Jeffrey Stein, M.D.

A much overhyped look at the life of Leonard Bernstein, I found the movie to be profoundly boring. The movie centers on Bernstein’s sexuality and his difficult relationship with his wife as a result. Too little time was given to what made Leonard Bernstein a national treasure, his genius, and the music he produced. Numerous scenes consisted of prolonged, and barely intelligible, contrived conversations between Felicia and Leonard. I also found the acting to be overly dramatic and exaggerated. I know that I disagree with most critics who loved this movie but I cannot honestly say that I enjoyed it. I would have walked out after the first hour if my seat hadn’t been exactly in the middle of a crowded row - I have only walked out on 2 movies in my life, this would have been the third. It was very beautifully filmed though and the makeup was amazing - Cooper really looks exactly like Bernstein and they aged him very authentically.