Maestro is a difficult film to critique because everyone wanted the emphasis to be somewhere else: either on Bernstein's music and conducting, or on his gay sex life.
In reality, Bradley Cooper chose to tell the story of his marriage to Felicia Montealegre which was sometimes turbulent.
Both Bradlet Cooper and Carrie Mulligan are perfection in their roles. Cooper looks uncannily like Bernstein and has the voice and mannerisms to match.
Mulligan is reminiscent of Tovah Feldshuh, whom I first saw in the '70s. Pretty and vivacious, she later matures into a woman disappointed in her marriage, and then develops a devastating illness.
What is not shown is that Bernstein leaves her for a man whom he claims understands his music. When Felicia becomes ill, he returns to care for her and never returns to his male lover, though they remain friends.
Bernstein's gay relationships are only alluded to, and why is Matt Bomer only playing gay men now? I love the guy, I admire his commitment, but to me this narrows his career.
I think the point Cooper wanted to make is that despite attraction to other men, he truly loved and needed his wife. She was not, as someone said, a beard with a uterus. That is shortchanging and making fun of the relationship.
Fluid sexuality is often seen among creative people. Bernstein was no exception. His story could have had more emphasis on music and gayness, but there's nothing wrong with a complicated love story.
In reality, Bradley Cooper chose to tell the story of his marriage to Felicia Montealegre which was sometimes turbulent.
Both Bradlet Cooper and Carrie Mulligan are perfection in their roles. Cooper looks uncannily like Bernstein and has the voice and mannerisms to match.
Mulligan is reminiscent of Tovah Feldshuh, whom I first saw in the '70s. Pretty and vivacious, she later matures into a woman disappointed in her marriage, and then develops a devastating illness.
What is not shown is that Bernstein leaves her for a man whom he claims understands his music. When Felicia becomes ill, he returns to care for her and never returns to his male lover, though they remain friends.
Bernstein's gay relationships are only alluded to, and why is Matt Bomer only playing gay men now? I love the guy, I admire his commitment, but to me this narrows his career.
I think the point Cooper wanted to make is that despite attraction to other men, he truly loved and needed his wife. She was not, as someone said, a beard with a uterus. That is shortchanging and making fun of the relationship.
Fluid sexuality is often seen among creative people. Bernstein was no exception. His story could have had more emphasis on music and gayness, but there's nothing wrong with a complicated love story.