(CNN) — The sons of composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein have supported actor Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of their late father in the upcoming movie “Maestro.”
After the first trailer for the production was released this week, some critics on social media expressed concern that Makeup Cooper, who plays Bernstein in the film, reinforced offensive anti-Semitic stereotypes.
Others raised questions about the casting, given Bernstein’s legacy. He was born in Massachusetts, the son of Jewish immigrants from Russia. Conversely, Cooper is not known to be of Jewish descent.
Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montelegre and Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in “The Maestro.” (Jason McDonald/Netflix)
However, Bernstein’s three children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina, Shared on Instagram A report on the backlash Cooper has faced since the trailer was released on Wednesday.
“Bradley Cooper included the three of us every step of his incredible journey while making the film about our father,” the statement read. “We were deeply moved by the depth of his commitment, his warm embrace of our father’s music, and the pure, heartfelt joy he brought to its exploration. To misrepresent or misunderstand his efforts breaks our hearts.”
They also directly addressed criticism of Cooper’s physical appearance in the role of his father.
“It’s true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice big nose. Bradley chose to wear makeup to enhance his resemblance, and we’re fine,” the report continued. “We are sure that our father would have been well. Any complaints on this subject strike us as a misguided attempt to question a successful man, a practice often perpetrated against our own father.”
Leonard Bernstein in 1957. (Bettman Archive/Getty Images)
Cooper co-wrote, co-produced and directed “Maestro,” his first directorial effort since 2018’s “A Star is Born,” according to IMDb. . The film’s producers include Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Cooper has yet to comment publicly on the controversy. CNN has reached out to their representatives for a statement on the matter.
“Throughout the making of this film, we could feel the deep respect and, yes, love that Bradley had for his portrayal of Leonard Bernstein and his wife, our mother, Felicia,” the family statement concluded. “We feel very fortunate to have had this experience with Bradley, and we can’t wait for the world to see his work.”
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