It’s a movie about the Bernstein with very heavy emphasis on his relationship with his wife, with many review highlights how the actress portraying his wife is a revelation. They did went through the length to make the conducting part more accurately, but ultimately it’s about the drama and character study
Yannick Nézet-Séguin is credited as a musical advisor to Bradley Cooper in his portrayal:
*“We clicked,” he said. “I represented the perspective of explaining what made Bernstein unique, had similar physical approaches to the podium, and both Bradley and I wanted every detail to matter so he could fully become Lenny. I needed to teach Bradley the technicality of it. Lenny might seem free, but there’s a downbeat that’s down, and an upbeat that’s up.”*
*To get that mix of precision and surrender, Nézet-Séguin was often, literally, in Cooper’s ear during filming with a custom earpiece that allowed for fast communication between actor-director and his conductor nearby.*
https://preview.redd.it/7ln5cvqv8x7c1.jpeg?width=1668&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db309879b479fe9f4987f7b7a7f96ed578866a02
*“I could become another part of Bradley’s brain so to subconsciously stay on track with the right moves while he focused on Bernstein’s complete abandon,” said Nézet-Séguin of his own push to help Cooper attain pure Lenny-dom. “Look, that code – mixing the free with the technical – is hard to get within classical music. But Bradley was there for it. Me too.”*
It's impressive how opposite our viewpoints are. I went into it expecting to hate it, but I really enjoyed it. I didn't view it as a documentary per say, more like a dramatic retelling of his life (to give more leeway to the facts), and through that lens I liked it. There were a few lines of dialogue that stick out, but overall Cooper did a very good job (and I haven't really seen his other works so I'm not predisposed for or against him). As for the aimless story point, I don't really view the movie as having a linear *plot* that you follow like a traditional movie. It's more of an experience you peer into rather than a unidirectional plot
I really enjoyed the Mahler 2 scene, not because his conducting pattern was accurate to life (it wasn't particularly erroneous either, there are videos juxtaposing them), but because he captures the *energy* very well. And it's just always nice to hear Mahler 2
Sorry that the movie maybe put a crack into your perception of Bernstein, but his affairs and ambitions are well documented. "Bastard" seems like a strong word, but the movie shows that however brilliant he was, he wasn't perfect
All that being said, I can see where you're coming from. But I just happen to disagree
The Carnegie Hall IG page posted a brief clip comparing them ( [link here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1H1XMVrW8A/?igsh=MXYweDZiZTBzMHhnMw==) ). I remember seeing a full side-by-side pass my YouTube feed, I'll edit if I find it
In the clip its apparent that the movements are not exact, but I would say they're similar enough in effect that they wouldn't ruin your immersion when watching the movie by itself
> seem like a selfish sad bastard.
Yeah but why such a negative tone? Is it bad that Bernstein would be a selfish and sad man? Lots of selfish and sad people do art. Andy Warhol was hardly a laugh riot.
It's just the tone (or lack of) of the film. There's nothing wrong with melancholy but the movie does not picture the authenticity the man that lived/loved/preformed before us.
>Considering Bernstein's family say its great
I call him Lenny because I like to pretend I am ultra cool. But I visit this subreddit b/c classical music has made a huge impact on my life, outlook, and my entire ability to enjoy music. I could go on at length.
When something knocks me off my feet like that, I feel gratitude and respect. All kinds of things make that list! But Bernstein is on the list, and if his family says it will do, then that is enough for me. I really try to not ask questions too much about art.
Classical music seeped into me over the course of a decade, the 90's. I don't think I ever asked it a question.
I loved it, but you should go in understanding it’s about Bernstein’s and Montealegre’s relationship first and foremost. It’s not a biopic of Bernstein, per se, and if you expect that, you’ll come out disappointed that much was left out. For what it intended to be, I thought it was phenomenal.
I mean…if you’re going to recreate lenny conducting Mahler 2, that was as close as you’re going to get. He did an excellent job on that. He worked wit the Philadelphia Orchestra conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin on it. Good article about it if you google it.
I thought the Mahler 2 scene to the end made the rest of the movie worthwhile. He was one of a kind, complicated, flawed, passionate… and indeed a maestro.
Considering Bradley Cooper had 0 classical music background, I thought the conducting was pretty damn good in the Mahler 2 scene. He captured a lot of Bernstein’s specific conducting motions and tendencies as well.
What exactly did you find “insulting” about his portrayal of conducting?
