Bradley Cooper’s ‘Jewface’ controversy for Maestro pacified by Leonard Bernstein’s family
The backlash sparked by Bradley Cooper's transformative appearance as Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming biopic Maestro has found resolution through a heartfelt statement issued by Bernstein's children: Jamie, Alexander, and Nina Bernstein. The trio's response effectively quelled the controversy that had arisen surrounding Cooper's portrayal of the legendary composer.
As the first trailer for Maestro dropped, showcasing Cooper's portrayal of Bernstein, it ignited a firestorm of criticism. Some questioned whether it was appropriate for a non-Jewish actor to assume the role of a Jewish subject, a conversation further fueled by Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose in the film.
READ MORE: Before Bradley Cooper drops Maestro on Netflix, what you need to know about Leonard Bernstein
This prosthetic nose was at the center of the storm, with some labeling it as an example of "Jew face," drawing a parallel to offensive stereotypes of Jewish people in history.
Leonard Bernstein (left) and clownface Hollywood's #Jewface on right
— 🇺🇸 Pamela Geller 🇺🇸 (@PamelaGeller) August 16, 2023
Why is Bradley Cooper playing Bernstein? He's not Jewish-now a standard rule in Hollywood for other ethnicities & he is not nearly as handsome as Bernstein.
He needs a hook nose to play a Jew?#Antisemitism pic.twitter.com/G9XC3IPrIt
The central contention had been that Cooper's prominent prosthetic nose could be perceived as perpetuating an antisemitic caricature. The release of the film's initial trailer only amplified these discussions, fueling online backlash directed at both Cooper and Netflix.
Hollywood cast Bradley Cooper - a non Jew - to play Jewish legend Leonard Bernstein and stuck a disgusting exaggerated “Jew nose” on him.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) August 16, 2023
All while saying no to Jake Gyllenhaal, an actually Jewish man, who has dreamt of playing Bernstein for decades.
Sickening. pic.twitter.com/YzudOstRAE
The Bernstein family's reaction, however, was one of unequivocal support for Cooper. The family not only addressed the issue but also detailed their involvement in the project's development. They conveyed that Cooper had engaged them throughout the process, from its inception to the final product.
The family's assertion that Bernstein indeed possessed a "nice, big nose" punctuated their acceptance of Cooper's portrayal. It was as if they were reminding everyone that Cooper's choice wasn't an exaggeration but rather a respectful homage to Bernstein's actual physical attributes. The family's statement further implied that their father's likely approval would have aligned with Cooper's artistic decision.
The family noted that Cooper's commitment extended beyond mere appearance, highlighting his deep engagement with Bernstein's music and the emotional depth he brought to his performance.
The Bernstein siblings, cognizant of the historical context and sensitivities, subtly called out the criticisms as potentially disingenuous attempts to belittle an accomplished individual. They recognized this tactic as something their father had often encountered and empathized with Cooper facing similar challenges.
The Bernstein family effectively put an end to the controversy that had threatened to overshadow the film's release. By publicly supporting Cooper and aligning his intentions with their father's spirit, they managed to redirect the conversation toward the significance of the biopic itself.
Stop the Bradley Cooper Outrage.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 16, 2023
Some people are mad at Bradley Cooper for wearing a prosthetic nose in his new movie "Maestro", where he plays famous Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein. They are calling it "Jewface".
As a Jewish man, here are my thoughts on all the outrage:… pic.twitter.com/ZBSg15qRVi
The family's endorsement not only vindicated Cooper's creative choices but also elevated the discourse around the film's production, which would most certainly come into play for the film’s inevitable Oscar campaign later in the year.
The controversy may have temporarily cast a shadow, but through open dialogue and cooperation, Cooper and the Bernstein family have managed to ensure that the film's essence, rather than the controversy, takes center stage.
Maestro is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, followed by select theater releases in November, and finally arriving on Netflix on December 20.