- Controversy erupted surrounding Bradley Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose in his new Leonard Bernstein biopic.
- While some criticized the prosthetic as “Jewface,” there are more troubling examples of the issue.
- The portrayal of non-Jewish actors embodying stereotypical Jewish tropes in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is a more significant concern.
Last week, controversy arose when the trailer for Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro” was released. Some questioned whether the prosthetic nose used to resemble the composer constituted “Jewface” and if a non-Jewish actor like Cooper should portray a Jewish character.
According to Bernstein’s children, they support Cooper and the film. A statement from Jamie, Alexander, and Nina Bernstein to Insider clarified that their father had a distinct nose, and Cooper’s makeup simply enhanced the resemblance. The Bernsteins expressed no objections and believed their father would have felt the same.
The Anti-Defamation League also commented on the matter, asserting that the portrayal in “Maestro” does not fall into the category of antisemitic caricature found in historical films and propaganda.
The use of prosthetics by actors to portray real-life figures is a common practice in biographical films, such as Nicole Kidman in “The Hours” or Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in “The Darkest Hour.”
The focus on Cooper’s alleged Jewface controversy appears misplaced, considering that Bernstein’s Jewish heritage is incidental to the biopic’s primary narrative centered on his relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre. In contrast, the show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” has faced more significant criticism for employing non-Jewish actors to embody stereotypical Jewish characters.
Comedian Sarah Silverman highlighted the tradition of non-Jewish actors playing Jewish roles, which she referred to as “Jewface.” She emphasized that these portrayals often exaggerate Jewishness through makeup, accent, and exaggerated features. In this context, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” stands out as a prime example, featuring non-Jews playing characters deeply rooted in Jewish stereotypes.
The show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, admitted to not fully embodying Jewish heritage, yet the series capitalized on and perpetuated established Jewish comedy tropes. The casting of non-Jewish actors in roles reliant on overdone stereotypes raises discomfort, particularly when the portrayal earned lead actress Rachel Brosnahan an Emmy.
This exploitation of ethnic Judaism aligns with a stereotype that has historically been weaponized against Jewish people. Casting choices like Brosnahan prompt questions concerning Hollywood’s perception of Jewish women and the industry’s hesitance to embrace actresses who align more closely with Jewish roots.
In comparison, the controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper’s prosthetic nose fades in significance.
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