American Sniper Bradley CooperS OnScreen Infant CoStar
In a remarkable display of cinematic prowess, the 2014 biographical war epic captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike, securing an impressive six nods at the 87th Academy Awards and clinching the coveted Oscar for Best Sound Editing. This accolade speaks volumes, particularly given the film’s attention to auditory detail—a testament to the visceral experience it provides. Amidst the high-stakes tension, a peculiar moment stands out: the unmistakable use of a fake infant in the arms of the film’s protagonist, Chris Kyle, portrayed with intensity by Bradley Cooper.
Renowned filmmaker Clint Eastwood’s pragmatic choice to employ a doll over a real baby—a nod to the complexities of working with infant actors—slightly jolts the audience out of the narrative. Nonetheless, this minor hiccup does little to detract from the overall excellence of what is otherwise a masterfully crafted piece of cinema..