Bradley Cooper directed ‘Maestro’ in character after being inspired by Christian Bale

nme.com:

Bradley Cooper has revealed that he directed his new Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro in character as the late conductor, having been inspired by Christian Bale’s method in 2013’s American Hustle.Speaking to fellow director Spike Lee in an interivew for Variety, Cooper recalled being impressed by Bale’s commitment to staying in character.“American Hustle was the first time I saw an actor stay in the voice of a character,” he said. “It was Christian Bale.

I had heard stories about Daniel Day-Lewis. I couldn’t figure out how someone could do that. Then I realised I was overthinking it.“Christian just stayed in the voice, but we talked about his kids.

It wasn’t like he saw an iPhone and had a heart attack. Ever since American Hustle, that’s how I’ve done it as an actor.”Lee then asked Cooper – who also stars as Bernstein in Maestro – if he gave instructions on set while staying in character.“Yes,” replied Cooper. “I was playing Lenny throughout his life.

I would spend three to six hours in the makeup trailer every day before the crew arrived. It was hilarious, because on days when I was young Lenny, the energy of the set was faster and we got more done.