Bradley Cooper's Maestro cinematographer discusses shooting emotional Thanksgiving scene

• Bradley Cooper worked on 'Maestro' for years before it went into pre-production.

• Cinematographer Matthew Libatique collaborated with Cooper on 'A Star is Born' and 'Maestro'.

• They focused on the makeup and physical transformation of Cooper into Leonard Bernstein.

This image released by Netflix shows Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in a scene from "Maestro." (Jason McDonald/Netflix via AP)

AP

In the world of filmmaking, collaboration is key, and the creative partnership between Bradley Cooper and cinematographer Matthew Libatique is a shining example of this. Their friendship and trust have deepened over the years as they have worked together on multiple projects, including 'A Star is Born' and the upcoming film 'Maestro.' Recently, Libatique had the opportunity to discuss his process for shooting a pivotal scene in 'Maestro' on the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast.

Even before 'Maestro' entered pre-production, Cooper and Libatique began working on the project. Cooper had a clear vision for the film and turned to Libatique, his collaborator from 'A Star is Born,' for guidance. Together, they delved into the details of transforming Cooper into the character of Leonard Bernstein. This involved working closely with Kazu Hiro, the film's prosthetics artist, to crack the code on the makeup transformation.

To explore their ideas further, Cooper and Libatique shot a 40-minute proof of concept, capturing actual scenes that helped them refine their creative choices. Through this process, they discovered which lenses and formats worked best for the film. Libatique praises Cooper's dedication to constantly pushing boundaries and striving for greatness as a director. It's a trademark that has become synonymous with Cooper's name.

In 'Maestro,' Libatique employed different aspect ratios to mark the passing of time. For the black-and-white portion, he opted for a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. As the story transitions to the 1970s, the film shifts to color, and eventually settles on a 1.85:1 ratio after the death of Felicia, a key character. These deliberate choices highlight the evolving narrative and add visual depth to the film.

Libatique acknowledges the contributions of costume designer Mark Bridges and production designer Kevin Thompson in shaping the overall aesthetic of 'Maestro.' Their color selections and set designs provided a foundation upon which Libatique could build his stunning photography. He emphasizes that the success of the color palette relies on the collaborative efforts of those involved in the film's visual elements.

The collaborative relationship between Cooper and Libatique goes beyond the professional realm. Trust and a genuine friendship have grown between them through their shared experiences on 'A Star is Born' and 'Maestro.' Time spent discussing ideas, testing concepts, and crafting their films has forged a bond that strengthens their creative partnership. They understand each other at a deeper level, offering opportunities for growth and exploration.

As they continue to collaborate, Cooper's evolution as a director becomes evident to Libatique. Ideas flow freely between them, and Cooper's texts with fresh concepts and suggestions attest to their seamless working dynamic. The cinematographer recognizes the need to adapt and embody the director's vision, evolving alongside Cooper's growth as an artist.

The Variety Awards Circuit Podcast not only delves into Libatique's process for 'Maestro' but also features insightful discussions on the current Oscar race, best actress, best actor, and the latest TV shows. Hosted by Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, and Michael Schneider, the podcast covers a range of topics within the film and television industry. With interviews, debates, and industry news, it serves as a valuable resource for avid film enthusiasts.

In the world of filmmaking, success is often a result of collaboration and trust. The partnership between Bradley Cooper and Matthew Libatique reflects these principles, with their creative synergy leading to extraordinary films. As they continue to explore new projects together, their friendship and shared vision will undoubtedly produce even more cinematic brilliance.