Brendan Fraser Makes a Triumphant Return to Acting Success with The Whale
Brendan Fraser’s much-awaited comeback appearance in The Whale has caused quite a stir in Tinseltown, with nominations flooding in for the actor’s exceptional performance. The Whale premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2022 and received a six-minute standing ovation, leaving audiences and critics gasping for breath.
In Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale, Brendan Fraser plays the role of Charlie, a morbidly obese online English instructor who tries to make amends with his estranged daughter as his life hangs in the balance. The movie boasts an incredible cast, including Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, and Ty Simpkins.
The most talked-about aspect of the film is undoubtedly Brendan Fraser’s incredible physical transformation, as he puts on 600 pounds to play the role of Charlie. Fraser’s dedication and commitment to his craft are more than evident in his performance, which has earned him rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. In fact, Fraser won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Charlie in The Whale, while the makeup team won an award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
But how did Brendan Fraser prepare for this role? While the rumors of the actor gaining 600 pounds for the role are false, it is true that he went through a remarkable physical transformation. Fraser relied on a fat suit and prosthetics designed by Adrien Morot, who has also worked on The Revenant and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
“That was the biggest challenge I’ve ever had in my career,” Morot admitted to Vanity Fair about Fraser’s prosthetic makeup. “I always try to do makeup that is subtle and unnoticeable. It should be like, ‘What? This actor was wearing prosthetics? I just thought I hadn’t seen him in a few years.’”
Additionally, Fraser’s role as Charlie required him to be immobile and to rely on assistance whenever he stood, sat, or was transported from the studio to the makeup room. Fraser’s time spent on makeup initially ranged from five to six hours, but was ultimately cut to two to three.
Although Brendan Fraser did not gain a lot of weight for his role in The Whale, it is no secret that he struggled with his physical and mental health in the past. The actor suffered from depression, body dysmorphia, and other challenges with his self-image due to the unattainable body standards created by media portrayals.
Fraser’s flexibility as an actor has been praised by many, and he has been nominated for several awards for his work. Unfortunately, Fraser’s career hit a snag over the past few years as he took time away from the spotlight to recover from injuries sustained on the third Mummy film. The actor needed extensive medical attention, including a laminectomy, vocal cord replacement, a partial knee replacement, and operations on his back to bolt together several compressed spinal cushions. It took him seven years to fully recover from these health issues.
However, what may have affected him the most was a 2003 scandal involving abuse. Fraser felt sexually assaulted when Philip Berk, the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, squeezed his butt during a gathering. Although Berk insisted it was a joke, the incident affected Fraser’s career and wealth.
After being one of the highest-paid performers in the industry during his prime, Fraser’s net worth was cut in half due to several health difficulties that required him to take an extended break from his work. Moreover, Fraser became involved in several legal battles, including one against the Hollywood Forum Press Association.
Despite all of these obstacles, Brendan Fraser’s meteoric ascent to fame has been nothing short of remarkable. He has consistently gained headlines since the media’s favored term, Brenaissance, was coined. The actor has bounced back from his health struggles and weight gain, as evidenced by his svelte appearance at this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards.
Social media has praised Fraser’s recovery, with many emphasizing that his rise to success is a demonstration of strength and empowerment. Fraser’s candidness about his troubles has resonated with others who suffer from body dysmorphia and other mental health issues.
In conclusion, Brendan Fraser’s comeback appearance in The Whale has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, reaffirming his place as a versatile and dedicated actor. His physical transformation and outstanding performance in the film have earned him critical acclaim, while his resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity have become a source of inspiration for many.
