Until a few years ago, Bradley Cooper was largely known for his comedic roles in The Hangover franchise. With projects like Silver Linings Playbook and American Sniper, he came into focus as an actor with a wider dramatic range. His directorial debut – A Star is Born, marked a sudden shift in his career. In 2023, ‘Maestro’ takes it a step further to present us with a soul-stirring drama. Written by Cooper and Josh Singer, its script largely revolves around American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein’s relationship with his wife and actress, Felicia Montealegre.
After its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, Maestro is now available to watch on Netflix. Besides Cooper and Carey Mulligan in the lead roles, the film stars Maya Hawke, Matt Bomer, Vincenzo Amato, Gideon Glick, Michael Urie, and Josh Hamilton in the supporting roles. Spoilers ahead.
Maestro (2023) True Story Explained:
Is ‘Maestro’ based on a true story?
Yes. Maestro on Netflix is based on a true story. It follows events from the life of celebrated American music conductor Leonard Bernstein. The film traces certain parts of Bernstein’s life, but its main focus is Bernstein’s decades-spanning relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre. It gives us insights into several aspects of Bernstein’s life, be it his relationship with his children, his sexuality, and, of course – his iconic music career. The film features some breathtaking re-enactments of orchestras conducted by the actual maestro. Please note that the synopsis you read is for the film’s script, which may have taken some dramatic liberties along the way.
Maestro (2023) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
What happens in Bradley Cooper’s ‘Maestro’?
As mentioned before, Maestro follows Leonard Bernstein’s relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre. Told in a non-linear fashion, the film often goes back and forth across different time spans from Bernstein’s life. It takes a rather creative approach to editing. The pieces are put together in a fluid manner to offer a cinematic, poetic result. Chronologically, the film roughly begins at the time when Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) was a young composer, who had just started to gain sudden popularity. We see him working out his compositions with his friend & musician David Oppenheim (Matt Bomer)
Leonard meets Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), an up-and-coming actress, at a party and gets instantly taken by her presence, and so does she by his. They take their conversation further to the point she stays past her usual bedtime – because she finds him worthy of her time. They share the details of their past lives and dwell upon their present. He considers her persona to be a fine-tuned image with multiple facets and adjustments. Their bond only grows stronger thereafter.
What happens after Leonard and Felicia’s first encounter?
While Leonard starts getting recognized for his work in music, Felicia does, too, for her work in theatre and television. We see a dream-like representation of how the couple decides to take the next step in their relationship. They both had complicated relationships with their parents, especially their father. We see them slowly realizing that they are inseparable as a couple. After a period of joyful companionship, they decide to make their bond official. Leonard tells David about his marriage, which upsets him a bit. Alas, both the men continue their married bonds with two different women.
Leonard and Felicia’s marriage does not limit their personal careers. They continue to grow more acclaimed and adored over the period. Felicia starts noticing the adjustments required as Leonard’s wife. A few years down the line, we get an understanding of her concerns. At the time, they both had become quite established in their respective fields. While their daughter Jamie (Maya Hawke) gets a job offer, Leonard gets introduced to Tommy Cothran (Gideon Glick). Leonard leaves the guests and takes Tommy to another part of his house.
What happens between Leonard and Tommy?
After Leonard leaves the gathering with Tommy, Felicia goes up to find him. She catches him sharing a kiss with Tommy in hiding. Leonard tries to push the matter under the rug. But Felicia notes how he is getting sloppier. So, while he continues riding the ladder of success, his sexuality becomes a topic of distress in his personal life. Felicia notices Tommy’s constant presence in their lives and worries about what it means to her marriage. Leonard also provides no clear answers to Jamie and almost discredits the rumors about him.
Eventually, Felicia tries to have an honest conversation with Leonard about his closeness to Tommy. But the discussion eventually leads to the composer’s next work and how important it is for him. Finally, during the live performance of his piece, she notices him holding hands with Tommy. It becomes the last straw in their marriage. She abruptly leaves the post-performance celebration and returns to her room. But she leaves a cushion and a few other belongings outside the room – suggesting she does not want to spend that night with him.
What happens to Leonard and Felicia’s marriage?
A while after the performance, Leonard returns home to get confronted by Felicia. She makes him introspect on how much he expects of those around him. He tries to do whatever he thinks is the right way to mend their broken bond. But the argument leads to practically nothing in particular. Later on, he stays in touch with Tommy, whereas she stays busy to keep herself from worrying. Leonard’s sister, Shirley, indirectly justifies her brother’s complicated nature to Felicia. Despite the issues in the marriage, the couple stays together.
Maestro (2023) Movie Ending Explained:
What happens toward the end of Felicia’s life?
At the end of Maestro, we see Leonard with Felicia at a hospital – hearing about her cancer diagnosis. While she breaks into tears, he comforts her. After that, he spends most of his time with Felicia, even at the expense of some of his professional duties. He offers her company while she becomes unsure how to feel about herself. In that complicated time of her life, her children also join her to provide emotional support. We see them spending time together as a family. Eventually, she takes her last breath in his arms.
After the loss of his wife, Leonard goes back to teach conducting to his young peers. We see him growing fond of a student and being physically close to him. It almost feels like he is trying to relive the times of youth all over again. On the other hand, we see him speak with some people, documenting his life post his wife’s death. Through that, we sense his reverence for Felicia for how she stayed strong through thick and thin. It was her undeniable support that gave him his mental strength.
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