Out of all the Best Picture nominees this year, Bradley Cooper’s Maestro has probably generated the most “discourse,” amongst film critics and Internet users alike. The film in general has been polarizing, but narratives like “it’s just Oscar bait” or “Bradley Cooper is so desperate to win an Oscar” have also formed. The Academy nominated the film for seven Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Original Screenplay, Makeup and Hairstyling, Cinematography, and Sound, but it has won very little since nomination day. Is this film getting a fair shake? Would it have performed in any other year?

Maestro tells the multi-decade story of the marriage between actress Felicia Montealegre, played by Carrie Mulligan, and composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein, played by Bradley Cooper. The big, sweeping, romantic biopic is now streaming on Netflix.  

In this episode of The Long Take Review, Greg, and I discuss our theories as to why this film has received so much criticism and share what worked and didn’t work for us personally. Then, we try to figure out why everyone is being so tough on the mega-talented Bradley Cooper.

You can listen to The Long Take Review on Substack, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Image Credit: The New York Times

Movie News Update It was a big awards season weekend! We recap the SAG, PGA, and Indie Spirit Awards 2:56

The Short Take We each share our general impressions of Maestro. 30:30

The Recommendation Algorithm Who should watch this? And do you need to already know and love Leonard Bernstein to appreciate it? 35:29

SPOILER MODE What is the thesis of the film? What is it trying to say about Leonard Bernstein? 41:47

The Rhetorical Situation Critical discourse surrounding the film, Netflix, and Bradley Cooper. 1:16:20

Oscars Watch Is this film going home empty-handed on Oscar Sunday? 1:40:06

Image Credit: The New Yorker

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