Directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born (2018)) and starring Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born (2018); Guardians of the Galaxy (2014); Nightmare Alley (2021); Silver Linings Playbook (2012); American Hustle (2013)) and Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman (2020); She Said (2022); The Dig (2021); Sufragette (2015)).

Drama; 129 mins; 12+

While not a biopic of his life, this is an excellent glimpse into the private life of one of America's greatest-ever composers / directors, Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper). While having made a significant impact on the music scene, he meets (in 1946), falls in love with and marries Broadway actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), and together they have three children in a 25-year marriage.

However, what he has hidden from the world is his sexuality. There are rumours, of course, and his children start to hear them as they get older, but his wife acknowledges this is who he is and they have an understanding.

The storyline does not dwell on this side of his life, rather on how it fits into him as a person, and within his relationship with his wife. It certainly touches on it on multiple occasions, but this story is told delicately, from the perspective of the family and his wife.

Felicia also understands that, in order for him to be creative, his bouts of depression must be understood and embraced, not challenged and fought. She comes across as very understanding and loving, but even she has her limits - when she sees Leonard holding hands with another man while at a party or at the opera, tensions rise. But they stay together and she recognises that her loves her.

The storyline only touches briefly on his professional, artistic accomplishments, including being musical director of the New York Philharmonic orchestra, his part in the Broadway success of West Side Story, writing the score for the film On the Waterfront; however, it did not touch on his significant humanitarian actions which went unexplored. It addresses his Jewish upbringing and attempts to change his name (to be more appealing professionally). The storyline featured scenes in their apartment in New York City and their house in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Produced by Steven Spielberg (who suggested that Bradley Cooper direct it after he saw A Star is Born) and Martin Scorsese, the film has indeed a large cast of characters, but the story surrounds the relationship between husband and wife over a 30-year period. While the acting of both lead characters is exceptional and is sure to have them considered for Oscar nominations and other awards, the make-up and wardrobe ensure that the two characters have aged on screen to such an extent that one wonders if it really is the same two actors all the way through.

Outstanding acting - including the accents which were consistent throughout - and directing (this is Bradley Cooper's only second film as director - it will be fascinating what he does next), with many long takes which make it a very comfortable experience for the audience. For European viewers, the dialogue is often rapid-fire, with subtitles certainly aiding non-native English speakers. The storyline is chronological, with only a couple of throwbacks to his early life to present some context. As a film on Leonard Bernstein the man, this is an excellent portrayal and one that should not be missed.

Currently screening in Luxembourg at Ciné Utopia and CiNextDoor.