Peter Boston

The film captures the frenetic life of Leonard Bernstein and his joys, his loves and lusts, especially for music, being in the spotlight and leading. Doesn't delve deeply into all he did , especially with his Young People's Concerts, which taught classical music to a generation of kids who never would have understood the genre. Also captures the tug and pull of having a beautiful and exciting actress wife and three kids while refusing to deny himself the beauty he found in men and sex with them. He could have been more discreet, but he seemed incapable of hiding his affections from public view. Bradley Cooper captures every ounce of the man -- his hair, his nose, his voice, his mannerisms, his personality and his runaway enthusiasm. It's an astounding performance. He and Carey Mulligan, who plays his wife Felicia, should both win Oscars. Bernstein demanded it all and deserved it all. He was a genius as a conductor, especially his two Mahler cycles, a teacher, a performer who enriched the lives of millions. And try to imagine West Side Story or Candide without his excellent scores.

There so many coming of age stories, but this one is different -- grittier, more painful, full of surreal images and hauntings from a past episode experienced by the protagonist as a young boy. The first painful 15 minutes sets it up. Get past that because this movie is well worth watching in its entirety.

Watched one episode but impressed by its honesty regarding LDS and the pious hypocrites who buy into it. The cast is excellent. The story is likely too dark for most viewers and grueling to watch, so be forewarned.