Bernstein's Wall
A complex look at one of the greatest figures in 20th century classical music, Leonard Bernstein, whose passion and creativity guided him well beyond the concert hall. (NR, 105 min.)
Showtimes
Friday, October 23, 2026
(TBD)
Bernstein's Wall follows Leonard Bernstein on his lifelong journey to define his role as one of America’s most important musical figures, while fighting to create social change and inspire political activism through his work.
Told in Bernstein’s own voice and featuring never before seen archival footage, Douglas Tirola’s documentary is an intimate portrait of one of the 20th century’s most prominent icons, and his struggle to balance his complex personal life and groundbreaking career. [4th Row Films]
Starring: Leonard Bernstein, John F. Kennedy, Felicia Montealegre
Director: Douglas Tirola
Genre: Music, Biography, Documentary
"A pleasant time spent with an eloquent and insightful man, captured in a film that does justice to his legacy."
— Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com
"'Bernstein’s Wall' returns us to an age when that was easier to imagine, and to a man who in many ways defined his era."
— Zachary Barnes, Wall Street Journal
"A frequent, gifted public speaker, his audio recordings basically narrate his own story here, illustrated by copious archival materials."
— Dennis Harvey, 48 Hills
"Douglas Tirola's fascinating docu-portrait takes advantage of vast archival resources to reveal the passions that drove the man, mostly in his own words."
— David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
"For both devoted fans and interested newcomers, 'Bernstein's Wall' is an illuminating look at one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, told entirely through his own words."
— Daniel Howat, Daniel Howat
"'Bernstein’s Wall' lets the maestro talk about subjects like McCarthyism, civil rights, political corruption, unjust wars, and the problems he faced being an American composer who was also Jewish."
— Odie Henderson, Boston Globe
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