Passionate Biopics
Bradley Cooper returns with another melodramatic musical for his second directorial feature – Maestro which was received with much enthusiasm at the Venice International Film Festival. As it charts the career and romantic relationship of great American conductor, Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia, viewers couldn’t help but recall similar such movies.
Particularly Elvis, Bohemian Rhapsody, Amadeus, Ray and Walk The Line. Well, where would the fun be in that if we did the same, so after looking high and low, we have found some more diverse and captivating stories that explore strained relationships and the pursuit of success.
Well if you are looking for more of such passionate biopics, you’ve come to the right place.
Well without further wait, here are 10 movies with a similar premise to watch if you like Maestro.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
Similarities – True story, strained romantic relationship, genius protagonist, career
The Theory of Everything portrays the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his relationship with his wife, Jane Wilde right from the start to the end like Maestro. It begins with Hawking’s days as a PhD student at Cambridge University, where he meets Jane.
The story follows their love blossoming despite Stephen’s diagnosis of motor neuron disease and his declining health. It highlights Stephen’s groundbreaking work in physics, his struggle with his deteriorating physical condition, and the strain it puts on their marriage.
Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)
Similarities – True story, LGBT+, strained relationship, music career
Tick, Tick… Boom! is another musical biopic, but this time focusing on the life of playwright and composer Jonathan Larson as he goes about trying to create what would become his biggest musical, ‘Rent’. It begins with Larson’s journey as an aspiring composer in New York City in the early 1990s.
The story delves into his struggles with creative block, the pressures of turning 30, and the fear of failure while trying to create something meaningful which causes a strain on his relationships with his close ones.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Similarities – True story, LGBT+, genius protagonist, career
While Maestro may have picked up a musical figure, The Imitation Game takes on the genius, Alan Turing who was a brilliant mathematician and cryptanalyst. It primarily focuses on Turing’s role in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II and his team’s efforts at Bletchley Park which changed the course of history. It also touches on Turing’s personal struggles and the societal persecution he faced due to his homosexual relationships.
The Danish Girl (2015)
Similarities – True story, LGBT+, artist, strained romantic relationship
Another Eddie Redmayne-starrer, this film takes a look at the wholesome yet strained relationship between a Dutch painter couple much like that of Felicia and Leonard in Maestro.
Inspired by the early life of transgender pioneer Lili Elbe who was then known as Einar Wegener, it focuses on her relationship with her wife, Gerda Wegener, her acceptance as a transwoman and her transition as she becomes one of the first few patients of reassignment surgery. Her self-discovery journey also highlights the challenges she faced in an ignorant society unprepared for transgender individuals.
Whiplash (2014)
Similarities – True story, strained relationship, music career
Here we have an intense drama, inspired by director and scriptwriter, Damien Chazelle’s experiences when he was part of a highly competitive high school jazz band. Well, Whiplash centres around a young jazz drummer, Andrew Neiman, and his pursuit of perfection under the tutelage of an abusive and demanding music instructor, Terence Fletcher.
The film explores Andrew’s relentless dedication to drumming, the psychological toll of Fletcher’s teaching methods, and the sacrifices he makes for his teacher’s approval.
Tár (2022)
Similarities – Conductor, music career, LGBT+, strained relationships
Starring Cate Blanchett in the titular role, Tár follows Lydia Tár at the peak of her success where she is set to release her first book, is the first female chief conductor of a reputed orchestra and is about to revive an iconic Mahler piece. Unfortunately, much like Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, her infidelity comes back to haunt her when a scorned lover decides to make her life difficult and ruin her career.
I Saw The Light (2015)
Similarities – True story, strained relationship, music career
This biographical drama depicts the life of country music legend Hank Williams who passed away when he was only 29. Like Maestro, it charts the career of Williams, his epic rise to fame, his turbulent personal life, his struggles with alcoholism and his significant contributions to country music. I Saw The Light also delves into his relationships, particularly with his first wife, Audrey Williams which can be considered a parallel to Leonard and Felicia’s turbulent marriage.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Similarities – True story, strained romantic relationship, music career
Seems that Bradley Cooper has a favourite genre. As his first directorial feature, he takes on a similar theme as he remakes the iconic musical drama A Star Is Born. It is said to be inspired by the marriage of actors Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Fay, along with Norman Maine’s tragic life.
It creates a fictional tale of a fading rockstar Jackson Maine and his relationship with budding singer, Ally as he discovers her and helps her rise to fame. But as Ally’s stardom grows, jealousy and personal demons threaten to break them apart.
La La Land (2016)
Similarities – Strained romantic relationship, music career
Like Cooper, seems like Chazelle has a fondness for musicals as well. In his next directorial stunt following Whiplash, Chazelle sets La La Land against a more glamorous backdrop – Los Angeles. The rom-com picks up the tale of struggling artists – Mia, an aspiring actress and Sebastian, a jazz musician.
They meet and fall in love while pursuing their dreams but face challenges as their careers take them in different directions. It questions the intersection of love and ambition, limits to sacrifices and the bittersweet realities of life.
Chevalier (2022)
Similarities – True story, conductor, music career, strained relationships
While similar, Maestro doesn’t delve deep into the socio-political context of Leonard Bernstein’s life as a Jewish bisexual man, unlike Chevalier, the Black Mozart. Especially since it is based on Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a biracial musician who was not only a free man in France during the peak of the slave trade but was a conductor of the Paris Opera.
A must-watch for music history buffs, Chevalier begins with his rise and fixture in Marie Antoinette’s court. However, with every eye waiting for a sign to throw him out, he stumbles when he falls for Marie-Josephine, the wife of Marquis de Montalembert.
So there we have it, our 10 movie alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching Maestro.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!