Bradley Cooper’s Unique Approach to Directing
Bradley Cooper has always been committed to his craft, and his work behind the camera is no exception. While directing his latest film, Maestro, the actor-director introduced a unique rule on set: a strict “no chairs” policy. According to Cooper, this policy is designed to help maintain the right energy and focus during the intense 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, staying present and ensuring that the energy remains high on set is essential, particularly when working long, grueling days that stretch between 12 to 16 hours. His commitment to keeping the momentum going reflects his deep belief in maintaining the right atmosphere for creativity to flourish.
A Commitment to Staying in the Moment
Cooper’s approach to filmmaking extends beyond just the physical energy on set. His 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 revealed. Instead, his focus is entirely on the actors and the scene itself, rather than getting distracted by technical details. Cooper believes that a director’s role is not about striving for perfection but rather guiding the energy and tone of the scene as it unfolds in real time.
Though his methods might seem intense to some, Cooper finds that this immersive approach works for him. “I’m sure people won’t like it,” he admitted, but he emphasized that the process of directing Maestro was transformative for him as a filmmaker, pushing him to grow and challenge himself in new ways.
Breaking Tradition: No Video Village
Cooper’s unorthodox approach didn’t stop at the “no chairs” policy. He also chose to do away with the traditional “video village,” the setup that usually includes multiple monitors where the director watches footage as it is being filmed. Instead, Cooper opted to stay engaged with the live action, keeping himself fully immersed in the moment alongside the actors and crew. This decision allowed him to be present with the team, fostering a creative environment where everyone was actively engaged in the process.
Interestingly, Cooper’s no-chair and no-video-village policies are not entirely unique to him. Director Christopher Nolan is also known for having a no-chair rule on his sets, as he believes that the absence of chairs helps maintain focus and energy. Anne Hathaway, who worked with Nolan on The Dark Knight Rises, shared her perspective: “If you have chairs, people will sit, and if they’re sitting, they’re not working.”
Directing and Starring in Maestro
In Maestro, Cooper not only directs but also stars in the lead role, portraying the iconic composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. His co-star, Carey Mulligan, plays Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre. Cooper spoke highly of Mulligan’s dedication and talent, particularly praising her ability to tackle demanding scenes in the film. He highlighted one scene, in which Mulligan’s character, dying of cancer, hosts guests in a single uninterrupted four-minute shot, noting that their work together was like “making music” in terms of rhythm and coordination.
Cooper’s Journey Behind the Camera
Maestro marks Cooper’s second major film as a director, following the success of A Star Is Born in 2018. His decision to direct and star in both films speaks to his desire to challenge himself creatively and push his artistic boundaries. While he acknowledges that not every viewer may appreciate his choices, Cooper remains steadfast in his vision, prioritizing his authenticity and dedication to his craft.
Through his bold choices and unique approach to filmmaking, Bradley Cooper continues to prove that he is more than just a talented actor—he is an artist committed to pushing boundaries and creating films that resonate deeply with audiences. Whether or not Maestro becomes a commercial success, Cooper’s unwavering dedication to his work speaks volumes about his passion for the craft of filmmaking.
