There has been much anticipation for Brendan Fraser in his next film. The whale. Darren Aronofsky’s film was already generating Oscars 2023 Rumors when he received a six minutes of standing ovations at the Venice Film Festival which saw the actor “smiling so hard my face sank “(it was quite an emotional reaction ), then won the Tribute Award at the Toronto International Film Festival a week later. With the feature finally scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 9, critics are putting their two cents into the performance that many believe will end with Fraser. winning the trophy for best actor at the Oscars next year. Let’s see what they say.
The whale stars Brendan Fraser as Charlie, a 600-pound man with congestive heart failure. Sadie Sink plays her daughter Ellie, who Charlie tries to reconnect with, and also stars Samantha Morton, Hong Chau and Ty Simpkins. The critics have many thoughts on the film in general, but let’s see what they have to say about the lead actor’s performance, starting with 24 News Bulletin’s Sean O’Connell. In his Video review without spoilers , says it should be on his “must see” list ahead of the 2023 Oscars because he can’t see anyone giving a more moving or effective performance than Fraser. O’Connell gives the film 4.5 out of 5 stars, and you can check out his full analysis below:
Abhishek Sharma by cinematic threat rates The whale 10 out of 10, saying Brendan Fraser adds a sweetness to Charlie’s performance as the film takes the audience on a journey through different levels of angst. In the words of the critic:
Playing an obese, silent and ashamed loner, Fraser is striking in both his voice and his expressions, even when his character traits restrict his movements and gestures. And even in the most heartbreaking moments, Fraser’s restraint and calm eyes add depth to Charlie’s emotional and psychological core, making the character all the more complete.
by Brian Truitt USE TODAY (opens in a new tab) says the lead actor is the main reason the entire premise works, giving the film a perfect 4 out of 4 stars. The reviewer calls it a “big-hearted triumph” for Brendan Fraser, who should expect this nod to the Oscars:
The film challenges us in an important way: when you see Charlie, do you see the man or just the body? – and the main reason it works is Fraser. He’s a great actor here at the phenomenal peak of his game (where’s the Best Actor Oscar nomination yet?) and under his direction the role isn’t sad or pitiful. Fraser gives Charlie gravitas and strength, as well as a certain effervescence, without the heavy prosthetic suit and makeup, as seen in a scene where the character exudes a playful vertigo as he spins around in a new rolling chair.
dana steven Picture However, she is not a fan of the film, whose problems, according to her, only start with her fatophobia. Her voyeurism is barely disguised as compassion, argues the critic, but Brendan Fraser remains “superb” as the film juxtaposes the actor’s imposing physical presence with his gentleness. The review continues:
The whale only reinforces the contrast by stranding his beautiful soul in a body that the film, for all its gestures toward empathy, portrays as monstrous. Fraser’s total commitment to playing Charlie (300lb fat suit and all) reminded me of Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in Joker, a leap of faith so complete that it managed to be the only consequential element of a terribly bad movie.
Many of the conversations about the film have been about prosthetics, and Brendan Fraser even spoke up defend the film’s use of the leotard . Many say he is the actor who can make the story work, including Roger Moore’s film nation . qualifies The whale 3 out of 4 stars, calling Fraser’s effort “the performance of a lifetime”:
But it is Fraser, who has come out of Hollywood exile to remind us of the emotional sweetness he brought to his finest works, that carries this film and makes The Whale a figure of piety and nobility. Sure, he’s superb in the scenes where Charlie makes fun of his situation and his physical condition. I can’t stress enough how casting him makes Charlie work as a character and The Whale as a film of enormous sympathy, sadness and hope.
If you want to join the conversation about Brendan Fraser’s role in The whaleor if you’ve been paying attention to potential Oscar winners, you’ll probably want to check this one out when it hits the big screen on Friday, December 9. Also find out about the performances of the actors by consulting 24 News Bulletin interviews with The whale stars Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink and others.
As this year draws to a close, you can check out what’s hitting theaters next year with ours Movie release schedule 2023 .
Source: Cinemablend
