My memories of Leonard Bernstein had mostly to do with a disparaging description by author Tom Wolfe in his scathing social commentary “Radical Chic.” After watching “Maestro,” about the life and times of the famous conductor and composer, and directed by Bradley Cooper, I suspect there’s quite a bit of truth to Wolfe’s description of Bernstein as an insufferable windbag. Except for two brief scenes, the movie bored me senseless.
Bradley Cooper Swings for the Oscar Fences in ‘Maestro’
Bradley Cooper gives a virtuoso performance in this biopic of virtuoso conductor Leonard Bernstein. Unfortunately, he focuses on sex instead of substance.
Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), in "Maestro." Amblin Entertainment/Netflix
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the senior film critic for The Epoch Times and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. Mark earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is featured in the book "How to Be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to films, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, rock-climbing, qigong, martial arts, and human rights activism.
