Bradley Cooper & Spike Lee l Directors on Directors

In their 'Directors on Directors' conversation, Bradley Cooper and Spike Lee discuss the importance of music as a filmmaker's tool and what it was like bringing Leonard Bernstein to life in the Netflix film 'Maestro,' while simultaneously directing it.
Variety Directors on Directed presented by AIR from Amazon Studios.
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[@TheReelRapNerd]

"It's the bomb man." 10:53 The way Bradley pauses, I can tell THAT meant so much to him. I can feel the overwhelming sensation he got from Spike. Love when artists big each other up like that.

[@badado]

Amen bro..well said!!

[@nathanlatham5651]

Could you give a timestamp?

[@TheReelRapNerd]

​@@nathanlatham565110:53 *I added it to the comment*

[@stevebradley1683]

I swear I’m cutting onions over here.

[@d__on]

Been thinking about that part nonstop since I watched this yesterday! Love it. Also it’s so funny how different they are. Bradley’s one of those people who’s really open and feels a lot, and Spike’s more old school. Lol he appreciates the compliments but he doesn’t want to linger on them. Spike’s one of the greatest ever, and Bradley’s on his way up. Love these guys!

[@SOI-wl2lo]

Bradley looked like he felt SO chuffed that Spike Lee said Maestro was a great film! So humble, such a sweet moment X

[@SOI-wl2lo]

+What I love about this video is that this film feels like Cooper’s pHD and this is his Viva- I ❤ it big time!

[@mirakocherhans7836]

Watching Cooper constantly looking back at Lee while he explains his methods to check-in for approval....love.

[@broskimovies5383]

This one’s great because it’s two people talking over each other

[@kubolor1234]

I find it hilarious how well Bradley is handling Spike's energy.

[@thehopeofeden597]

“Technology has brought a democracy to filmmaking.” Variety is absolutely killing it with these

[@crazigrl85]

These are so cool

[@EpicBibleTime]

@@jon8004simply not true my friend. Attend film festivals and you will see first hand some of the best films have no or minimal budgets. And film schools are a joke, get on set and get first hand experience while simultaneously teaching yourself filmmaking through books, videos, articles etc etc

[@billyalarie929]

Straight bars

[@lilmilontiktok]

@@jon8004clown

[@kimberly8695]

@@jon8004 If you're from a rich family, you're not accruing debt.

[@amiesavitri]

Spike Lee actually brings pen and paper to this interview!! Love this pairing (I don't watch Directors on Directors much, more on Actors on Actors) but this is a good one. When Bradley said "You with me?" and Spike said "I was having flashback", these two laughed like two best friends!

[@qwerttzizzi]

He writes down..and is really listening to Bradley. He is really taking notes!

[@bigfern62]

Yea that was classic lol...cuz Spike went right back to that experience

[@t-mo72]

The Ben Affleck & Micheal B Jordan was amazing and so authentic💜.

[@ARad-ul7kd]

This interview has made me realise that Bradley Cooper is a true student and burgeoning master of film and story telling.

[@Pa1magram]

I got emotional just watching Bradley get emotional of Spike praising his film. This was an amazing amazing interview. Great pairing, Variety!!🎉

[@KansasViking]

Same, I was imagining if Spike Lee said a film I made was great and I was about to cry as well lol

[@tiffsaver]

There is no greater compliment on earth than one from an equal.

[@generalus2999]

We gotta teach Bradley how to dab up lolol

[@product_of_august]

That was horrific

[@davidholaday2817]

He was getting it. He's getting there. 😂😂

[@zayeemrahman3803]

Think he’s just nervous, fair enough

[@bigmac9726]

I was wondering who else peeped it 😭

[@yoerivanesseveld]

Spike Lee, a true master who never stops learning and taking notes on the things that inspire him.

[@Jeannine_9]

I’m glad NYC and Philly can sit down and break bread together

[@SamanthaYelena]

❤

[@SProdLLC]

Spike Lee conducted this interview with unrivaled rhythm and precision. He expertly posed questions that showed so much.

[@Musso88]

More like borderline incoherency.

[@tapiwasoropa]

This has to be satire because he completely derailed the whole conversation. Kept interrupting Cooper and going on meandering and rambling tangents

[@quinman1783]

@@tapiwasoropa That's most college professors!!

[@murdock9916]

@@tapiwasoropaspike just gets excited talking about film. He’s always been like this in interviews. He’ll go on tangents and start listing things, but it comes from passion not malice.

