Director Clint Eastwood’s 2014 movie, American Sniper is often labeled as one of the most successful films in his filmography. The biographical war drama film was loosely based on the memoir American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History (2012) by Chris Kyle, with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. While the film was massively praised for its contents, there was something that did not sit well with some viewers: a very unrealistic-looking baby.
Many jokes were made on social media over the very obvious plastic doll, however, there was a valid reason behind it as the shooting laws in California did not allow the filmmakers to use a real baby. The film’s screenwriter/executive producer Jason Hall also acknowledged the fake baby jokes, explaining why they had to use a fake plastic doll.
The fake baby in Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper (2014) invited criticism
Many will agree that American Sniper is one of the best movies in director Clint Eastwood‘s filmography. However, one thing that viewers couldn’t ignore was the fake plastic doll that was used in the scene where Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) and Taya (Sienna Miller) pass around their child while talking about Kyle leaving for another tour.
In a now-deleted tweet, the film’s screenwriter/executive producer Jason Hall explained why they used a fake plastic doll for the scene (via The Hollywood Reporter)
“Hate to ruin the fun but real baby #1 showed up with a fever. Real baby #2 was no show. (Clint voice) Gimme the doll, kid.”
Due to the fake baby, many critics questioned Eastwood’s direction, but they can’t be blamed as the babies indeed looked very fake, and one couldn’t just ignore it. Despite the fake baby, American Sniper received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Cooper, and won one award for Best Sound Editing.
Fans reacted to the creepy plastic doll
Shortly after the release of 2014’s American Sniper, many viewers shared their opinions on the creepy fake plastic doll that was used in the movie.
The fake baby in American Sniper still looks more realistic than old man Armie Hammer in J. Edgar. pic.twitter.com/QvpLZQJpCL
— Adam. (@rivettian) January 19, 2015
Halloween ’15 idea: the obviously fake baby in American Sniper. pic.twitter.com/mWIhKeDBRF
— ryan (@rjhugs) January 19, 2015
I don’t get all the American Sniper love. But I do understand Bradley Cooper’s nom.He had to hold that fake baby and not laugh.That’s skill!
— Ruth (@BabyRuthCT) January 15, 2015
If that fake baby from American Sniper doesn’t get a Best Supporting Fake Baby nom, I will be outraged.
— CutPrintFilm (@cutprintfilm) January 15, 2015
1. that Jezebel piece is obviously joking 2. the baby in American Sniper may have been the most distractingly fake baby in movie history
— Matt Berry ☘️ (@mttbry) January 19, 2015
Sources also revealed that the fake baby was used because of the shooting laws in California that stipulate that employees should be at least 15 days old. Babies from that age up to six months can be employed between 9:30-11:30 AM or from 2:30-4:30 PM in a day. One studio teacher along with one nurse must be on set during filming. Fans believe that these challenges must be the reason why Clint Eastwood decided to use a fake plastic doll instead.
Related: Clint Eastwood Made an Actor in His “Favorite Film” Break Down and Cry For a Wild Reason
