It’s more than prosthetics. More than the comeback. Brendan Fraser’s work as Charlie in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” is a profound performance for the ages. The A-list star that brought us …
” is a profound performance for the ages. The A-list star that brought us “The Mummy” and “Encino Man” goes above and beyond the calling of an actor, showcasing the vulnerability of a broken, 600-pound man. Like Aronofsky’s resurrection of Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” , Fraser rises delivers one of the best performances of the year. “The Whale” will surely land him an Oscar nomination for best actor.
Fraser’s persona and admiration are just as affecting as his popularity with global fans. When the film premiered in Venice, as captured in a viral video shot by, the actor burst into tears after receiving an enthusiastic six-minute standing ovation. With the film making its North American debut in Toronto, the 53-year-old actor’s place is solidified in the best actor Oscar race that will have him going toe-to-toe with Hugh Jackman and Colin Farrell .
An adapted screenplay nom for Hunter will depend on the overall reaction to the film. At times the movie does feel very much like a play, pressing hard in big dramatic moments between characters that likely work brilliantly onstage, but in a film, they don’t always pop. The viewer is a fly-on-the-wall in the story, and we bear witness to Charlie’s attempt at redemption and connection. If the Academy can feel that, Hunter’s nom will be assured.