Bradley Cooper’s latest film “Maestro” has taken the celebrity beauty world by storm as the actor disappeared into the role of composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. In this highly anticipated film, Cooper not only shines as an actor but also showcases his talents as a writer, producer, and director, similar to his 2018 directorial debut “A Star Is Born.”
In a recent conversation with fellow actress Emma Stone, Cooper opened up about the six years he dedicated to bringing Bernstein’s life to the big screen. The hard work seems to have paid off as Stone revealed that she was moved to tears while watching a cut of “Maestro” at Cooper’s house, along with her mother. The emotional scene in question depicts Cooper conducting Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony at the magnificent Ely Cathedral, and it serves as a crucial turning point in Bernstein’s relationship with his wife.
What makes this scene even more remarkable is the fact that it was shot in a single, six-minute take, adding to the authenticity of Bernstein’s conducting. Cooper worked closely with two leading conductors, Gustavo Dudamel and Yannick Séguin, to fully prepare himself for the role. However, Cooper admitted that he initially felt overwhelmed by the task, describing it as a “nightmare.” He conducted a live orchestra and choir during the scene, with an audience of extras present to capture the true essence of Bernstein’s conducting.
The scene presented its fair share of challenges for Cooper and the crew, requiring five different camera setups. In the midst of it all, Cooper experienced moments of doubt and vulnerability. In fact, he even texted the sound mixer in the middle of the night to ensure they had captured the scene. Unfortunately, they hadn’t, leading Cooper to take an impromptu decision to reshoot the scene the next day at the cathedral, despite it not being originally scheduled.
With only one chance to get it right, Cooper and the crew set up the shot for one take, with Cooper saying a prayer to Bernstein before they began filming. Much to everyone’s relief, the take was a success, and Cooper’s conducting skills were praised by the timpanist, who bluntly described the previous day’s attempt as “total shit.” Cooper fondly recalls the experience, stating that he felt as if he was floating above the orchestra, pointing to each musician with ease.
For Cooper, this experience surpassed the thrill of singing at the Oscars and playing at Glastonbury, solidifying his dedication and commitment to his craft. “Maestro” promises to be a captivating journey into the life of Leonard Bernstein, showcasing Cooper’s remarkable talent both in front of and behind the camera. As the film nears its release, fans and critics alike eagerly await the chance to witness this incredible transformation on the big screen.
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