[@roycalderon7633]

This is a pair of directors I would never think of for this channel. Spike Lee is a MASTER and Bradley Cooper keeps inspiring me with his filmmaking. LOVE IT!!

[@OhCarlJr]

This was a master class from Spike Lee, Cooper was just picking Lee’s brain for tips n tricks. Thank you variety for this one. 👏🏽

[@nicholasblauner7661]

nothing better than spike. his calm demeanor undersells how brilliant he is

[@d__on]

For real, I love that about him. If you met in on the street and didn’t know who he was, he’d be so chill you’d have no idea he’s secretly a MASTER of his craft.

[@justinhunt4767]

Fâx

[@classof2010president]

@@d__onI met him in New Orleans, during Mardi Gras, I had on a Boston Red Sox hat, he walks up shakes my hand and says I hate the Boston Red Sox with a smile. We both laughed and he walks away.

[@LECITIZENTEN]

I love how emotional he gets when spike pays him the ultimate compliment. Great conversation, we’re so lucky to experience this thank you

[@NaiNicole]

I just love how they communicate with each other in this interview! Spike is a legend and a powerhouse, and I noticed he would ‘sometimes’ talk over Bradley, not in a way that was disrespectful or rude but in a way of passion and wanting to know Bradley’s process out of excitement with this film (especially since he’s seen it so many times), like he was pulling it out of him for his curiosity getting to pick Bradley’s brain and what he knew. It felt like Spike in those moments turned into the Student too. In turn, I love that when Spike spoke, Bradley was quiet, in awe and like a sponge just absorbing the compliments and the insights and masterclass from Spike. Bradley is a powerhouse of a Director as well and I could see just how excited he was in his moments of silence and pause when Spike would give him his flowers. They were both the teacher and the student in this interview intertwined, and I loved how they responded to each other and their craft, respectfully, in their own way. This was beautiful to watch!

[@aya9af]

Spike has strong NY energy lol. Love them both! Great convo

[@Rubrick23.]

Yes, I think spike wanted the fourth wall to be examined by us the viewers. That's why he dad cooper go in to details. Because just saying something we the none film makers could quite grasp. He asked for him to go in depth about dialogue coaches will him being a filmmaker he knows all about dialogue coaches. So... yeah. 😅 think Bradley brain works in overdrive. He has to slow the idea down.

[@Calais6218]

The two of them talked to each other as student (and alum) and professor and the professor is learning from the student/alum and vice versa. Spike being both a veteran filmmaker and a tenured professor, as a teacher, he pulls it out of Bradley in a good way. A technique good professors do with their students so students can get a better awareness and view of their work, vision, etc. (I work in academia as a staff providing support to faculty and students and now as an academic librarian).

[@ShutUpAndShootMe]

Crazy how Spike breaks the mold of “Those who can’t do, teach.”

[@kazman_6899]

In other professions, the best at their disciplines teach. Medical specialists take the prefix of Professor over Doctor.

[@straightasanarrow3648]

The fact that Bradley Cooper has managed to earn the respect of renowned directors for his work as a director in addition to being a brilliant actor isn't talked about enough.

[@Temu.s]

Cooper is a great director, and that makes sense because most actor/directors are incredible, Mel Gibson, Eastwood, theres a whole level of these guys.

[@Natedawgg84]

He's come a long way from Hangover!

[@johnnyrainbow50]

Brilliant? That’s a far stretch, he’s a try hard mid-rate actor.

[@zachm2331]

@@Natedawgg84Bradley has an MFA from the Actor’s Studio Drama School. So, even before the Hangover, he was something.

[@ReelPodcasts]

He's a student of the game. And even early on you could see that he was.

[@Dai1lest]

This is what I love about these Directors on Directors or Actors on Actors, is the knowledge & experience that they bring to the table. Its crazy how you can see Brad and Spike literally learning and accepting knowledge from this. I love how they are bouncing off each other so fluidly. Ill keep saying it, what Variety does to have these stars of stars feel so comfortable to do this is just amazing to see and hear, the atmosphere there must just be a wonder to be at.

[@vindikaktus]

Absolutely. I'm not gonna lie, I listen to alot of these videos mainly because they have two charismatic people having a somewhat interesting but also fun conversation. In this one (while they're obviously charismatic af) they're just two fountains of knowledge sharing with eachother. Veterans of the industry with a ton to give still.

