Maestro: Not Bradley Cooper, THIS director was initially supposed to helm Leonard Bernstein biopic

The children of the legendary musician Leonard Bernstein – Jamie, Alexander, and Nina – recently opened up about their feelings after watching the biopic Meastro at the 80th Venice Film Festival. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, they shared that the film was an emotional rollercoaster ride for them. Meanwhile, it was also disclosed who was suppoed to drect the biopic initially.

Who was supposed to direct Maestro?

Originally intended to be directed by Martin Scorsese, the film's production faced delays, leading to subsequent offers to Steven Spielberg, who was preoccupied with West Side Story. Ultimately, Bradley Cooper took the helm of Maestro, crafting the portrayal of Leonard Bernstein's multifaceted life.

Jamie, Alexander, and Nina share their emotions after watching Maestro

Alexander Bernstein described the screening as a whirlwind of emotions, filled with tears, joy, and overwhelming feelings. He recounted the poignant experience, mentioning how they were transported back to their childhood while watching their parents' story unfold on the big screen. He noted that the transition from the film's touching narrative to the seven minutes of applause left them grappling with the depth of their emotions. “We became children again. And of course, we had to fill those seven minutes of applause with something.”, he said.

Nina Bernstein shared the family's exceptional experience working with director Bradley Cooper, expressing admiration for his approach that endeared him to everyone involved. Cooper's inclusive nature, from involving the Bernstein siblings in the film's creation to ensuring their comfort throughout the process, earned him the family's heartfelt appreciation and affection.

For Jamie Bernstein, witnessing the portrayal of their mother's decline and passing, notably Felicia Montealegre, proved to be the most emotionally distressing aspect of "Maestro." Despite prior knowledge of the scene, the raw vulnerability depicted on screen deeply affected the siblings, with Jamie acknowledging that experiencing it all at once during a preview would have been too overwhelming.

About Leonard Bernstein's life

Maestro traces the life journey of the famed composer Leonard Bernstein. The film delves into his early days, rise to fame, struggles with identity and success, and his profound relationship with wife Felicia Montealegre. The poignant story is narrated by an elderly man, capturing the essence of Bernstein's multifaceted life.

The 80th Venice Film Festival screening of Maestro became a deeply moving and cathartic experience for Leonard Bernstein's children – Jamie, Alexander, and Nina. Witnessing their mother's poignant moments and reliving the family's past on the silver screen invoked tears and profound reflections, transporting them back to a time of grief.