Clubhouse Conversations — Maestro

In this episode, cinematographer Matthew Libatique, ASC, LPS is joined by interviewer Nicole Hirsch Whitaker, ASC to discuss his work on Maestro — the biographical romantic drama from director Bradley Cooper based on the relationship between composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre.

Maestro tells the story of renowned composer Leonard Bernstein (played by Cooper) and actor Felicia Montealgre (Carey Mulligan), whose romance begins in 1943, right as Bernstein ascends to fame, and carries through the many defining eras of his artistic career. The film marks the second collaboration between Libatique and Cooper, following their acclaimed 2018 feature, A Star Is Born.

In this interview, Libatique discusses his extensive testing of formats and aspect ratios during preproduction; his approach to lighting the production; his use of filtration when working with black-and-white film stock; his experiences working with Cooper, and more.

Matthew Libatique, ASC, LPS is a cinematographer whose feature credits include Requiem for a Dream (2000), Iron Man (2008), Black Swan (2010), A Star is Born (2018) and The Whale (2022).

Nicole Hirsch Whitaker, ASC is a cinematographer, whose credits include the series Bad Sisters, One Piece, Lioness, Jupiters Legacy, Shining Vale, Truth Be Told, Patriot and Perpetual Grace Ltd.
She also just completed principal photography on Dust Bunny starring Mads Mikkelson and Sigourney Weaver.

You’ll find all episodes in our ASC Clubhouse Conversations discussion series here.