In recent days, the depiction of late West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming film Maestro has sparked a debate about authentic casting and representation in Hollywood. The controversy revolves around American actor Bradley Cooper, who portrays Bernstein in the film and wears make-up to alter the size of his nose, a physical attribute that has been criticized for perpetuating offensive Jewish stereotypes. While Bernstein’s family members have come to Cooper’s defense, stating that they are supportive of his portrayal, the issue at hand raises broader questions about whether actors from minority groups should only be played by individuals who share the same attributes.
Cooper, who is not Jewish, has faced criticism for accepting the role of a Jewish character, leading to a renewed discussion about the appropriateness of casting decisions in the industry. The debate surrounding Maestro is not an isolated incident, as other films in the past have also faced backlash for featuring non-representative casting. Scarlett Johansson, for example, faced controversy for considering a role as a transgender man in Rub & Tug, and she had previously been criticized for playing a Japanese character in Ghost In The Shell. Similarly, Tom Hanks expressed his belief that he could not play a gay character dying of AIDS in today’s context, and Eddie Redmayne admitted that his decision to portray a transgender woman in The Danish Girl was a mistake.
The issue of authentic casting and representation extends beyond ethnicity as well. Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods and Kings received backlash for featuring non-Arab actors as Egyptians, while Jake Gyllenhaal, a Swedish and Jewish actor, played the lead in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a film based on Persian culture. Comedian and writer David Baddiel has pointed out the lack of consistency in how casting decisions are scrutinized, emphasizing that while there is outrage over inappropriate casting in certain instances, such as casting a non-transgender actor in a transgender role, similar scrutiny is not extended to Jewish roles.
The lack of a clear consensus on authentic casting stems from the complexities of portraying minority groups. Judaism, in particular, cannot be portrayed in a one-size-fits-all manner, as there is no singular face of Judaism. Different individuals have various degrees of religious observance and cultural identification with Judaism, and even those who seek complete assimilation may still be identified as Jewish by others. This multifaceted nature of Judaism makes it challenging to accurately represent the Jewish experience on screen, further emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to authentic casting.
Actors Tracy-Ann Oberman and Louisa Clein offer different perspectives on the topic. Oberman highlights the importance of skills and transformative acting, suggesting that an actor should be able to portray a character effectively without the need for physical alterations. Clein acknowledges the sensitivity surrounding ethnic and minority representation but emphasizes the transformative power of acting, as actors have the ability to embody roles beyond their personal attributes.
In addition to the debate over authentic casting, there is also a discussion about the perceived lack of opportunities for Jewish women in the acting world. Examples such as Dame Helen Mirren being cast as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir and Rachel Brosnahan’s role in The Marvellous Mrs Maisel raise questions about representation. Comedian Sarah Silverman, who is Jewish and plays Leonard Bernstein’s sister in Maestro, has also addressed this discrepancy and the need for more diverse portrayals of Jewish women on screen.
It is essential to recognize that the casting controversy surrounding Maestro is just one facet of a broader issue concerning representation and authentic storytelling in Hollywood. While some argue for strict adherence to casting individuals who share the same attributes as the characters they portray, the complexities of identity and the transformative power of acting call for a more nuanced approach. Ultimately, the aim should be to accurately represent diverse experiences while ensuring equal opportunities for actors from all backgrounds.
