I agree with all this. I wonder sometimes about the acting notes that are given to actors, many of whom aren’t Jewish themselves, who are playing Jewish characters, as in recent movies I’ve seen, their mannerisms are almost caricatured. Seeing over the top Brooklyn accents and wild gesticulating makes me cringe almost as much as Bradley cooper wearing the fake nose.
I have competing emotions. I think Bradley cooper as an actor (and producer?) likely did have good intentions. He also has a certain amount of clout, and there becomes almost a power differential between a Hollywood A Lister who has a vision for a film and other folks who may be involved/folks he wants to be involved or have their blessing. When someone with that amount of clout in Hollywood approaches you about portraying a family member-- and with good intentions-- you may put your personal feelings regarding a prosthetic nose aside. Not saying this was necessarily the case, I don’t wanna ascribe emotions to people I don’t know. But that kind of came to mind when I asked myself how I as a family member may react to something like this.
I agree with all this. I wonder sometimes about the acting notes that are given to actors, many of whom aren’t Jewish themselves, who are playing Jewish characters, as in recent movies I’ve seen, their mannerisms are almost caricatured. Seeing over the top Brooklyn accents and wild gesticulating makes me cringe almost as much as Bradley cooper wearing the fake nose.
For those interested, here is the statement issued by Bernstein's children regarding the "nose complaints"
https://twitter.com/LennyBernstein/status/1691818410273869854?t=ny1FPNoqjBYYumRXpzG4OQ&s=19
What's your take on it?
Well crap, I had a response which I thought I sent, but apparently didn't. Let me see if I remember thr highlights.
- your points on the portrayals of Jews is pretty accurate.
- Bradley Cooper is donning the prosthetic for the sake of authenticity, not maliciousness or satire.
- Hollywood has done worse. Remember the first Hallmark Hanukkah movie?
Hollywood has DEFINITELY done worse.
I don't care too much what the Bernstein children have to say, to be honest. This isn't about his legacy to me
It's about the effect on the viewer.
I have competing emotions. I think Bradley cooper as an actor (and producer?) likely did have good intentions. He also has a certain amount of clout, and there becomes almost a power differential between a Hollywood A Lister who has a vision for a film and other folks who may be involved/folks he wants to be involved or have their blessing. When someone with that amount of clout in Hollywood approaches you about portraying a family member-- and with good intentions-- you may put your personal feelings regarding a prosthetic nose aside. Not saying this was necessarily the case, I don’t wanna ascribe emotions to people I don’t know. But that kind of came to mind when I asked myself how I as a family member may react to something like this.
Or when they squish in a Hanukkah themed baking competition during Christmas! 🤣🤣