Leonard Bernstein: A Genius Divided

Don't miss this fascinating documentary that pays tribute to one of history's greatest conductors and musicians! Released in 2018 in honor of his 100th birthday, Leonard Bernstein: A Genius Divided provides a multi-faceted exploration of the maestro's storied career, including interviews with his children and close friends to shine a light on some of the most complex aspects of his personality.

Leonard Bernstein was an artist of many talents, torn between his passions for conducting and composing, confronted by the tension between success and failure, and navigating the fraught politics of his era as an avowed humanitarian. Beyond the iconic West Side Story and a celebrated 11-year tenure at the head of the New York Philharmonic, Thomas von Steinaecker's film spotlights some lesser known but essential moments of Bernstein's career: musical theatre works Mass and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, plus his final opera A Quiet Place. With a selection of captivating images, lucid narration, and—of course—remarkable music, Steinaecker paints a vivid and sincere portrait of a monumental figure.