Alan Appelbaum

Pass. So glad to have seen on Netflix as I slept through about half of it. The makeup artist deserves an Oscar, as they did and incredible job in transforming Bradley Cooper to look like Leonard Bernstein, and the sets and Cooper’s outfits were handsome. But the story really never gets to the essence of Bernstein, his creative spark and the details of his relationships. Also, I assume Bernstein must have had a very nasal speaking voice— at least Cooper does making a lot of the dialogue difficult to discern. The cigarettes could have received co-star billing, as the lead characters are constantly, incessantly smoking. Very disappointing although you could see Cooper put his heart and soul into the movie. The film just doesn’t work and failed to engage me.

This was a rather mediocre film. The story somewhat mimics Steppford Wives, but in a far more hip setting, Palm Springs So if you’re into mid-century, you’ll love the homes, cars, and costumes. On the more negative side, It’s a bit drawn out. I also feel the big screen does not love Harry Styles in the same manner as watching him in concert. Chris Pine has far more aura in the film as does Florence Pugh as Styles’ wife— although to some degree it’s in keeping with the characters they’re playing.