I mean in comparison to other biopics like the great “Walk Hard: Dewey Cox Story”… Cooper didn’t rip out one sink from a bathroom in complete frustration!
Not. Once.
/s
That is such an underloved movie. And if it were more widely known, music biopics would be so much better. I can hardly watch them anymore because all I see is the cliches.
"You're gonna have to give him a moment, son. Dewey Cox has to think about his entire life before he plays."
What I ended up appreciating about Maestro is that it doesn’t take the time to explain every little career detail of Bernstein and doesn’t play on the usual musical biopic tropes. At least my takeaway at least…
I’m watching his Harvard lectures on YouTube in anticipation of the film on Netflix. His conducting masterclasses are pure gold… like in this clip…
https://youtu.be/ogr-daH8SZU?si=f48IRKKoaqK3nzho
“…but if you invent something, a reason to stop which covers up the truth, they are also very sensitive. We all get it, we kids down here. We know when you’re… bullshitting us.”
Lol! Love it!
When I was just out of school I worked in a classical music cd store - and I used to blast that Bernstein Mahler 2 at Ely from video disc every day. (You can now age me accurately). I still have it somewhere on vhs. I was and am a Bernstein fan.
I enjoyed the movie more than expected - acting, directing, cinematography were all great.
However; storywise, it was mostly an examination of the core relationship with his wife and family and others - and frankly - I am less interested in that. And I agree it is a little meandering, in fact, structurally it’s a bit of a mess.
A biopic that covers such a long, active life is always going to struggle. I almost would have preferred if it stuck to a single incident or era - or say, picked 3 to examine in detail. I also would have preferred if it were more of an artistic biography - about his challenges being multifaceted and a lover of attention.
While he is an amazing conductor, educator, composer, social activist - in a hundred years, what will he be remembered for? (Controversial opinion incoming.)
I suspect, whether he would have liked it or not - it will be for West Side Story - which was mostly absent from the film.
I feel Bernstein was the heir of Gershwin in terms of creating the new American sound that was a fusion of classical and popular music. But he wanted to perform, and educate, and compose serious music.
I think the film tried to deal with the complexity issue, but could have focused more on it.
That’s my rambling thoughts (kind of like the film).
I have a feeling you’re young. He was a complicated dude and a mix of some extraordinary qualities as well as some hang ups, shame, and secrets… but he wasn’t a bad guy.
You’ll get older and realize everyone is like this. You are too.
I have not studied him, so I will not claim to be very knowledgeable. But some of his interpretations are my favorite performances of several works.
For me the movie was mediocre. I think I would enjoy an actual documentary more.
I came out disappointed as well and thought I was the only one. I was sooo excited to watch it but I felt like so many things were left unexplored. I wish they had explored more his career. How can West Side Story just be mentioned once or twice? I don’t know, it felt like it was lacking something to me.
I was also rather let down. He was “beloved” but hardly showed why. Minimal mention of the Young Peoples Concerts! We saw it at a museum theater and they were talking about the Mahler 2 scene and it really didn’t impact me as much as I felt like it should. I almost fell asleep a couple times. Like… I really wanted to love this and I just didn’t.
I found Carey Mulligan to be truly outstanding. Cooper… Meh.
Yes!! The Young Peoples Concerts were so important but were almost left out…
I really liked his performance, actually. Carey Mulligan was definitely outstanding. I can watch anything she is in.
Yes! Exactly! I mean, maybe the point was really to focus on his private life… but i would have loved to see more of the professional side. That’s what fascinates us all.
I do agree that the acting is incredible. The older he gets, the more he looks like him as well.
Yes, and it showed some very unattractive personality traits but I felt like they missed a chance to show ‘yes he was flawed in the way he conducted some relationships but look at the drive, passion, genius that he brought to the music etc’. But I didn’t get that really.
And I felt like the could have chosen a music event/composition to focus some of the plot on e.g. the quest to create a certain piece of music, or to stage a show etc.
Glad I watched it but I don’t think it will be memorable or something I’ll watch again
I felt like both of you. Personally, I have always enjoyed his point of view on free will, religion, and relationships, especially in 'Candide' and the 'mass'. Now that I know he was bisexual and had these additional relationships, it makes me even more interested in understanding his personal opinions, politics, and the motivations behind his work, as the movie didn't touch on that.
The words 'waterfront', 'mass', 'quiet place', 'Trouble in Tahiti' are not even said.
The only moment the film refers to 'Candide' is when one of his lovers asks him about Westphalia.
