It's unfortunate when someone of Leonard Bernstein’s stature is given a film that doesn’t quite live up to their legacy. Bradley Cooper’s attempt at a biopic feels more like an exercise in self-promotion than a genuine celebration of its subject. The script struggles to find its footing, seemingly unsure whether it should be a catalog of Bernstein's achievements or a romance between him and his wife, Felicia, portrayed by Carey Mulligan. This constant shift in emphasis leaves the viewer uncertain about what Cooper is trying to convey. Cooper’s performance also becomes distracting; he leans into theatricality that feels forced and comes across as someone acutely aware of potential awards attention. The film's abrupt change from black-and-white to color adds another layer of confusion, prompting questions about Cooper’s artistic choices while simultaneously highlighting the lack of depth in the character’s portrayal. While “Maestro” boasts impressive production design and beautiful cinematography, particularly during the monochrome scenes, and Mulligan delivers a truly remarkable performance—the only compelling reason to see it—the film ultimately falls short as an awards contender. It's hard not to think that Steven Spielberg, who was initially attached to direct, might have handled the material more effectively. Cooper is undoubtedly a capable actor, but his talents are best utilized in front of the camera rather than behind it or as a writer.

Source on TMDB