Tim White
Nov 22, 2023 - 08:05

Inside TIME 1957 Cover Story Leonard Bernstein

Bradley Cooper stars as Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, a film that focuses on the composer's tumultuous personal and professional relationships.

Bradley Cooper takes on the role of Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming film, Maestro, set to hit select theaters on November 22nd and Netflix on December 20th. Directed and co-written by Cooper and Josh Singer, the film delves into the life of Bernstein, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. It focuses on his tumultuous marriage to Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan, as well as his extramarital affairs with men.

The movie opens with a dramatic sequence depicting Bernstein's breakthrough moment on November 14, 1943, when he conducted the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall. This pivotal event, where he stepped in for an ailing conductor without a rehearsal, marked the beginning of his rise to fame. From there, Bernstein became renowned for his iconic works such as West Side Story and the score for On the Waterfront.

TIME magazine featured Bernstein in a cover story on February 4, 1957, celebrating him as the first U.S.-born conductor to gain international recognition. The article highlighted his boundless energy, extroverted nature, and the strain his busy career placed on his personal relationships. While it did not heavily focus on his marriage to Montealegre, it hinted at the tensions between the couple.

Bernstein's fluid sexuality was also addressed in the TIME obituary from 1990, acknowledging his private life as a homosexual despite his marriage to Montealegre until her passing in 1978. The article painted a vivid picture of Bernstein's charm, likening him to the "Mickey Mantle of Music" and describing his magnetic appeal.

In Maestro, there is a scene where Bernstein is shown multitasking on the toilet, engaging in conversations and work simultaneously. This portrayal is grounded in reality, as TIME reported that Bernstein was known for composing music in men's rooms, taxis, airplanes, and train stations.

Overall, the film and historical accounts provide a multifaceted look at the life and career of Leonard Bernstein, shedding light on his professional achievements, personal struggles, and complex relationships. Bradley Cooper's portrayal of the iconic composer promises to bring Bernstein's story to life in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.