Leonard Bernstein - A Genius Divided (2018): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2018, Leonard Bernstein - A Genius Divided is a documentary film directed by Thomas von Steinaecker, running about 53 minutes.

What it’s about. One of the first US born conductors to receive worldwide fame, Leonard Bernstein is an exceptional composer and certainly not only due to The West Side Story. Instead of concentrating exclusively on his most famous work, Thomas von Steinaecker sets out to paint a complete picture of Bernstein. Thus, the documentary focusses on the American’s less known later works and on three compositions in particular: his Mass, the musical 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the great final opera A Quiet Place. The film paints a vivid picture of the multitalented Bernstein, struggling with his role as composer and conductor, tackling the tension between successes and flops, between the politics of his time and his own liberal humanitarian claim. It looks back on Bernstein’s major achievements, such as his acclaimed conducting of Mahler and his involvement in the Young People’s Concerts, and it shows Bernstein’s work with young aspiring musicians as well as his political commitment.

Who’s in it. Leonard Bernstein - A Genius Divided stars Leonard Bernstein as self.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on YouTube TV, Carnegie Hall+ Apple TV Channel and Carnegie Hall+ Amazon Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Leonard Bernstein - A Genius Divided page.

If you liked it. Fans of Leonard Bernstein - A Genius Divided tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.