The “Maestro” reactions keep coming. Mixed is a generous word that I’d use in describing them.
Based on what I’ve gathered, Bradley Cooper’s direction is phenomenal, he stages shots that showcase an immensely talented filmmaker at work here.
The acting is top-notch, especially from Cooper himself as conductor Leonard Bernstein. Carey Mulligan is also being highlighted as Bernstein’s wife. The problem seems to reside in the screenplay. Almost everyone is saying that it’s a very messy structure.
Reaction #1
I don’t think reviews will be bad, but people will probably be disappointed. The screenplay is a mess. The editing is choppy in how it cuts through the years too unevenly. One scene, out of nowhere, we suddenly see that they have three new children. Excellent visuals. There’s a black and white opening and the second half turns into color. Very rich and lavish visuals. No handheld camera, all tight closeups and wide frames through doors. Cooper and Mulligan will be raved, but the audience seemed bored for the first half. When it becomes more of a domestic relationship drama and Bernstein sacrifices his ego to support his wife as she’s dying, that’s when the theater was more engaged.
Reaction #2
It’s very talky and exposition-heavy in the first 45 minutes. No pace or flow and instead a tapestry of very dialogue-driven scenes that reveal no real perspective. It’s elevated by Cooper’s visual style and the two performances. There’s a concert scene that’s just one take. Cooper should win the Oscar. Astoundingly vivacious work. Unrecognizable and committed, but the movie is a frustrating mess that’s narratively directionless and doesn’t land. Jarring lapses in editing. Best when it frames itself on the relationship. He’s insecure and she’s jealous.
Reaction #3
Frustrating movie. Staggering work from Cooper. Mulligan could win the Oscar, but the movie itself felt very undecided on what exactly it wanted to do and be. Cooper stages some remarkable set pieces that are truly on Todd Field or PTA level. The first big fight between Bernstein and his wife is a wide shot that doesn’t cut for 10 minutes. Lots of amazing tracking and bold blocking.
“Maestro” will be distributed via Netflix, but all we have is a TBA 2023 release date. TIFF is a given for it to screen. We’ll see if Venice and Telluride like it enough to show it.
Production on this one wrapped last fall. It test-screened in February and then a few weeks later Maestro scheduled reshoots and touch-ups in New York City. These reactions come from a new cut that was test-screened last week.
Paul Greengrass’ "The Uprising," starring Andrew Garfield, opened to $3.2M from 2,068 theaters this weekend. Yikes. The budget hasn’t been disclosed, but is said to be in the $20-$30M range.