Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga attend 'A Star Is Born' photocall during the 75th Venice Film Festival at Sala Casino on August 31, 2018 in Venice, Italy. - Image (Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com)
Bradley Cooper, known for his dedication to his roles, has taken his commitment to a new level for his upcoming film, ‘Maestro’. In a recent Los Angeles screening, Cooper revealed that he spent six years learning to conduct over six minutes of music. This effort was to ensure authenticity in a crucial live-recorded scene in Netflix’s ‘Maestro’, where he portrays the renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Key Takeaways:
- Bradley Cooper spent six years learning to conduct for a six-minute scene in ‘Maestro’.
- The scene recreates Leonard Bernstein’s 1976 performance with the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Cooper received guidance from experts like Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
- Carey Mulligan, playing Bernstein’s wife, commends Cooper’s directing style.
- ‘Maestro’ releases in theaters on November 22 and on Netflix on December 20.
The Scene That Required Mastery
The scene in question is a recreation of Bernstein’s famous conducting of the London Symphony Orchestra at Ely Cathedral in 1976. Cooper’s aim was to capture Bernstein’s musical genius and his own performance in its entirety. He expressed his initial terror at conducting the London Symphony Orchestra live but emphasized the importance of thorough preparation.
Guidance from Experts
Cooper thanked several “wonderful teachers,” including Metropolitan Opera director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, for helping him fine-tune his performance. These experts provided him with videos and materials to study Bernstein’s style and tempo changes closely.
Co-Stars’ Perspectives
Carey Mulligan, who plays Bernstein’s wife Felicia Montealegre in the film, praised Cooper’s directing style. She mentioned how Cooper’s approach made her feel like a “proper actor” and encouraged her to fully commit to her role.
Release and Anticipation
‘Maestro’ is set to open in select theaters on November 22 and will be available for global streaming on Netflix starting December 20. The film is already generating buzz, not just for Cooper’s physical transformation into Bernstein but also for his deep dedication to the role.
