Kim Kennedy

I went to see this in an nyc theater just for the Mahler ( resurrection) a pivotal orchestralpiece in the film. It was big and masterful and satisfying and gave us Lenny’s rapture. I would have been happy with that alone. But it turns out cooper made a wonderful film. I’ve loved Bernstein since high school when I first played west side story in the pit. There’s magic in that score. I very much appreciated his work with the children’s concerts And musically, he was genius. the film took a peek behind the “great man legend”. And found all the messy complications. His marriage, his fluid sexuality, his battle against his hubris and the fight to keep the bird alive. (That music in his head) Brad became Lenny. The prosthesis worked I thought , lespecially in old age. Brilliant. There are subtleties that may go unnoticed. Lots of creative flights . I thought, technically, it was well crafted. The early scenes in old time aspect ratio and shot in high contrast black and white. The more modern, in wider screen full color. I really don’t know how people will respond to this. I come to it with a love of Bernstein and a growing admiration for Bradley cooper. His commitment was deep, attention to detail, immaculate. In the end there’s emotion in the performances, but something not quite satisfying in the love story. Perhaps this is the way you’re supposed to feel. You feel for Felicia (played brilliantly by Carey Mulligan) who gives you all the emotions in a single slow zoom. But yet you have witnessed a true love story. It won’t sit well with anyone who needs a story to fit a mold. But I loved it. PS I love New York audiences because they stay for the credits. And we’re rewarded with scenes from Bernstein himself conducting. And then, to my personal delight, the overture for candide, which I had forgotten about. I was a teenager. Struggling with that music, but once you get it, it’s pure joy

It reminded me of someone I know who blocks his own success at every turn, making bad decisions, remaining diligently broke but undeterred. I enjoyed a little walk with folk music. There is survival in it and despite its bleakness I saw some warmth, forgiveness and community. But that’s just me.