Darren Aronofsky’s adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter’s award-winning 2012 play brilliantly showcases Brendan Fraser’s phenomenal talent. Returning to the screen in his first major acting role in 12 years, Fraser plays Charlie, a 600-pound English teacher who wants to reconnect with his daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink) before he dies.
From starring in films such as George of the Jungle and The Mummy and now to his role as Charlie, it is undeniable that Fraser has undergone a major shift in not only his appearance but his acting style. It’s not hard to see why he received a 6-minute standing ovation at the London Film Festival screening – he injects the much-needed empathy and authenticity into this otherwise cold film.
Aronofsky makes so many attempts to make the audience view Charlie as repulsive at the start of the film that it’s inevitable that his better qualities will soon emerge. The visual approach, with the murky, dim interior and 4:3 aspect ratio feels claustrophobic and crams Charlie into the frame and with him, the audience.
While the pouring in of light at the end of the film may appear obvious to some, there is no denying that it is powerful and a stark contrast to Charlie’s life spent hidden away in the very room the film takes place in, not even turning on the camera for his students to see what he looks like.
This is not to say that the film is entirely perfect – Ellie’s redemption arc seems somewhat forced by the end of the film and her character lacks the depth that Aronofsky pours so well into Charlie and Liz (Hong Chau).
The translation from stage to screen does not necessarily land in every regard – Fraser’s warmth is sometimes overshadowed by a feeling of stiltedness, and the extended monologues that accompany a screenplay take away from the realism and honesty that Aronofsky so clearly aims for. The film’s theatrical origins are what brings the film down the most, with the cold colour palette and the lack of visual variety eventually becoming somewhat stale.
Despite these minor setbacks, The Whale is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you in a mess of tears. After many years away, Fraser’s innate likeability and the reality of his past shines through to create a performance that sticks with you hours after leaving the cinema. Brendan Fraser absolutely deserves all the praise he has received from this performance and I hope to see more of him in the limelight soon.
The Whale, if nothing else, serves as a brilliant 115-minute acting showcase for Brendan Fraser’s incredible talents. Is there a better way to come back to the big screen than that?
4/5