[@user-ye3vs9lw9p]

I love how much Bradley is wanting to learn from Spike Lee; it's smart because Spike has had such a successful and flourishing career

[@hectornegron9155]

One of the most pleasant experiences I've had in my life was meeting Spike Lee at a record store in NYC. I got on line to pay for my CDs and he was like 2 bodies away in front of me also paying for his stuff. I said hello and he turned to say hello and we spoke for a couple of minutes until it was time for him to pay. After he was finished he turned to shake my hand and said, "take care Héctor, nice meeting you brother". As we spoke other customers who recognized him also said hello to him and he was very nice to everybody there. I've heard he's not exactly a very nice or friendly person but that wasn't my experience the day I met him so I guess it all depends on how you approach people.

[@LiddlestLady]

spike lee is so great bc he questions bradley like one of his students. curious, inquisitive…i wonder if some of his students helped with questions. what a great match up

[@Hotdogbuns69]

Was not expecting this to be a good pairing and thought I’d turn it off after 5min. These two have such great chemistry talking to each other that I wish this would have been an extra hour long!

[@dakotac180]

Spike is a true black artist, his research and living in the time is unmeasured on what he shows through his films. Bradley is so excited soaking up gems.

[@GeneralZod1991]

he's a real artist, a real basketball fan, even more than just a fan..watch nba courtside for more than 40 years maybe..he watched MJ from the start of his career until he became a GOAT,,, he was in the era of hip hop and the first sneaker world was born..man...he made Denzel a famous actor, collaborated with Denzel since day one.. SPIKE is a legend..

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@GeneralZod1991Denzel did on his own

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@GeneralZod1991Denzel did on his own

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@GeneralZod1991Denzel did on his own

[@nross940]

It's very generous of Spike to allow Bradley to go on and on about his work when Spike's catalog is far beyond his level. Back in the day, I worked with a prominent film producer and music manager. Spike wanted to use a song by an artist in his movie Crooklyn. I was assigned the task of turning him down over the phone. He was disappointed but also gracious, humble, and funny. And yes, he begged. Baby, baby, baby, please!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Wow this is quite a crossover although honestly, Spike Lee and Mira Nair is the conversation I’d like to see take place.

[@RedHeadThriller10]

It's really nice that Bradley really wants to learn the craft and not just another name on his bucket list like everybody else to make themselves look good but he's literally asking the right questions. And I think Spike Lee is like respecting but he wants to learn

[@d__on]

Two f***ing LEGENDS.

[@colstonlchinese]

Spike Lee’s body of films have impacted my soul in a beautiful and moving way! Moreover, his use of color, imagery and distinct characters are enthralling! Mo Better Blues and Malcolm X are masterpieces IMO.

[@hellobecky84]

Spike's work truly sits in my soul! I felt this, from a fellow "Mo Better Blues" fan

[@colstonlchinese]

@@hellobecky84 Awwww 😊👍🏽

[@hellobecky84]

⁠@@colstonlchinese😊🙏🏽

[@sarthakrajbaral210]

TWO TIME Variety Appearer Bradley Cooper! Get that Oscar Coop.

[@maysapost1999]

What I love about Spike is how much he respects filmmaking and people who are seriously committed to filmmaking. He always does the right thing.

[@AbiHardingham]

Girl Bradley nearly cried when spike complimented his film 🥲🥲🥲

[@pauldunkley760]

I’m only half way through this but man, you guys really captured the spirit of these two guys. Super captivating to watch. Salute to you Bradley. You’re earning your stripes. Spike always been a real one to me.

[@TimelesslyModern]

The fact that Bradley gets to do two of these is sick 🤌🏽

[@ojara72]

The best Variety interview I’ve seen! These two are great together, and I gained several levels of respect for Bradley Cooper.

[@AndrewSunada]

I love watching Bradley listen to Spike. Its inspiring watching him listen.

[@stephengiese7549]

Bradley sounds like he immerses himself totally into a film no matter as an actor and or a director. Very clear and detailed explanations. Spike was a kick and he definitely livened things up. Student and idol😀

[@OrionInSpace]

1 second in and I would've thought I was about to listen to a Christopher Nolan interview with how Bradley came right out the bat with hating on chairs lmao. Nolan really has left an impression it seems.🤣 Great pairing between these two!🙏

[@eme.261]

Beautiful pairing. I can imagine that a student director would be stoked, as they definitely shared nuggets of the craft, as well as a deep respect for it.

[@LLNYRN]

It's ABSOLUTELY INSANE how far Cooper has come from "ALIAS". And Spike... Been a FAN since seeing "SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT" Opening Night in NYC at a theater by Lincoln Center. This was the most fascinating of the VARIETY series of "Actors on Actors", "Directors on Directors".

