I recently rented “The Whale” off Amazon Prime. I had no idea what the backstory was to the movie other than it had Brendan Fraser in it and it was about a man that was 600 pounds. I knew that Fraser was nominated for an academy award for his performance and that this was his debut after a hiatus.
I must tell you that I have always loved Brendan Fraser and that I was heartbroken over what happened to him years ago. For those that do not know, he had an unwelcomed groping incident back in 2003 by Philip Berk, the former president, and member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Fraser admits he became depressed after and his career declined.
“Fraser gives the performance of a lifetime.” (Time Out)
— The Whale (@TheWhaleMov) December 14, 2022
Watch the new trailer for Darren Aronofsky’s #TheWhale, opening in theaters nationwide December 21. Tickets on sale now ⟶ https://t.co/srxC4eeqbX pic.twitter.com/F3O3PaatYk
The movie “The Whale” was labeled as Fraser’s comeback. I rented it without hesitation. I knew that he had a 300-pound body suit to depict the character of 600-pound Charlie. I was in shock mode within the first few minutes of the movie. To the point where I felt like the movie was ruined. Charlie, played by Fraser, was sitting in his apartment struggling to reach climax while porn was on his TV. Clearly, it was two men together on the TV.
At the same time, Charlie is also having heart issues from his “activities” and thinks he is going to die. At the very same moment, there is a knock on the door and a young man enters his home to help Charlie, hearing he is in distress. The TV still has porn playing and Charlie is begging the young man to read him something. It is an essay that has importance throughout the movie.
The young man is reading the essay to Charlie in an attempt to help him even though this situation is beyond disturbing. He appears very caring and non-judgmental in the situation. The puzzle pieces are not clear at this point except that you are aware that Charlie is most likely gay, overweight, and struggling with health issues. The young man is made out to be very genuine and is really there with the hopes of helping.
The rest of the movie is very touching. After spending most of the movie hoping no more inappropriate behavior is coming you realize Charlie’s backstory. He was a married man (to a woman) and had a daughter. He was an English teacher and ended up falling in love with one of his college students who happen to be a man. He ended up leaving his wife who did not allow Charlie to see his daughter after that.
Charlie stayed connected with his ex-wife, paid child support, and asked about his daughter often. He seemed to care very much for his daughter even though he was not allowed to see her. His partner ended up passing away during their relationship and Charlie was heartbroken. This is where gluttony enters the movie.
Charlie becomes depressed, and gives up on himself other than teaching online to his students where he always keeps the camera off. His passion for writing shines through in the way he teaches and the way he begs his students for honesty in their assignments. He lives a very reclusive life by having food delivered and never stepping foot outside his apartment.
“Brendan, Sadie, Hong, Sam and Ty’s performances…You’re swept away and taken somewhere else for two hours.” Director @DarrenAronofsky on #TheWhale‘s powerful ensemble 🌟 Now available on demand. pic.twitter.com/MzPj5mZecb
— The Whale (@TheWhaleMov) March 3, 2023
There are so many emotions in this movie. It hits on religious ideologies, friendship, forgiveness, and trauma just to name a few subjects. Fraser along with all his costars portrays emotion so well in this movie. There are lots of twists and ah-hah moments. It was disturbing yet moving and heart-wrenching. It is not a movie that I will forget.
“At the end of the day, this story is about five different people desperately trying to save one another in flawed ways, but in very earnest ways.” The filmmakers and cast of #TheWhale on finding empathy and humanity in every character 🤍
— The Whale (@TheWhaleMov) February 28, 2023
Now available on demand! pic.twitter.com/AobV4OyUbC
Yet, the whole movie I was still disturbed by the opening scene. I can hear the arguments being that they had to show that he was gay and show the desperate nature of his well-being. However, I must disagree with how it was done. This could have been a movie that anybody could have watched and benefitted from. Not only could they have watched it, but it is one of those life-lesson movies where you walk away in deep thought. They could have portrayed those things in a different way than what they chose for the opening scene.
I am so disappointed at how Hollywood is going for shock factor and jading the eyes of innocent viewers. There are so many movies that I watch where I feel, “That could have been a great movie if they would have left the sexual undertones, jokes, and shock moments out.” I am not a prude and realize some people enjoy that. I know some movies cannot go without that type of direction, but this was not needed.
Brendan Fraser is still amazing. I applaud the undertone of life lessons in the movie. I do wish the blatant sexual nature whether gay or straight was left out, especially in such a great movie. I hope Brendan continues to entertain us in future movies with his exceptional skills and charisma and I hope he continues to heal from his past.
Let us know your thoughts.
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