Pros: Fabulous performances from Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper ground this film which covers the vast majority of Leonard Bernstein's celebrated career though he often expressed longing to compose more scores. His wife, Felicia (Mulligan) also had her own career as she was a stage and television actress in attention to juggling their three children and Leonard's (Cooper's) various affairs, usually with men, often a sticking point in their marriage, though she knew about that going in. Still, Leonard adored his wife and mourned her death until his own more than a decade later. The story is also told in an unconventional way, going from scene to scene almost like a stage play at times. The film is solid from top to bottom and the score is especially good considering Bernstein's one of the best composers of the twenty-first century.
Cons: Unsure as I was sick when I watched this, so I'm not sure if there really is a solid con, though the ending was rather abrupt.
Recommend: Yes
Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-The solid supporting cast includes Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, Michael Urie (as Jerry Robbins) and Miriam Shor.
-Out of all the children, only Jamie, the eldest, has a solid role, the other two are background dressing.
-Though both are chain smokers, Felicia actually dies of breast cancer, in a very realistic portrayal of the wretched disease.
-In addition, Leonard does other sorts of drugs.
-Still, his talent shines through all of his risky behaviors.
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