[@jlkitz1775]

WOW 👌🏾 👏🏾 😍 🎉. I love how Bradley took a moment to try and absorb Spike's compliments- that was a beautiful moment.

[@daphnegabriel4482]

Spike Lee is my fave director - his artistry is the seed for me becoming a director. ♥️✨and Bradley Cooper is so incredibly talented sheesh- acting and directing! 🔥loving this convo, such a great pairing!

[@kayujay]

“so you were calling plays from the sideline not the booth right?”.. Spike is a master.. he knew how to convey exactly what Brad was trying to say so well.. always dope seeing two great artists taking each other’s notes..

[@BrandonPenson]

VERY cool! I love that Bradley Cooper is coming more and more into his own as a director, and Spike Lee is an absolute LEGEND. Bringing the two of them together was an BRILLIANT idea. 👏🏾🎥🏆

[@jamescarr1265]

AI and a bot

[@Takecareofyourbusiness]

Love Bradley, so humble,kind and talented, he can do everything! Hope Spike will direct him one day,they need to work together

[@rreid3990]

This is SO fantastic! One of the best conversations. Love both of them.

[@GeneralZod1991]

SPIKE IS A TRUE LEGEND... he's a real artist, a real basketball fan, even more than just a fan..watch nba courtside for more than 40 years maybe..he watched MJ from the start of his career until he became a GOAT,,, he was in the era of hip hop and the first sneaker world was born..man...he made Denzel a famous actor, collaborated with Denzel since day one.. dammnnn!!

[@kyneticfilms]

Spike’s final speech at the end is so powerful.

[@angelalawsonspiritualreadi2010]

Love Spike Lee! 💖 So iconic and still down to earth. Built and paved the roads and lifts up others. Much love and respect #GOAT

[@Splurge24]

This is such an absolute joy to watch. And it's beautiful to watch Bradley be such a fan boy.

[@SProdLLC]

2 Thumbs Up!

[@foghornblue]

I love that Bradley was able to do Actors on Actors, and Directors on Directors, for the same film. Maestro is a masterpiece, and he deserves all the recognition he can get.

[@moisesarmando3156]

OH WE EATING GOOD THIS SEASON!

[@catherineantoine7688]

What a a SMART, TALENTED, DEDICATED duo!..... MAESTRO is A MASTERPIECE ☆☆☆☆

[@JamesAmick-wp5vp]

Spike Lee has a movie that's his dream project he's always wanted to do, which is a biographical film on the joe Louis max schmelling fight. I hope he makes it someday.

[@wesclark6253]

Literally tears in my eyes watching two directors that I admire. Spike is my Hero. Bradley is living the dream. I remember him in the audience of the actor's studio, He truly is a student of the craft. He earned his way for sure,. Bravo

[@user-kr2ul5no7t]

Good for Cooper. He is a great actor and now Director. Congrats to him.

[@April-yf5gl]

These pairings have made me push the subscribe button. Well done Variety

[@cosmicish]

Two minutes in and I'm already so engrossed in this conversation.

[@jackdziatkowiec]

Maestro blew me away! Bradley Cooper orchestrated one of the best things I've ever watched.

[@rosalynncielski8284]

Happy black history month sweetheart Bradley....

[@crazigrl85]

I just love how Bradley Cooper started creating movies 🎥 its so cool to see

[@jasonkieler5584]

Spike watched this movie 3x! I'm on the way 😊

[@clarkparker4860]

I wasn't going to watch Maestro, but goddamn, how can I not after this interview?

[@DaniPag]

spike: "the composer has to be..."? is everyone else getting that gitch at 9:26 mark?

[@DavidN369]

Extraordinary, on a par with last year's "Actors on Actors" Blanchett/Yeoh colloquy. Thank you, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Lee, and Variety for this electrifying entry.

[@lindagrabowski8911]

A visual/audible demonstration of what "Passion" means. I try to explain this to my kids, and this interview radiates passion, and the last few minuets brings it home. If you love what you do, it's not work. The joy on both of their faces, if you were to turn off the sound, is evident. Whatever they were discussing, you could feel it. Fantastic conversation and time well spent.

[@grahammaio9801]

I need these two to make a movie soon.

[@Lovlee33161]

Yep. Thought about that immediately

[@jayr3053]

Spike Lee 🏆

[@peterbondmusic]

Spike, who is one of the greatest ever, praising Bradley Cooper at the end gave me chills.

