Cillian Murphy has received near universal praise for his portrayal of Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster, and has been installed as one of the early favourites for best actor at next year's Academy Awards.
However, a certain British comedian/presenter has criticised his casting in the film, as he feels that a Jewish person should play a Jewish character.
"Another day, another film/TV show/play in which a famous Jew is played by a non-Jew," wrote David Baddiel in the Jewish Chronicle.
I have talked and written about this many times — about how it’s a question not of acting but of context: minority casting being presently dominated by the notion of authenticity, the question is why that doesn’t apply to Jews, and what that means for how people see Jews — so I shan’t rehearse it again.
David Baddiel Called Out For Hypocritical Take
"Ooh look, haven't Black people got silly hair?" pic.twitter.com/9bS79dZOvW
— Kathleen Allen 💚 (@KatyAllen4) August 2, 2023
READ HERE: Fans Confused After Downey Jr. Downplays Cillian Murphy's Stardom
"But there is another, more complex issue thrown up by the casting in Oppenheimer," added Baddiel.
"Any biopic on such a serious subject as the creation of the atomic bomb needs to delve deep into the psychological underpinnings of the narrative."
Baddiel is known for his comedy partnership with Frank Skinner, with whom he recorded the much celebrated 'Three Lions' song alongside the Lightning Seeds.
The duo also hosted a comedy football show called Fantasy Football League, and certain sketches from it have had people calling Baddiel out for his hypocrisy.
Ex-Nottingham Forest player Jason Lee was the butt of many a joke from the pair, with Baddiel even going as far as to dress up in blackface as the player for a sketch.
Also, as has been pointed out by many, Robert J. Oppenheimer himself did not consider himself a Jew.
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