2023-08-16 20:37:00
The family of Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein on Wednesday defended Bradley Cooper’s controversial decision to wear a large prosthetic nose to play the legendary bandleader in a new film.
The American actor, who wrote and directed “Maestro”, his new film in which he plays Mr. Bernstein, caused controversy this week when the trailer was published online.
In question: the wearing of a prominent false nose accused of fueling stereotypes regarding Jews.
Some critics have denounced this artistic choice by likening it to “Blackface”, this practice long used by white actors, who darkened their faces to embody the roles of black men. They believe that Bradley Cooper is guilty of “Jewface”.
But the three children of the composer of the musical “West Side Story” defended the actor Wednesday on the social network X – formerly Twitter.
They claim to be “completely in agreement” with his decision to “use tricks to amplify his resemblance” with their father.
“Leonard Bernstein happens to have a nice big nose,” Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein wrote in their statement. “We’re also sure our dad wouldn’t have had a problem with it.”
The son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Mr. Bernstein died in 1990 but remains one of the best-known composers and conductors of all time.
The American notably conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and is remembered for his score of “West Side Story”, a major Broadway hit.
With “Maestro,” Bradley Cooper (“A Star Is Born,” “Very Bad Trip”) addresses Mr. Bernstein’s tormented relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan. The film, which is to be presented at the Venice Film Festival, might make him a contender for the Oscar for best actor.
The question of whether or not actors, especially white actors, should embody real characters from ethnic minorities, has agitated Hollywood for several years and has recently extended to the roles of Jewish characters.
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