Bradley Cooper Maestro Nose Controversy, Leonard Bernstein Family Defends

Bradley Cooper Maestro Nose Controversy, Leonard Bernstein Family Defends

After Netflix released the first trailer for Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” a biographical romance about Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre, many viewers took issue with Cooper’s large prosthetic nose, deeming it the latest example of Hollywood’s stereotypical or inauthentic portrayal of Jewish people, known as “Jewface.”

But in a statement posted to Bernstein’s Twitter account, the late conductor’s children defended Cooper’s decision to “use makeup to amplify his resemblance” to their father. Cooper directed “Maestro” and stars as Bernstein opposite Carey Mulligan as Montealegre.

“Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father,” wrote Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein. “We were touched to the core to witness the depth of his commitment, his loving embrace of our father’s music, and the sheer open-hearted joy he brought to his exploration.”

They continued, “It breaks our hearts to see any misrepresentations or misunderstandings of his efforts. It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose. Bradley chose to use makeup to amplify his resemblance, and we’re perfectly fine with that. We’re also certain that our dad would have been fine with it as well. Any strident complaints around this issue strike us above all as disingenuous attempts to bring a successful person down a notch — a practice we observed all too often perpetrated on our own father. At all times during the making of this film, we could feel the profound respect and yes, the love that Bradley brought to his portrait of Leonard Bernstein and his wife, our mother Felicia. We feel so fortunate to have had this experience with Bradley, and we can’t wait for the world to see his creation.”

Helen Mirren became entangled in a “Jewface” controversy last year when it was announced she would play former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in Guy Nattiv’s “Golda,” which premieres in U.S. theaters on Aug. 25. Actor Maureen Lipman told the Jewish Chronicle that she “disagreed” with Mirren’s casting “because the Jewishness of the character is so integral. I’m sure she will be marvelous, but it would never be allowed for Ben Kingsley to play Nelson Mandela. You just couldn’t even go there.” Other recent examples of non-Jews cast as famous Jewish people include Kathryn Hahn as Joan Rivers, Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz.

Speaking on the “Jewface” controversy, actor Tracy Ann Oberman told Variety, “As actors, we should be able to play anyone. That is our job and I’ve had a wide and varied career playing a multitude of parts. However, we are living in a time of enormous sensitivity around the appropriation of characters played by people who aren’t from that background. I have seen little similar concern about Jewish characters where their Jewish religious and cultural identity is intrinsic to who they are being discussed with the same respect.”

“Maestro” will premiere in competition at the 80th Venice Film Festival on Sept. 2, and it will be the spotlight gala film at New York Film Festival on Oct. 2. The movie will then have a limited theatrical window starting Nov. 22 before hitting Netflix on Dec. 20.

The film, which is produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, focuses on Bernstein’s tumultuous 25-year marriage to Montealegre. The cast also includes Maya Hawke as their daughter Jamie, Sam Nivola as their son Alexander and Alexa Swinton as their daughter Nina. Additional cast members include Matt Bomer, Sarah Silverman, Gideon Glick, Michael Urie and Miriam Shor.

Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger also produce the film, from Sikelia Productions, Amblin Entertainment, Lea Pictures and Fred Berner Films. Cooper co-wrote the screenplay with Josh Singer.

You can view the original article HERE.

“Hacks” Returns at the Peak of Its Comedic Powers | TV/Streaming
“Hacks” Returns at the Peak of Its Comedic Powers | TV/Streaming
‘Daredevil’ Star Explains How Kevin Feige Stepped in To Save ‘Born Again’
‘Daredevil’ Star Explains How Kevin Feige Stepped in To Save ‘Born Again’
‘The Matrix’ Sequels Are Good, Actually
‘The Matrix’ Sequels Are Good, Actually
Class Critique In Apple TV+’s “Your Friends and Neighbors” Lacks Bite, But Still Entertains   | TV/Streaming
Class Critique In Apple TV+’s “Your Friends and Neighbors” Lacks Bite, But Still Entertains   | TV/Streaming
a joyride through the hedonism of fame
a joyride through the hedonism of fame
Martyn’s Law comes into action for safer gigs and events after Ariana Grande Manchester terror attack
Martyn’s Law comes into action for safer gigs and events after Ariana Grande Manchester terror attack
Jessie J announces intimate acoustic London show
Jessie J announces intimate acoustic London show
Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility FAQ
Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility FAQ
Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 13 Recap: Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 13 Recap: Don’t You (Forget About Me)
'The Luckiest Man in America' Director Samir Oliveros on the Wild True Story & His Unique Influences
'The Luckiest Man in America' Director Samir Oliveros on the Wild True Story & His Unique Influences
‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ Review: Midlife Crisis Noir
‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ Review: Midlife Crisis Noir
Canceled Chicago Fire Spinoff Never Got a Fair Chance to Succeed
Canceled Chicago Fire Spinoff Never Got a Fair Chance to Succeed
Embiid to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery
Embiid to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery
Report: NBA investigating Morant for apparent gun gesture vs. Warriors
Report: NBA investigating Morant for apparent gun gesture vs. Warriors
T-Wolves spoil Jokic’s 61-point game on buzzer-beating foul shots in 2OT
T-Wolves spoil Jokic’s 61-point game on buzzer-beating foul shots in 2OT
Steelers owner: ‘All signs are positive’ for Rodgers signing
Steelers owner: ‘All signs are positive’ for Rodgers signing
Megan Thee Stallion Declares “Hot Girl Summer” is Loading with New Chicas Divertidas Campaign
Megan Thee Stallion Declares “Hot Girl Summer” is Loading with New Chicas Divertidas Campaign
David Beckham’s Sons Brooklyn and Romeo Feuding, Not on Speaking Terms
David Beckham’s Sons Brooklyn and Romeo Feuding, Not on Speaking Terms
50 Cent Dominates Roku: His Action Channel Ranks Top 5% Amid Fan Frenzy
50 Cent Dominates Roku: His Action Channel Ranks Top 5% Amid Fan Frenzy
Meghan Markle’s As Ever line of jams, teas, baking mixes sells out in under an hour. ‘This is just the beginning,’ she promises fans.
Meghan Markle’s As Ever line of jams, teas, baking mixes sells out in under an hour. ‘This is just the beginning,’ she promises fans.
Woolmark Prize’s Big Winner, H&M Chats With Magda Butrym!
Woolmark Prize’s Big Winner, H&M Chats With Magda Butrym!
Target’s New Designer Collab, Paris Hilton’s 30th Perfume!
Target’s New Designer Collab, Paris Hilton’s 30th Perfume!
Gia Mezz On Designing for The Modern Wardrobe With Leau
Gia Mezz On Designing for The Modern Wardrobe With Leau
13 Wedding Guest Dresses You'll Want to Wear on Repeat, Including Sydney Sweeney's
13 Wedding Guest Dresses You'll Want to Wear on Repeat, Including Sydney Sweeney's