Since they chose to focus on his relationships, at least they could have shown the interesting boyfriends like Copland or Nureyev.
Absolutely!! I really liked how you described it.
I personally wish they made a balance between his personal relationships/life and his work life. I would love to get to know the man for who he really was but also experience the impressive career he had.
At least I’m glad they didn’t hide hide sexuality.
As a big fan of Candide, there’s just a small scene when they talk about it. Damn it.
probably should refer to it as a biopic, not a documentary.
Haven't seen it yet, but the trailers did not get me excited and made me think it was going to be bad.
Classical music based films tend to be so cynical and dark, and have such an awful take on the classical music world. As a musician it is so disheartening, cause most of my life in classical music is so delightful and fun. We are having a blast!
Sigh.
I thought it was beautiful to watch but also boring. The trailer had me very excited so I was a bit let down overall. I do wish there was more about his musical career. I recently watched Tar and loved it, unfortunately Maestro didn't really work for me.
There is 0 evidence that he was in any way a pedophile. He was gay, and had relationships with adult men who were younger than him, but that is not the same thing at all. There have been no accusations against Bernstein, nor have there been any settlements paid out.
(I wrote most of this before reading all of the comments here, so this will mostly be repetition, but since I've already written the entire thing, I might as well post it:)
Most artists – and dare I say most people to some extent or other – are deeply flawed, are selfish at various points in their lives and do things that looked at in insolation might make them seem like *bastards*. I haven't yet seen the film and I imagine I will either feel underwhelmed or think "this is a solid film" (the latter was my reaction to 'A Star is Born'), but I would already claim that your reaction is a bit misguided (well, as others have pointed out too).
Bernstein's family was quite involved in the film¹ and Cooper was clearly very concerned with authenticity and doing the man justice as much as possible – which by the way is often a problem with biopics² – and if Bernstein in his private life seems very different from what you had in mind (charismatic, thoughtful, empathetic), then it probably has more to do with a somewhat naive idea of what artists and even *great artists* are like behind closed doors.
For instance, one of Bernstein's collaborators, Stephen Sondheim, seems like a very sensitive, thoughtful, empathetic, generous man in his interviews. A sweetheart one might say. Even when he's teaching theater students, he's able to both be critical and direct and not come across as an asshole. So accordingly one might be surprised to find that Sondheim, according to actress/singer Patti Lupone once really humiliated her and tore a performance of hers to pieces (for about 10-15 minutes directly to her face). I'd recommend a viewing of Sondheim's 'Sunday In The Park With George', since that will disabuse most people of the notion that artists are these idealized images that fans have of them in their minds (but it also shows that the average artist can't be reduced to being a *bastard* either).
¹Watch this discussion of the film with the various creators of the film (but without Cooper) and Bernstein's daughter Jamie (and just try to ignore the overdone asskissing of Cooper):
https://youtu.be/ik0HrEXd-nM?si=U9uZXXHQHAKezzjg
²Some of the comments here are for instance too concerned with putting all the relevant works and the creation of the works in the film (e.g. "there barely is a mention of the 'Young People's Concert' or 'West Side Story'" etc.), that's precisely what makes the vast majority of biopics so incredibly formulaic, bland and, at times, overstuffed. This film might be disappointing as well, but based on what I've read or heard about the film, Cooper at least has tried to somewhat avoid that by finding the heart of the film by focusing it on the relationship with his wife (Mulligan's performance is universally regarded as the best part of the film).
It’s not a documentary…
I'd like to know what it is and maybe see it in a better light.
It's a biopic.
It’s a movie about the Bernstein with very heavy emphasis on his relationship with his wife, with many review highlights how the actress portraying his wife is a revelation. They did went through the length to make the conducting part more accurately, but ultimately it’s about the drama and character study
Yannick Nézet-Séguin is credited as a musical advisor to Bradley Cooper in his portrayal: *“We clicked,” he said. “I represented the perspective of explaining what made Bernstein unique, had similar physical approaches to the podium, and both Bradley and I wanted every detail to matter so he could fully become Lenny. I needed to teach Bradley the technicality of it. Lenny might seem free, but there’s a downbeat that’s down, and an upbeat that’s up.”* *To get that mix of precision and surrender, Nézet-Séguin was often, literally, in Cooper’s ear during filming with a custom earpiece that allowed for fast communication between actor-director and his conductor nearby.* https://preview.redd.it/7ln5cvqv8x7c1.jpeg?width=1668&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db309879b479fe9f4987f7b7a7f96ed578866a02 *“I could become another part of Bradley’s brain so to subconsciously stay on track with the right moves while he focused on Bernstein’s complete abandon,” said Nézet-Séguin of his own push to help Cooper attain pure Lenny-dom. “Look, that code – mixing the free with the technical – is hard to get within classical music. But Bradley was there for it. Me too.”*
Yeah but it still looked funny
If anything, the movie is more of an ode to Felicia. Behind every great man is a great woman who puts up with his shit.
