There is no doubt that Leonard Bernstein is one of the most revered conductors and composers in the history of classical music. Although many know him for his vital contribution to the musical score of West Side Story (and his mentoring of a Lydia Tár), Bernstein's career was filled with achievements. But like most artists thrust into the cruel, harsh spotlight of fame, Bernstein struggled with his fair share of demons that negatively affected his relationships, including with his wife Felicia Montealegre Cohn.
Their complicated marriage acts as the central focus of actor, writer and director Bradley Cooper's long-gestating project. Teacher, which is currently opening in select theaters and streaming on Netflix on December 20. The biographical drama traces the tumultuous relationship of Bernstein (Cooper) and Montealegre (Carey Mulligan) from their first meeting in the mid-'40s to Montealegre's untimely death in the late '70s, highlighting the couple's devotion and mutual resentment. in the midst of Bernstein's extramarital affairs. with the men.
Despite some initial controversy over Cooper's use of a nasal prosthesis to play Bernstein, Teacher It has earned mostly positive reviews and several accolades, including four Golden Globe nominations. But what could Cooper do right while dramatizing Bernstein's life? We delve into the famous director's storied career to see how much of Teacher rang true.
Did Leonard Bernstein's big break happen because Bruno Walter was sick?
Master (Netflix)
Yeah. In one of the first scenes of Teacher, 25-year-old Leonard Bernstein receives a phone call asking him to conduct a New York Philharmonic concert at Carnegie Hall, replacing the ailing composer Bruno Walter. At the time, Bernstein was assistant conductor of the Philharmonic and this moment would mark his first opportunity to conduct an orchestra on his own. This last minute replacement situation was indeed Bernstein's breakthrough debut and enthusiastic, acclaimed performance immediately launched him into the spotlight as a promising young talent.
Did Bernstein meet Montealegre at a house party?
Master (Netflix)
Yeah. Shortly after Bernstein became a rising star, met The then-aspiring actress Montealegre at a house party hosted by Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau. Although it is unknown whether the two rehearsed a script together after that party (as shown in the film) or bonded over a number guessing game (as shown in the trailer), Bernstein and Montealegre fell in love after that fateful night and they met. engaged.
That Teacher No show It's just that their first engagement ended as quickly as it began, and the couple wasn't quite ready to get married. Montealegre had a brief romantic relationship with actor Richard Hart until he died in 1951, which led to her reconnecting with Bernstein and resuming her engagement later that year.
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