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Bradley Cooper demonstrates a high level of commitment to his role as Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, utilizing extensive prosthetic makeup to authentically depict the renowned composer. Carey Mulligan undergoes a remarkable physical metamorphosis as Felicia Montealegre, skillfully aging with the assistance of Hiro’s makeup artistry throughout the film. The dedication to authenticity extends to the supporting cast, including Matt Bomer, Gideon Glick, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, and Josh Hamilton, all undergoing physical transformations to accurately portray their real-life counterparts in Maestro. The film, written and directed by Bradley Cooper, is available for streaming on Netflix and delves into the challenging period in Bernstein’s marriage to the Costa Rican actress Felicia Montealegre. With its meticulous craftsmanship and transformative performances, Maestro is poised for numerous award nominations, already earning an impressive 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Beyond his directorial role, Bradley Cooper also immerses himself in the character of Bernstein, showcasing a profound physical transformation. The supporting cast follows suit, demonstrating their dedication to accurately embodying the historical figures they portray onscreen. Let’s explore how the makeup and costumes contribute to the actors’ successful recreation of their famous counterparts in Maestro.
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Bradley Cooper Plays Leonard Bernstein
Bradley Cooper fully immerses himself in the portrayal of Leonard Bernstein in the film “Maestro.” Bernstein, an influential American composer and conductor, is depicted by Cooper in a focused exploration of the period between the 1940s and 1980s, rather than a comprehensive life story.
Cooper, known for his transformative roles in films like “A Star is Born” and “American Sniper,” took on the challenge of accurately portraying Bernstein. This involved extensive prosthetic makeup, a decision that received some criticism from the Jewish community. However, Bernstein’s family supported Cooper’s choice, granting their approval for the biopic. The makeup work was carried out by renowned artist Kazu Hiro, and Cooper explained that they aimed to strike a balance between capturing Bernstein’s essence and his own, creating a unique blend.
Carey Mulligan Plays Felicia Montealegre
Carey Mulligan takes on the role of Felicia Montealegre in “Maestro,” portraying an aspiring actor from Costa Rica who meets Leonard at a 1950s party. The film follows their marriage, marked by Leonard’s busy schedule and repressed homosexual feelings, leading to domestic turmoil. Mulligan, renowned for her work in films like “An Education,” “Drive,” “Shame,” and “Never Let Me Go,” underwent significant physical transformations for her role in “Maestro,” aging from 25 to 56 with the help of Hiro’s impressive makeup work. Mulligan shared in a Jimmy Kimmel interview that the makeup was so convincing that a doctor on set mistook her for the 56-year-old character when she revealed she was 12 weeks pregnant at the age of 38.
Matt Bomer Plays David Oppenheim
In the film, Matt Bomer takes on the role of David Oppenheim, a real-life clarinetist who crossed paths with Leonard Bernstein in the 1940s before Bernstein’s conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic. The two engaged in a passionate romance, but Bernstein’s meeting with Felicia and the start of a family led to the end of his relationship with Oppenheim.
Known for his roles in White Collar, Fellow Travelers, Magic Mike, The Normal Heart, and more, Bomer, a skilled actor, portrays Oppenheim in Bradley Cooper’s latest movie. To capture the essence of their mid-20s affair, Hiro’s makeup was applied to make Bomer appear slightly younger than his actual age of 46, allowing him to embody the energetic youthfulness of the character.
Gideon Glick Plays Tommy Cothran
Gideon Glick portrays the character Tommy Cothran in the film, where Tom served as a music director at a San Francisco radio station in 1971. He formed a close friendship and later a romantic relationship with Bernstein. This romance became a point of contention when Felicia, Bernstein’s wife, confronted him during a tense Thanksgiving argument. Despite the fallout from the marriage, Bernstein and Cothran maintained their close bond. Glick, a 35-year-old actor known for roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “American Horror Story,” and “The Two Princes,” brings Cothran to life in “Maestro” with a depiction featuring 70s-style clothing and a long hairstyle reflecting the era. Glick’s youthful and attractive appearance required minimal prosthetic makeup compared to the transformations of Cooper and Mulligan, as he is close in age to the character he portrays in the storyline.
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Maya Hawke Plays Jamie Bernstein
In the film “Maestro,” Maya Hawke takes on the role of Jamie Bernstein, the eldest daughter of Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre, and the older sister of Alexander and Jamie Bernstein. The Bernstein family faces challenges when Felicia discovers Leonard’s ongoing infidelity. As rumors circulate about Leonard’s extramarital affairs, Jamie begins to harbor suspicions and loses trust in her father, leading to the dissolution of the family.
Maya Hawke, the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, has gained recognition for her acting and singing abilities in recent years. Known for her roles in prominent projects like Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” Fear Street, Little Women, and Do Revenge, Hawke showcases a natural onscreen presence inherited from her parents. In “Maestro,” her portrayal of Jamie Bernstein involves a transformation with a 70s fashion aesthetic, featuring paisley and floral shirts and dresses, long flowing hair, and bell-bottom blue jeans.
Sarah Silverman Plays Shirley Bernstein
In the movie “Maestro,” Sarah Silverman takes on the role of Shirley Bernstein, Leonard’s younger sister, born in 1923 and later becoming a Hollywood producer in the ’50s and ’60s. Shirley, portrayed by Silverman, encounters Felicia early in her relationship with Leonard and cautions her about the challenges of being in Leonard’s life. This warning becomes crucial as the plot unfolds, revealing Leonard’s marital infidelity.
Sarah Silverman, a renowned actor, writer, and stand-up comedian known for her bold humor, has delivered standout performances in various projects such as “School of Rock,” “Wreck-it Ralph,” “Battle of the Sexes,” and “I Love You, America.” In “Maestro,” Silverman’s transformation into Shirley Bernstein doesn’t involve drastic changes in her physical appearance like Cooper and Mulligan. Instead, it relies on period-specific costumes designed by Mark Bridges and a hairstyle reflective of the 1940s-50s era.
Josh Hamilton Plays John Gruen
Josh Hamilton portrays John Gruen in the film, depicting the real-life American photographer, art critic, historian, and author known for capturing iconic photos of musicians like Leonard Bernstein. Throughout the movie, Gruen develops a friendship with Leonard, providing him with insightful and uplifting advice during moments of fatigue and self-doubt. Set in the 1970s, the character’s style is influenced by the era, with Hamilton relying on his acting skills rather than heavy makeup. His ’70s ensemble includes a fashionable paisley button shirt, a brown houndstooth coat, a turtle neck, brown trousers, and, of course, stylish sideburns. Hamilton, known for his excellent performances in Noah Baumbach films from the ’90s, as well as roles in productions like “Eighth Grade,” “The Walking Dead,” “13 Reasons Why,” and “Ray Donovan,” showcases his versatility in bringing Gruen to life on screen.
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