‘Maestro’: Leonard Bernstein’s Children Call Out Critiques Of Bradley Cooper’s Prosthetic Nose In Upcoming Film

As Bradley Cooper‘s “Maestro” approaches its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, some have criticized the actor-director’s use of prosthetics to adapt more of a likeness to Leonard Bernstein. Certain critics have gone as far as to call the prosthetic nose Cooper wears for the film as anti-semitic. But IndieWire reports that Bernstein’s family is in Cooper’s corner and spoke out against those charges, going as far as saying that it breaks their hearts.

READ MORE: ‘Maestro’: Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein Epic Will Make Its North American Premiere At NYFF 2023

Jamie, Alexander, and Nina Bernstein issued a press statement condemning the criticism earlier this week. “Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father,” they said. “We were touched to the core to witness the depth of his commitment, his loving embrace of our father’s music, and the sheer open-hearted joy he brought to his exploration. 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,” the statement continued. “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. Any strident complaints around this issue strike us above all as disingenuous attempts to bring a successful person down a notch – a practice we observed all too often perpetrated on our own father.”

“At all times during the makeup of this film, we could feel the profound respect and yes, the love that Bradley brought to his portrait of Leonard Bernstein and his wife, our mother Felicia,” the three concluded. “We feel so fortunate to have had this experience with Bradley, and we can’t wait for the world to see his creation.”

Cooper’s follow-up to his 2018 directorial debut “A Star Is Born,” “Maestro” follows Bernstein’s marriage to Costa-Rican actress Felicia Montealegre in 1951 through the late 1970s. But despite the biographical sentiment of the film, Cooper stresses it isn’t a biopic.  Carey Mulligan stars opposite Cooper as Montealegre, with Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, Matt Bomer, and Michael Urie in supporting roles. After the film’s world premiere at Venice, “Maestro” has its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival before hitting theaters on November 22. The film then streams exclusively on Netflix on December 20.

So will people continue to criticize Cooper’s creative choices for “Maestro” following its premiere at Venice? One would think the film will speak for itself, but there’s always detractors. But make no mistake, “Maestro” is one of the most anticipated titles hitting the Lido in a couple of weeks. And critics aside, Cooper’s take on Bernstein’s life has the backing of the composer’s family, and that’s more than enough. Check out a teaser for “Maestro” below.