Bradley Cooper’s Unique Approach to Directing
Bradley Cooper has always been known for his intense dedication to his craft, and that extends to his work behind the camera. While directing his latest film, Maestro, the actor-director revealed one of his unique rules on set: a strict “no chairs” policy. This, according to Cooper, helps maintain the right energy and focus during the grueling hours of filmmaking.
In an interview with Spike Lee, published on December 14, 2023, Cooper explained, “I’ve always hated chairs on sets; your energy dips the minute you sit down in a chair.” For Cooper, it’s about staying present and ensuring that the energy on set is always high, which is especially important when working long, 12- to 16-hour days.
A Commitment to Staying in the Moment
Cooper’s dedication to staying in the moment is also reflected in his decision not to watch playback during filming. “When I direct, I don’t watch playback,” he explained. The goal, he added, is to focus entirely on the actors and the scene rather than getting distracted by the technical aspects. This approach aligns with his belief that the director’s role is to guide the energy of the scene, not to get caught up in perfectionism.
His commitment to maintaining momentum on set might sound intense, but it’s a method that works for Cooper. He acknowledges that the process of directing Maestro changed him as a filmmaker and wasn’t without its challenges. “I’m sure people won’t like it,” he admitted. “But I grew up on this movie. It changed me as an artist.”
Breaking Tradition: No Video Village
Another unorthodox decision Cooper made during Maestro was to do away with the traditional “video village,” a setup that includes multiple monitors where the director watches the footage as it is being filmed. Cooper rejected this practice in favor of staying immersed in the live action. He wants to be fully in the moment with the actors and crew, ensuring that everyone is engaged in the creative process.
This is not a practice unique to Cooper. Director Christopher Nolan is also known for having a no-chair policy on set, which he believes helps maintain focus and energy. Anne Hathaway, who worked with Nolan on The Dark Knight Rises, explained, “If you have chairs, people will sit, and if they’re sitting, they’re not working.”
Directing and Starring in Maestro
In addition to directing, Cooper also stars in Maestro, playing the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. His co-star, Carey Mulligan, plays Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein’s wife. Cooper praised Mulligan for her remarkable talent, noting her dedication to the role.
“There are very demanding scenes in this movie,” Cooper said. He described one particular scene where Mulligan’s character, dying of cancer, hosts guests in an uninterrupted four-minute shot. Cooper trusted Mulligan’s skill and ability to understand rhythm, allowing them to “make music together” as their characters.
Cooper’s Journey Behind the Camera
Maestro marks Cooper’s second major film as a director, following the massive success of A Star Is Born in 2018. His decision to direct and star in both films reflects his desire to challenge himself as an artist. Though Cooper knows that not everyone may appreciate his work, he remains steadfast in his artistic vision and his commitment to creating something that is true to himself.
With his bold choices on set and his unique approach to directing, Bradley Cooper continues to prove that he is more than just a talented actor—he’s an artist committed to pushing boundaries and creating films that resonate deeply with audiences. Whether or not Maestro becomes a hit, Cooper’s dedication to his craft is undeniable.