The makeup artist for Bradley Cooper’s upcoming Leonard Bernstein biopic, Maestro, addressed the recent controversy surrounding the film’s use of a prosthetic nose during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival. While Cooper was not present at the festival due to his support of the SAG-AFTRA strike, members of the crew and Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie Bernstein, were in attendance to discuss the film and its creation.
The backlash over the prosthetic nose arose on social media, with some claiming that it perpetuated anti-Semitic stereotypes. However, makeup artist Kazu Hiro expressed surprise at the negative reaction and apologized if anyone’s feelings were hurt. He explained that the goal was to authentically portray Leonard Bernstein, who was known for his iconic look, and to pay homage to him as a person who inspired many.
Hiro, a highly esteemed makeup artist, previously won two Oscars for his work on Darkest Hour (2017) and Bombshell (2019). He commended Cooper’s dedication to the film, revealing that the actor-director would often arrive on set at 2 a.m. to begin the lengthy makeup process. It took around two hours and fifty minutes to create the young years of Bernstein, and up to five hours for the character’s older years.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Bernstein’s family have both defended Cooper’s decision to wear the prosthetic nose. The family released a statement expressing their support, stating that Cooper’s use of makeup to enhance his resemblance to Bernstein was acceptable to them.
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During the press conference, Jamie Bernstein expressed her and her siblings’ honor in collaborating closely with Cooper on the film. She appreciated the respect and dedication he showed in portraying their father.
Maestro, the Leonard Bernstein biopic, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday night and is set to be released worldwide on Netflix on December 20.
The controversy surrounding Maestro’s use of a prosthetic nose highlights the ongoing discussion around the portrayal of ethnic and religious stereotypes in films. While some argue that the use of such prosthetics perpetuates harmful stereotypes, others argue that it is a necessary tool to accurately represent historical figures. This conversation raises important questions about the responsibility of filmmakers to accurately depict real people and the potential backlash they may face for their artistic choices.
It is crucial for filmmakers and artists to approach these sensitive subjects with care and consideration. Authenticity should always be a priority, but it is equally important to be mindful of the impact certain artistic choices may have on marginalized communities.
In the case of Maestro, the makeup artist and Bernstein’s family have expressed their intention to respectfully represent Leonard Bernstein’s iconic look while staying true to his character. Their endorsement of the use of a prosthetic nose suggests that they believe it accurately captures the essence of Bernstein and does not perpetuate anti-Semitic stereotypes.
Ultimately, it is up to audiences to engage critically with films and actively participate in these discussions. By voicing their concerns and opinions, viewers can influence the film industry to be more conscious of the representations they present on screen.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Maestro’s prosthetic nose is a reminder of the importance of responsible and thoughtful storytelling. While it is crucial to accurately represent historical figures, it is equally important to be aware of the impact such representations may have on marginalized communities. The endorsement of the prosthetic nose by the film’s makeup artist and Bernstein’s family suggests that they believe it is a respectful depiction of Leonard Bernstein. As the film premieres and reaches a wider audience, it is essential for viewers to engage critically and participate in the ongoing conversation about accurate and sensitive portrayals in cinema.
