The newly-released trailer for the Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro, featuring Bradley Cooper in the lead role, has ignited a conversation online about the use of a prosthetic nose and casting choices that some believe perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
In the film, Bradley portrays the legendary musical conductor Leonard Bernstein, with the story focusing on his relationship with his wife Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan. However, it's Bradley's prosthetic nose that has become a focal point of discussion.
Many social media users have expressed their concerns over the size and exaggerated nature of the prosthetic nose, suggesting that it perpetuates stereotypes associated with "Jewface." This term refers to the practice of non-Jewish actors portraying Jewish characters by using exaggerated features, makeup, or accents that emphasise their Jewish identity.
Critics argue that Bradley's use of a prosthetic nose and the casting of a non-Jewish actor in a Jewish role are unnecessary and offensive. They point out that there were no visual similarities between Bradley and Leonard that would warrant the use of such a prosthetic.
One Twitter user wrote: “The real Leonard Bernstein did not have the funny nose that Bradley Cooper is wearing in Maestro. I’m just so tired of this. #JewFace.”
Another added: “Bradley Cooper wearing a prosthetic nose to play Leonard Bernstein is the equivalent of Black face. He should be able to portray the character through the magnificence of his own acting. Particularly if Cooper has been hired over a Jewish actor. There has to be a line.”
As the conversation around representation continues to gain traction, some social media users are expressing their disappointment in the lack of Jewish actors considered for the role. Others acknowledge their support for Bradley Cooper's talent while still voicing concerns about the casting choice.
The issue of accurate representation and cultural sensitivity in casting has been a recurring topic in the entertainment industry.
Instances of non-Jewish actors playing Jewish characters, such as Felicity Jones portraying Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Kathryn Hahn being cast as Joan Rivers, have previously sparked debates about the appropriate casting for such roles.
Sarah Silverman, who plays the role of Shirley Bernstein in Maestro, has previously spoken out about the practice of non-Jewish actors portraying Jewish characters. On The Sarah Silverman Podcast in October 2021, Silverman said that “there's this long tradition of non-Jews playing Jews, and not just playing people who happen to be Jewish but people whose Jewishness is their whole being.”
She asked: “In a time when the importance of representation is seen as so essential and so front and center, why does ours constantly get breached even today in the thick of it?”
Maestro is set to be released in theaters and on Netflix on December 20th.
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