Bradley Cooper’s controversial Maestro makeup, slammed as ‘Jewface’, took over FIVE hours to complete – as process of transforming into Leonard Bernstein is revealed

Bradley Cooper’s transformation into legendary composer Leonard Bernstein for the upcoming biopic Maestro was no small feat.

The Oscar winner’s makeup, which included a prosthetic nose to play the Jewish icon and was recently labeled “Jewface,” took quite a bit of preparation, according to the film’s makeup artist, Kazu Hiro.

“The final stage — he was covered pretty much everywhere, the bodysuit and the arms — lasted over five hours,” Hiro told the audience Monday at the film’s screening at the New York Film Festival, per EW.

Hiro also revealed that Cooper, who is directing the film, moved up call times so he could be in full Bernstein gear to direct production while staying in character.

“The final stage, all the time, our call time was one in the morning and the other thing was he wanted the makeup to be done before the crew called, so he would show up as Lenny to sort out the shoot and stuff.

Controversy: The Oscar winner’s makeup, which included a prosthetic nose to play the Jewish icon and who was recently labeled ‘Jewface,’ was ‘badass,’ said makeup artist Kazu Hiro

‘As a result, we were also calling two hours earlier than normal, so that was quite tough.’

In the film, Cooper appears as Bernstein at different stages of the composer’s life, requiring different lengths of time in the makeup chair.

“(We had to) keep adding because as he got older, we had to add more elements,” Hiro said.

‘The younger stage was the nose and lips and chin and a wig. After the third phase he started having problems with his cheeks and neck (additions).’

Although Hiro did not address the controversy over Cooper’s makeup, which some critics labeled anti-Semitic, during the New York screening, he was confronted about the music at the Venice Film Festival.

“I didn’t expect this to happen,” Hiro admitted. “I’m sorry I hurt some people’s feelings.

“My goal was and Bradley’s goal was to portray Lenny as authentically as possible.

‘Lenny had a very iconic look that everyone knows – there are so many photos because he is photogenic too – such an amazing person and also inspired so many people.

Director’s call: Hiro also revealed that Cooper, who is directing the film, moved up call times so he could be in full Bernstein gear to direct the production while staying in character

Authentic: Hiro said, “My goal was and Bradley’s goal was to portray Lenny as authentically as possible.” (Bernstein pictured)

‘So we wanted to respect the look on the inside as well. So we did several tests and made many decisions, and that was the outcome of the film.”

Bernstein’s eldest daughter Jamie defended Hiro’s decisions Vanity fair and said, “It’s just such an annoying distraction. The people who were waiting to get angry about something were just waiting to strike.”

She added: “It just made us gasp at what they could achieve. He (Hiro) sent us pictures on his phone, and some of them were so striking that we thought, ‘Oh, come on, he just smuggled in a picture of our dad.’

Maestro – also starring Sarah Silverman, Matt Bomer and Maya Hawke – will hit theaters on November 22, followed by a streaming premiere on Netflix on December 20.