with nominations (Cooper with a possible win and Mulligan who I still believe to be an underrated actress). Although, when all's said and done, outside of the performances of the two lead actors, the film is rather a bore. Looking past their performances, there isn't much here. 6.5/10