Carey Mulligan’s Transformational Journey in “Maestro”

Carey Mulligan, an actress renowned for her impressive range and critically acclaimed performances, found herself embarking on a transformative journey with the film “Maestro.” The project, under the guidance of Bradley Cooper, prompted Mulligan to explore new depths of her craft, portraying Felicia Montealegre, the accomplished actress and wife of iconic American conductor Leonard Bernstein. This role, streaming on Netflix, stands as a pivotal point in her career, potentially leading to another Oscar nomination and possibly her first win.

Mulligan, traditionally accustomed to shorter preparation periods, found herself with years to delve into Montealegre’s complex character. Immersing herself in extensive research, she listened to recorded interviews and worked with renowned dialect coach Tim Monich to capture Montealegre’s unique speech, born from her multicultural upbringing in Costa Rica and Chile and educated in a British school in Santiago.

Mulligan and Cooper engaged in “dream work,” experimenting with their characters’ dialects, ensuring authenticity. Monich’s approach involved imitation and adaptation, allowing Mulligan to internalize Montealegre’s voice as her own. The film’s narrative spans decades, requiring Mulligan to portray Montealegre from age 24 to 56. This transformation was achieved through meticulous hair, make-up, and costume design, with Mark Bridges leading the costume department. Mulligan’s favorite outfit, a striking blue dress worn during a scene featuring Bernstein’s “Mass,” was particularly memorable for its dramatic effect.

Experiencing herself age through make-up and prosthetics was both intriguing and surreal for Mulligan. It even led to a humorous misunderstanding with a doctor on set, who doubted her pregnancy due to the convincing aging make-up. Mulligan’s portrayal delves into Montealegre’s acting career, reflecting on the often patronizing and mediocre reviews she received, a parallel to Mulligan’s own fears of fully committing to avoid failure.

“Maestro” offered Mulligan a platform to confront and transcend her inhibitions, drawing parallels between her journey and Montealegre’s struggles. Her exploration of Montealegre’s reluctance to fully immerse herself in the dramatic intensity of the Actors Studio resonated with Mulligan’s own journey. This role in “Maestro” marks a significant milestone for Mulligan, as she embraces vulnerability and artistic bravery, setting a new benchmark in her illustrious career.

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