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“Maestro”
Leonard Bernstein, played with style by Bradley Cooper, became famous on Nov. 14, 1943, when at the age of 25 he was asked to conduct the New York Philharmonic when the celebrated conductor became ill. When he got a morning call, he was in bed with another young man. This story line basically defines the film.
Shortly thereafter, he meets Costa Rican actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan) at a party, and they soon marry. Much like the weakness seen in “Napoleon,” most of the film focuses on their turbulent relationship. Discovering that her husband is bisexual, Felicia tries to concentrate on her acting career and raising their three children.
As she did in “She Said” (2022), Mulligan gives a dominant performance as she is forced to confront a husband’s involvement with other men.
Despite some great moments where you watch Cooper’s Bernstein athletically conduct in front of large crowds, the film gradually loses its magic. It fails to capture Bernstein’s tenure as music director of the New York Philharmonic in the 1960s that is still considered the orchestra’s modern heyday.
Let me also point out the emotional scenes when he rallies to his wife side as she dies of cancer. Felicia’s reaction reminded me of that old song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by The Righteous Brothers.
In closing, I must note that Cooper’s performance becomes irritating beyond words as he is seen constantly smoking. He is lighting up morning, noon and night. His love of cigarettes rivaled Helen Mirren’s role in “Golda.”
While she also smoked, it was not a surprise that Felicia died of lung cancer.
“Poor Things”
Editor’s note: This review was submitted before the 2024 Oscar nominees were announced.
“Poor Things” is a film that you must keep on your radar screen. I would be surprised if it isn’t nominated for a best picture Oscar.
In addition, I think the best actress Oscar will either go to Emma Stone or Margot Robbie for “Barbie.” Here, Stone plays Bella Baxter, a young pregnant woman brought back to life by a questionable scientist (Willem Dafoe) who looks like Frankenstein’s twin brother.
After transplanting the brain of a fetus into Bella, she wakes up as a young child in an adult’s body. The rest of director Yorgos Lanthimos’ wild film follows Bella as she runs off with a lawyer (Mark Ruffalo) on an adventure across Europe. Bella seeks to find her identity as she ages from an intellectual standpoint.
Taking place in Victorian London, Dr. Godwin Baxter (Dafoe) seeks to mold Bella as she emerges from childhood. Though a kind assistant of the doctor, played by Ramy Youssef, wants to marry her, he is no match for Ruffalo’s mad lawyer. As he whisks her away over Europe, you will see more sexual encounters than has ever that hit the big screen.
In addition, the costume design is sensational. You begin rooting for Bella to succeed. It is both inspiring and remarkable as you watch her blossom in her intellectualism.
This is a fantastic film that is even better than Lanthimos’ previous films “The Favorite” and “The Lobster.” While I am rooting for Robbie to win, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Stone add a second Oscar (“La La Land”) to her collection.•
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Robert Hammerle specializes in criminal law as of counsel with Hackman Hulett LLP. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmouthbobs.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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