[@Ireneadler18]

I love Bradley!! I hope he get the respect he deserves. And also love the friendship with Spike. What a great interview!

[@realbradleycharlescooper]

I appreciate your love and support towards my career, May God bless your generosity ❤

[@williedeananencounterwithg439]

This was one of the best interviews, I like Bradley as an actor, and what I appreciate about Spike was his perseverance in becoming a artist in film and the realism of all his film. Truly awesome learned alot from this interview.

[@GareBare90]

Ah! Reunion time!

[@andreabruson5558]

We usually think beauty doesn't go with talent: that's not the case for Bradley Cooper, he's brilliantly talented. And when a master like Spike Lee thinks that too, you gotta believe it. Such a great video!

[@nellissh2553]

I love Bradley shouting out Hurts and Kelce 💚💚 Also Spike is just one of my top favorite directors ❤

[@Cash42]

Thank you variety, this is one of the best lineups.

[@Blue-ub8ld]

Bradley’s been getting a lot of shit on Twitter (from Cillian fans who are giving cillian a bad name) for campaigning so hard but I think he’s a terrific actor and shouldn’t be counted out

[@eme.261]

Now we know one of the reasons Cillian remains offline as much as possible. The fanatics who claim to love him are incredibly problematic individuals.

[@Blue-ub8ld]

@@eme.261 they’re turning me off completely like ur little angel whatever they call him is a grown man and majority of those twitter fans are in their early 20s like sorry to break it to you (and I love cillian) but Cillian is campaigning for the Oscar just like everyone else that’s the game

[@jscript22]

Never in my life have I watched a movie for style, technique, and performance before Maestro. There were scenes that I watched 3x because of the intensity between the actors were beyond this world. I could feel the time and effort you put into this film. It was incredible. Future film makers will use this film as the bar for great film.

[@gomoistic]

Watching this was truly wonderful- the passion they both have and commitment must be known as the key ingredient producing what we love to watch on the screen.

[@nylsrimane6017]

Man, Spike Lee the type of cool uncle telling crazy stories at the dinner table

[@user-rb2iu9gu2i]

This quality of the production and the conversation is fantastic, thank you variety , from iraq all the love .

[@alldayerdeirl]

The joy shared in this is so special. Wow. I have watched so many of these but they were both students and teachers and friends and critics, and bestfriends. I love the reminiscing. I love the humility and confidence. This was a gift.

[@nathaliedufour3891]

This is the first one i truly enjoyed, no gigantic egos and fake flattering one another , loved it ! thank you ❤

[@AH23794]

This was magical. Thank you!!

[@jackhilton4285]

I like the new set. It feels more comfortable

[@iswearimcreativeproduction7604]

Now I need Bradley in a Spike Lee Joint playing a detective after Denzel playing the villain

[@demetriuswitherspoon1208]

This was amazing!! As a Director of film, I needed this inspiration!

[@jayetoler1923]

They managed to make me push that subscribe button finally after all these great interviews

[@theproder9276]

Variety you are killing it

[@AA-qb7ni]

Variety are really killing it with these pairings and interviews. Bradley is on his way to becoming one of the best filmmakers around and Spike is just incredible 🙌🏼

[@pitpride1220]

I'm so happy for Bradley! To get legitimate props from Spike!? I felt the emotion. Congrats Bradley! I love watching him succeed because he is so grateful. He doesn't lose his humility. Haven't seen the film, but know it will be great. He works so hard and is so dedicated.

[@anaclarke1003]

I love that Spike is taking notes! This was such a great conversation

[@harshitadatla]

absolutely adore spike lee

[@tanishanaidoo6345]

What an epic sit down and chat! Love it! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@realbradleycharlescooper]

I appreciate your love and support towards my career, May God bless your generosity ❤

[@alimuh007]

Its so cool to listen to this conversation

[@EpicScreenReviews]

This is an incredible duo!

[@monicat.4880]

THIS IS LOVE. I AM HAPPY TO WITNESS THIS WONDERFUL CONVERSATION WITH BRADLEY AND SPIKE.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@eyezlikeydrums]

Great interview and Bradley Cooper seems to be a pretty awesome guy all around, great actor, and great director but it sure would've been great if the two directors talked about more than the 'Maestro' movie and maybe more about the gazillion incredible films Spike Lee has written, produced, and directed as well. Maybe there's more interview content coming. I hope so.

[@WTYBEntertainment]

It’s killing me that cooper daps him up with the opposite hand. In fact, it’s pissing me off.