In the world of Hollywood, Bradley Cooper's latest film 'Maestro' has gained significant attention, especially after receiving seven nominations at the 2024 Oscars. Despite its success, the movie faced backlash for Cooper's prosthetic nose, which ignited controversy and accusations of promoting damaging stereotypes.
Criticism initially arose when photos from the set leaked online in May 2022, revealing Cooper donning a large, fake nose for his portrayal of renowned composer Leonard Bernstein. Many social media users voiced their concerns, citing the decision to use a prosthetic nose on a non-Jewish actor as perpetuating an anti-Semitic stereotype. Some argued that hiring a Jewish actor instead would have been a more appropriate choice.
The controversy resurfaced when the first teaser for the film dropped in August, reigniting the debate. Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman compared Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose to blackface or yellowface, emphasizing that if he could play the Elephant Man without such enhancements, he should be able to portray a Jewish character without them as well.
However, not everyone agreed with the critiques. Jewish actor Joshua Malina, known for his work in 'Leopoldstadt,' expressed his support for Cooper's portrayal. He stated that he did not take issue with Cooper altering his appearance to resemble a real person, highlighting that Leonard Bernstein did have a distinct nose.
Leonard Bernstein, the subject of the film, was born to Russian Jewish immigrants and was widely recognized for composing the iconic musical 'West Side Story.' The Netflix biopic depicted the early years of Bernstein's life until his death in 1990.
In response to the backlash, Bernstein's children, Jamie Alexander and Nina Bernstein, penned a letter expressing their appreciation for Cooper's commitment to accurately representing their father. They acknowledged Cooper's use of makeup and emphasized that their dad would have been accepting of it as well. The siblings were touched by the depth of Cooper's dedication and were dismayed by the misrepresentations and misunderstandings surrounding his portrayal.
Cooper himself defended his decision during an interview with CBS' Gayle King, declaring that his motivation stemmed from love. Initially, he believed his natural nose resembled Bernstein's sufficiently, but later realized that additional measures were necessary to truly capture the musical genius's likeness. Cooper explained that achieving facial balance is crucial, and while their noses were similar, other aspects such as his lips and chin needed enhancement to accurately portray Bernstein's appearance.
The film employed minimal prosthetics when portraying Bernstein in his younger years, but as the timeline progressed and his character aged, more prosthetics were necessary to reflect the natural aging process. Cooper stated that without the added enhancements, he would not have believed he was portraying a genuine human being.
Despite the controversy, 'Maestro' received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The film also garnered recognition in categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound.
In the end, the debate surrounding Bradley Cooper's prosthetic nose in 'Maestro' highlighted the complexities and nuances involved in accurately portraying real-life figures on screen. While some critics raised concerns about perpetuating stereotypes, others supported Cooper's commitment to bringing Leonard Bernstein's story to life. Ultimately, the impact and artistic merit of the film will be determined by its success at the Oscars and the response of audiences around the world.
