In the highly anticipated 2023 Bradley Cooper-directed biopic “Maestro,” the film has earned itself an impressive 7 Oscar nominations. While the outcome remains uncertain until the awards ceremony in March, Cooper’s portrayal of American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein has garnered attention for its fiery depiction of the character, setting the stage for a potential competition with Cillian Murphy’s nuanced portrayal of Robert Oppenheimer.
One particular scene in the movie stands out as a testament to Cooper’s dedication to his role – a continuous sequence featuring Bernstein, played by Cooper, leading the London Symphony Orchestra and Edinburgh Festival Chorus in the iconic 1973 performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, ‘Resurrection,’ at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England. The climax of Resurrection’s tumultuous fifth movement, lasting over six minutes, captures the intensity and passion of both the character and the actor.
Cooper’s performance as Bernstein is noteworthy not only for its emotional depth but also for the physicality he brings to the portrayal of the dynamic conductor. To prepare for the role and the pivotal scene, the actor extensively studied the legendary film recording of the Ely concert by Humphrey Burton. The result is a mesmerizing depiction of Bernstein, with Cooper embodying the soaring, sweating, and almost evaporating essence of the musical maestro.
A side-by-side comparison of Cooper in “Maestro” during the Ely performance and footage of Bernstein’s original concert at the cathedral reveals a striking resemblance. The powerful rendition of Mahler’s choral stretch is channeled through both Bernstein and Cooper-as-Bernstein, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in the replication of movements, from flailing hands to the intensity of picking notes from Ely’s resonant air. Cooper’s commitment to mirroring Bernstein’s every move, down to the dripping sweat, adds an authentic layer to the portrayal, creating a compelling visual and emotional experience for audiences.
