(Jewish Group) 'Oppenheimer,' 'Golda,' 'Maestro': Will the Real Jewish Actors Please Stand Up?

[Behind the Aegis]

A flurry of mainstream films released this year pivot on Jewish historical figures who impacted the world in ways impossible to ignore: Robert Oppenheimer, the subject of Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Oppenheimer, is known to history as the “father of the atomic bomb.” Leonard Bernstein, played by Bradley Cooper in Netflix’s Maestro, which Cooper will also direct, is considered one of the 20th century’s most influential composers. And Golda Meir, played by Helen Mirren in Guy Nattiv’s Golda, served as Israel’s first — and, to date, only — female prime minister, shepherding the fledgling nation through the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

All of these individuals were Jewish. In their cinematic counterparts, none of them are played by Jews.

In a May 24 New York Times profile of Cillian Murphy, who stars as the titular physicist in Nolan’s blockbuster biopic, the helmer-screenwriter revealed that he penned the film specifically with the Irish actor “in mind.” Murphy, a 2023 BAFTA nominee for his dynamic lead turn on Netflix’s gritty gangster drama Peaky Blinders, is a critically-touted actor with a spate of commercial film credits. Like Oppenheimer, Murphy has bright, blue eyes — a stare that cuts right through you. But while Oppenheimer was a Jew born in New York City to Jewish parents who immigrated from Germany in the late 1800s, Murphy was born in Douglas, Ireland and raised Catholic.

That Nolan wrote a film about one of the most famous Jewish scientists to ever live without at least considering a Jewish actor for the role is emblematic of a problem that continues to pervade the entertainment industry, one that has rightly pushed for increased diversity, equity and inclusion and advocated on behalf of every ethnicity and race — except for Jews.

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Some things to consider: If you are one of those who says, "let the best actor take the role", do you feel the same when it comes to roles about transpeople going to those who aren't trans? What about gay and lesbians? What about those with disabilities? What about Muslims? Arabs? At what point, do Jews get to represent ourselves when the story is actually about Jews or the Jewish experience?

[JustAnotherGen]

1. Fair point

I'm still pissed that Zoe Saldana portrayed Nina Simone . . . in basically *black face*.

[Behind the Aegis]

4. Colorism.

This is another topic that is really making a splash in recent years. And yes, I see parallels to it and how Jews are or, rather, aren't portrayed, especially by those who are Jews. I feel it is complicated, but if one is to go on about representation and not usurping the cultures of others, then Jews and our allies have to be willing to take a stand.

Can a non-Jew play a Jew? Sure. But if the characters primary story removes around being a Jew, then I think efforts should be made to cast a Jew in the role. It is a sad and not great analogy, but I see this issue the way I see hate crimes. If someone breaks into my house and murders me because s/he was trying to make a quick buck and didn't realize I was home, then my being gay and Jewish aren't really the issue. However, if my house was targeted because I was a Jew, gay, or both, then my identities do become paramount. So, Felicity Jones is Jewish, but it is just a [part of the character and not central to the role OR story, then I don't care much who plays the role; BUT, if the story is about Anne Frank, then, frankly, I feel the role should go to a Jewish actress, if at all possible. That is just how I see this issue.

[question everything]

2. Yes, I do. About the question at the end

Last edited Wed Aug 9, 2023, 12:52 PM - Edit history (1)

They are actors!

And I feel the same way about ethnic restaurants. If an Irish cook can create Ethiopian dishes, let him.

On edit to add:

Spouse, who grew up in LA and is familiar with the film industry, said that when one wants to make a movie, one has to find financing. And the way to convince individuals and companies is to show who the actor(s) will be.

Also added that some are angry when white musicians play jazz.

And, really, the two gay cowboys in a movie that got rave review were not (still not, I think) gay.

And gay Rock Hudson played red hot lover in many movies.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. If you answer is "yes" to the questions I posed, then that is consistent.

However, I have come across any number of individuals who screech for GBLT representation by GLBT actors, same for those with disabilities, and Muslims, which is why I used those groups as examples.

I have mixed feelings about the topic, but I do see a troubling cliche that Jews aren't a real minority, therefore having Jews play Jews is "not a big deal", but it is now MANDATORY (almost) for a trans role to go to a trans actor. I see it as a double standard. Just like you said about Hudson, couldn't a transwoman play a ciswoman?

"And, really, the two gay cowboys in a movie that got rave review were not (still not, I think) gay."

This pisses me off, but not for the reasons in the article about representation, but rather how the actors, straight, were lauded for their "bravery" at playing "gay" .