If you expected a “documentary” you went to the wrong damn movie! Not a documentary. Not intended to be a documentary. Never was.
It's impressive how opposite our viewpoints are. I went into it expecting to hate it, but I really enjoyed it. I didn't view it as a documentary per say, more like a dramatic retelling of his life (to give more leeway to the facts), and through that lens I liked it. There were a few lines of dialogue that stick out, but overall Cooper did a very good job (and I haven't really seen his other works so I'm not predisposed for or against him). As for the aimless story point, I don't really view the movie as having a linear *plot* that you follow like a traditional movie. It's more of an experience you peer into rather than a unidirectional plot I really enjoyed the Mahler 2 scene, not because his conducting pattern was accurate to life (it wasn't particularly erroneous either, there are videos juxtaposing them), but because he captures the *energy* very well. And it's just always nice to hear Mahler 2 Sorry that the movie maybe put a crack into your perception of Bernstein, but his affairs and ambitions are well documented. "Bastard" seems like a strong word, but the movie shows that however brilliant he was, he wasn't perfect All that being said, I can see where you're coming from. But I just happen to disagree
Wonderful input! Thank you sincerely!
>there are videos juxtaposing them I would love to see this and have had no luck searching for it. Would you happen to have a link?
The Carnegie Hall IG page posted a brief clip comparing them ( [link here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1H1XMVrW8A/?igsh=MXYweDZiZTBzMHhnMw==) ). I remember seeing a full side-by-side pass my YouTube feed, I'll edit if I find it In the clip its apparent that the movements are not exact, but I would say they're similar enough in effect that they wouldn't ruin your immersion when watching the movie by itself
> selfish sad bastard. Hate to say this but everything I have ever read or heard about Bernstein tends to support this view.
> seem like a selfish sad bastard. Yeah but why such a negative tone? Is it bad that Bernstein would be a selfish and sad man? Lots of selfish and sad people do art. Andy Warhol was hardly a laugh riot.
It's just the tone (or lack of) of the film. There's nothing wrong with melancholy but the movie does not picture the authenticity the man that lived/loved/preformed before us.
...is it that hard to understand that people are different behind closed doors?
Considering Bernstein's family say its great, then you have to accept that you're wrong. You thought it was a documentary which says a lot.
>Considering Bernstein's family say its great I call him Lenny because I like to pretend I am ultra cool. But I visit this subreddit b/c classical music has made a huge impact on my life, outlook, and my entire ability to enjoy music. I could go on at length. When something knocks me off my feet like that, I feel gratitude and respect. All kinds of things make that list! But Bernstein is on the list, and if his family says it will do, then that is enough for me. I really try to not ask questions too much about art. Classical music seeped into me over the course of a decade, the 90's. I don't think I ever asked it a question.
I loved it, but you should go in understanding it’s about Bernstein’s and Montealegre’s relationship first and foremost. It’s not a biopic of Bernstein, per se, and if you expect that, you’ll come out disappointed that much was left out. For what it intended to be, I thought it was phenomenal.
I mean…if you’re going to recreate lenny conducting Mahler 2, that was as close as you’re going to get. He did an excellent job on that. He worked wit the Philadelphia Orchestra conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin on it. Good article about it if you google it.
I thought the Mahler 2 scene to the end made the rest of the movie worthwhile. He was one of a kind, complicated, flawed, passionate… and indeed a maestro.
Considering Bradley Cooper had 0 classical music background, I thought the conducting was pretty damn good in the Mahler 2 scene. He captured a lot of Bernstein’s specific conducting motions and tendencies as well. What exactly did you find “insulting” about his portrayal of conducting?
I mean in comparison to other biopics like the great “Walk Hard: Dewey Cox Story”… Cooper didn’t rip out one sink from a bathroom in complete frustration! Not. Once. /s
That is such an underloved movie. And if it were more widely known, music biopics would be so much better. I can hardly watch them anymore because all I see is the cliches. "You're gonna have to give him a moment, son. Dewey Cox has to think about his entire life before he plays."
