Brendan Fraser shares emotional response to the overwhelmingly positive reception for his new role as reclusive English teacher, Charlie, in Darren Aronofsky's The Whale. Set to release in December this year, The Whale is being touted as a triumphant return to the big-screen for Fraser. The star was once a prolific Hollywood leading man and he is regarded with a fond legacy from his fans for his roles in films like The Mummy. Despite his evident on-screen charisma and comedic timing, which made him incredibly popular throughout his early career, a regrettable string of personal issues, which included Fraser being an alleged victim of abuse to former HFPA president Philip Berk, Fraser's on-screen appearances became less frequent throughout the late 2000s and 2010s.
Starring in Aranofsky's new drama, in which the obese Charlie attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Fraser marks his return to cinema. It is a moment many of his fans have longed for and the popularity Fraser garnered from his early performances still clearly resonates with large audiences. More than simply seeing him on-screen again, Fraser's return symbolizes a triumphant comeback against the trauma he has faced and the hopeful life still within reach for survivors of abuse. Thus far, The Whale has received mostly positive reviews and got a six-minute standing-ovation at London Film Festival.
During an interview with Variety, Fraser details the entirely new emotions he's felt while seeing the critical reception of the film. The star has clearly been touched by audience reactions to his on-screen return and is pleased by the positive impact The Whale is having before its full release. See exactly what Fraser had to say below:
It felt so affirming...I was emotional because it was acknowledgment that what we did is making an impact. And that kind of response feels completely new in my professional life.
Will Brendan Fraser Win Best Actor For The Whale?
Not only must The Whale be an emotional return for Fraser after the issues he has suffered within the industry, welcomed back by an adoring fan-base, but also it marks a moment in his professional career in which he feels he is making a positive impact off the screen as well. Targeting issues regarding weight-related health and inter-familial conflict, The Whale will certainly be attempting to balance some pretty heavy themes. Fraser's awareness of this and focus on trying to make a positive impact speak volumes to the star's dedication to this new role and may have a big effect come award season.
Having already bagged the Best Actor award from the Toronto International Film Festival, Fraser is creating significant Oscar buzz surrounding his performance. Aronofsky has been behind the camera for an Oscar considered comeback before, Mickey Rourke being nominated for his deeply moving portrayal of the fragmented Randy Robinson in The Wrestler. Potentially going one step further, this comeback could end in gold for both star and director alike. Though, regardless of whether this victory comes to fruition, one thing is clear: audiences are excited to see a beloved star like Fraser back and the man himself seems grateful for such a reception. Applause for The Whale aside, such an inspiring return from Fraser, in the face of severe strife, is worth a standing-ovation of its own. Come awards season, people may just get the chance to show their appreciation again.
Source: Variety