Leonard Bernstein’s family supports Bradley Cooper in the fight over Jewish stereotypes
In a controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Leonard Bernstein, the composer’s family called claims that the actor was playing up Jewish stereotypes “disingenuous”.
The newly released trailer for the Netflix film Maestro has sparked controversy as Bradley Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose was criticized for playing true to Jewish stereotypes.
Bradley Cooper’s performance on Leonard Bernstein sparks controversy over Jewish stereotypes
While the highly anticipated biography of one of the most celebrated composers of the last century, Leonard Bernstein, “Maestro” has drawn some controversy.
This is due to Bradley Cooper using a prosthetic nose to look more like the real Leonard Bernstein.
Critics have called the use of such a prosthesis an allusion to Jewish stereotypes, as the famous composer was born to Jewish parents.
After the first pictures of Cooper surfaced last year, Daniel Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter described The actor’s appearance on Twitter was labeled “problematic,” while actress Tracy-Ann Oberman said in an Instagram post: “If Bradley Cooper can’t [play the role] by the power of acting alone, then don’t cast him – get a Jewish actor.”
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Leonard Bernstein’s family supports Bradley Cooper
In response to the controversy, Leonard Bernstein’s children – Jamie, Alexander and Nina – published an opinion They took to social media to reiterate their support for Bradley Cooper and his portrayal of their father.
“Bradley Cooper has been with the three of us every step of the way in his amazing journey while making his film about our father,” the statement began. “We were touched to the core as we witnessed the depth of his dedication, his loving engagement with our father’s music, and the pure, open-minded joy he brought to his voyage of discovery.”
“It’s actually true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice big nose. Bradley has chosen to use makeup to enhance his resemblance and we are totally in agreement with that,” the statement continued. “We’re also sure that our father wouldn’t have minded either.”
“Any sharp complaints on this subject strike us primarily as disingenuous attempts to belittle a successful person—a practice we have seen all too often in our own father.”
“At all times during the making of this film we could feel the deep respect and, yes, love that Bradley had for his portrait of Leonard Bernstein and his wife, our mother Felicia,” the statement reads. “We feel so fortunate to have had this experience with Bradley and we can’t wait for the world to see his creation.”
Maestro release date and plot preview
Maestro will be released in select theaters on November 22, 2023, while the film will be released on Netflix a month later on December 20.
The film tells the incredible story of music icon Leonard Bernstein and his lifelong relationship with his fearless wife, Felicia Montealegre.
A love letter to life and the arts, Maestro delves into the composer’s incredible career behind West Side Story and the complicated personal life he led.
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Maestro hits select theaters on November 22, 2023 ahead of the film’s shooting available for streaming on Netflix itself on December 20th.
Leonard Bernstein’s family supports Bradley Cooper in battle over Jewish stereotypes first appeared on HITC.