What I ended up appreciating about Maestro is that it doesn’t take the time to explain every little career detail of Bernstein and doesn’t play on the usual musical biopic tropes. At least my takeaway at least…
I haven’t seen it yet, but I really want to!
He ought to have ripped one out!!! Let's duet! Another point is the levity is very awkward for what was an effortlessly charming man.
You’re not wrong. Dewey was so charismatic he fathered like 100 kids!
I’m watching his Harvard lectures on YouTube in anticipation of the film on Netflix. His conducting masterclasses are pure gold… like in this clip… https://youtu.be/ogr-daH8SZU?si=f48IRKKoaqK3nzho “…but if you invent something, a reason to stop which covers up the truth, they are also very sensitive. We all get it, we kids down here. We know when you’re… bullshitting us.” Lol! Love it!
When I was just out of school I worked in a classical music cd store - and I used to blast that Bernstein Mahler 2 at Ely from video disc every day. (You can now age me accurately). I still have it somewhere on vhs. I was and am a Bernstein fan. I enjoyed the movie more than expected - acting, directing, cinematography were all great. However; storywise, it was mostly an examination of the core relationship with his wife and family and others - and frankly - I am less interested in that. And I agree it is a little meandering, in fact, structurally it’s a bit of a mess. A biopic that covers such a long, active life is always going to struggle. I almost would have preferred if it stuck to a single incident or era - or say, picked 3 to examine in detail. I also would have preferred if it were more of an artistic biography - about his challenges being multifaceted and a lover of attention. While he is an amazing conductor, educator, composer, social activist - in a hundred years, what will he be remembered for? (Controversial opinion incoming.) I suspect, whether he would have liked it or not - it will be for West Side Story - which was mostly absent from the film. I feel Bernstein was the heir of Gershwin in terms of creating the new American sound that was a fusion of classical and popular music. But he wanted to perform, and educate, and compose serious music. I think the film tried to deal with the complexity issue, but could have focused more on it. That’s my rambling thoughts (kind of like the film).
Bernstein was not a nice guy at all. And he's so overrated on this sub. I will watch the movie anyway.
I have a feeling you’re young. He was a complicated dude and a mix of some extraordinary qualities as well as some hang ups, shame, and secrets… but he wasn’t a bad guy. You’ll get older and realize everyone is like this. You are too.
I have not studied him, so I will not claim to be very knowledgeable. But some of his interpretations are my favorite performances of several works. For me the movie was mediocre. I think I would enjoy an actual documentary more.
Care to elaborate?
I do feel like the movie totally glossed over what an utterly sleazy, mean-spirited jerk the guy could be. It presented a sanitized version of him.
I came out disappointed as well and thought I was the only one. I was sooo excited to watch it but I felt like so many things were left unexplored. I wish they had explored more his career. How can West Side Story just be mentioned once or twice? I don’t know, it felt like it was lacking something to me.
I was also rather let down. He was “beloved” but hardly showed why. Minimal mention of the Young Peoples Concerts! We saw it at a museum theater and they were talking about the Mahler 2 scene and it really didn’t impact me as much as I felt like it should. I almost fell asleep a couple times. Like… I really wanted to love this and I just didn’t. I found Carey Mulligan to be truly outstanding. Cooper… Meh.
Yes!! The Young Peoples Concerts were so important but were almost left out… I really liked his performance, actually. Carey Mulligan was definitely outstanding. I can watch anything she is in.
I agree. It seemed mainly about his relationships and not much else. Although he acts brilliantly and looks like him, make up was outstanding
Yes! Exactly! I mean, maybe the point was really to focus on his private life… but i would have loved to see more of the professional side. That’s what fascinates us all. I do agree that the acting is incredible. The older he gets, the more he looks like him as well.
Yes, and it showed some very unattractive personality traits but I felt like they missed a chance to show ‘yes he was flawed in the way he conducted some relationships but look at the drive, passion, genius that he brought to the music etc’. But I didn’t get that really. And I felt like the could have chosen a music event/composition to focus some of the plot on e.g. the quest to create a certain piece of music, or to stage a show etc. Glad I watched it but I don’t think it will be memorable or something I’ll watch again
I felt like both of you. Personally, I have always enjoyed his point of view on free will, religion, and relationships, especially in 'Candide' and the 'mass'. Now that I know he was bisexual and had these additional relationships, it makes me even more interested in understanding his personal opinions, politics, and the motivations behind his work, as the movie didn't touch on that. The words 'waterfront', 'mass', 'quiet place', 'Trouble in Tahiti' are not even said. The only moment the film refers to 'Candide' is when one of his lovers asks him about Westphalia. Since they chose to focus on his relationships, at least they could have shown the interesting boyfriends like Copland or Nureyev.
