Bradley Cooper made a captivating appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he discussed his latest film, Maestro. The talented actor, screenwriter, and director spoke about the process of bringing the larger-than-life figure of Leonard Bernstein to the big screen.
Cooper revealed that he was initially hesitant about making a biopic because Bernstein was already a well-known and heavily documented figure. However, he was intrigued by the idea of creating a movie that could be scored to Bernstein’s iconic music, aiming for something transcendental. His goal was to introduce Bernstein’s life and work to an audience that may not be familiar with him.
In preparation for the role, Cooper spent five and a half years working on perfecting his portrayal of Bernstein’s mannerisms and voice. The actor shared that Bernstein had a melodic way of speaking, and he worked closely with a dialect coach to capture the iconic voice accurately. Cooper emphasized that his voice changed throughout his life, especially due to heavy smoking. In fact, there is scarcely a frame in the movie where Bernstein is not seen smoking.
Reflecting on the challenge of playing such a charismatic and influential figure, Cooper admitted that it was initially daunting. People who knew Bernstein often described him as someone who commanded attention when he walked into a room. However, Cooper’s extensive preparation and research allowed him to tackle the role with confidence. He even joked that, in his mind, he became ridiculously eloquent and intelligent while embodying Bernstein.
Colbert commended Cooper on his performance in Maestro, stating that he was completely immersed in the character and no longer saw the actor, but rather Bernstein himself. This transformation was made possible through the remarkable skills of makeup artist Kazuhiro Tsuji, whom Cooper collaborated with for over four years to perfect the character’s look.
Cooper concluded by discussing the source of his artistic ambition. He shared that he had known from a young age that he wanted to pursue acting, but it took time for him to muster the courage to dream big. Over the years, his confidence grew, and he was able to fearlessly pursue his ambitions in the world of filmmaking. Cooper also credited Bernstein’s influence, stating that he felt a deep connection to the musical genius, even though they never had the chance to meet.
In summary, Bradley Cooper‘s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert provided an insight into his dedication to transforming into Leonard Bernstein for Maestro. The conversation highlighted Cooper’s meticulous preparation and his admiration for Bernstein’s captivating presence and music. Fans can expect a remarkable performance from Cooper in this highly anticipated film.
