“We’re perfectly fine with that”: Leonard Bernstein’s Family Doesn’t Mind Bradley Cooper’s Maestro Makeup Following ‘Jewface’ Controversy
American actor, producer, and director Bradley Cooper is well known for his captivating performances in many films and television shows. With multiple Academy Award nominations, the actor has received praise for his talent. After the success of his debut directorial project, A Star Is Born, Cooper is set to release his second directorial film, Maestro, which narrates the story of legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein.
The upcoming film is special for the actor as he directed the film, plays the lead, and also co-wrote the screenplay. On August 15, Netflix released a teaser and many images of Cooper in Maestro. Since then, users shared their objections to his portrayal of Bernstein. The 48-year-old came under fire for sporting a prosthetic nose while playing the Jewish composer. However, the Bernstein family has come to Bradley Cooper’s rescue.
Leonard Bernstein’s family defends Bradley Cooper’s look in Maestro
Maestro, Bradley Cooper‘s second picture under his direction, will soon be released, and based on the actor’s prior work as a director, it appears that the project is in good hands. But it doesn’t look like that. Netflix recently released a teaser of the film, and fans got insights into Cooper’s look in the movie, who plays the lead. The film narrates the story of the legend Leonard Bernstein.
Soon after the release of the first footage from the upcoming film, the Burnt actor came under fire for using a prosthetic nose while playing Bernstein. Some criticized the 48-year-old for the usage of the prosthesis.
However, in turn of events, the Bernstein family has come to the Silver Linings Playbook star’s defense. The three children of the legendary conductor, Jamie, Alexander, and Nina Bernstein, addressed the controversy. They defended the actor, who is not Jewish like the musician. The children of Bernstein in the statement said,
“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.”
The complete statement was posted on X, Read it below:
(1/6) From Jamie, Alexander, and Nina Bernstein:
Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father. pic.twitter.com/y9xZWDotJe— Leonard Bernstein (@LennyBernstein) August 16, 2023
The children further revealed how Cooper has included the three of them in every step of making Maestro, and they are touched by his commitment to their father’s music.
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All about Bradley Cooper’s second directorial film
The upcoming film Maestro marks Bradley Cooper’s second directorial film. The musical drama is a biography that tells the story of American conductor Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre, and showcases their relationship.
The 48-year-old co-wrote the screenplay of the film, and he plays the lead role of Bernstein. Carey Mulligan stars opposite The Hangover actor and plays the West Side Story composer’s wife. The film also stars Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, Josh Hamilton, Scott Ellis, Gideon Glick, Sam Nivola, Alexa Swinton, and Miriam Shor.
Maestro will have its global premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 2. After that, it will play in a few theatres in November before arriving on Netflix on December 20.
Source: X