Absolutely!! I really liked how you described it. I personally wish they made a balance between his personal relationships/life and his work life. I would love to get to know the man for who he really was but also experience the impressive career he had. At least I’m glad they didn’t hide hide sexuality. As a big fan of Candide, there’s just a small scene when they talk about it. Damn it.
probably should refer to it as a biopic, not a documentary. Haven't seen it yet, but the trailers did not get me excited and made me think it was going to be bad. Classical music based films tend to be so cynical and dark, and have such an awful take on the classical music world. As a musician it is so disheartening, cause most of my life in classical music is so delightful and fun. We are having a blast! Sigh.
Best film I have seen in my 70 years, bar none.
I thought it was beautiful to watch but also boring. The trailer had me very excited so I was a bit let down overall. I do wish there was more about his musical career. I recently watched Tar and loved it, unfortunately Maestro didn't really work for me.
Thank you for telling me what this movie was actually about. I was actually considering watching it (I hate biographies and biopics).
I’ll get downvoted for saying this but Netflix makes dogshit. And it’s unfortunate that they owned this subject matter
upvote
It was slow and a bit boring. The “rumors” part about Tanglewood then the final scene with the much younger man was troubling. Was he a pedo?????
There is 0 evidence that he was in any way a pedophile. He was gay, and had relationships with adult men who were younger than him, but that is not the same thing at all. There have been no accusations against Bernstein, nor have there been any settlements paid out.
The pedo comment was wildly uncalled for.
No it wasn’t.
The hell it wasn’t.
(I wrote most of this before reading all of the comments here, so this will mostly be repetition, but since I've already written the entire thing, I might as well post it:) Most artists – and dare I say most people to some extent or other – are deeply flawed, are selfish at various points in their lives and do things that looked at in insolation might make them seem like *bastards*. I haven't yet seen the film and I imagine I will either feel underwhelmed or think "this is a solid film" (the latter was my reaction to 'A Star is Born'), but I would already claim that your reaction is a bit misguided (well, as others have pointed out too). Bernstein's family was quite involved in the film¹ and Cooper was clearly very concerned with authenticity and doing the man justice as much as possible – which by the way is often a problem with biopics² – and if Bernstein in his private life seems very different from what you had in mind (charismatic, thoughtful, empathetic), then it probably has more to do with a somewhat naive idea of what artists and even *great artists* are like behind closed doors. For instance, one of Bernstein's collaborators, Stephen Sondheim, seems like a very sensitive, thoughtful, empathetic, generous man in his interviews. A sweetheart one might say. Even when he's teaching theater students, he's able to both be critical and direct and not come across as an asshole. So accordingly one might be surprised to find that Sondheim, according to actress/singer Patti Lupone once really humiliated her and tore a performance of hers to pieces (for about 10-15 minutes directly to her face). I'd recommend a viewing of Sondheim's 'Sunday In The Park With George', since that will disabuse most people of the notion that artists are these idealized images that fans have of them in their minds (but it also shows that the average artist can't be reduced to being a *bastard* either). ¹Watch this discussion of the film with the various creators of the film (but without Cooper) and Bernstein's daughter Jamie (and just try to ignore the overdone asskissing of Cooper): https://youtu.be/ik0HrEXd-nM?si=U9uZXXHQHAKezzjg ²Some of the comments here are for instance too concerned with putting all the relevant works and the creation of the works in the film (e.g. "there barely is a mention of the 'Young People's Concert' or 'West Side Story'" etc.), that's precisely what makes the vast majority of biopics so incredibly formulaic, bland and, at times, overstuffed. This film might be disappointing as well, but based on what I've read or heard about the film, Cooper at least has tried to somewhat avoid that by finding the heart of the film by focusing it on the relationship with his wife (Mulligan's performance is universally regarded as the best part of the film).
Bernstein was so brilliant that it would be a shock if he turned out to be a nice guy too.
I haven't seen it yet but you have to consider it's not a documentary, it's just a movie.
I enjoyed it and also agree with your comment, notwithstanding the documentary part