Brendan Fraser's performance in The Whale has been one of the most talked about aspects of awards season and the acclaim is well deserved. Directed by Darren Aronofsky from a screenplay by Samuel D. Hunter, The Whale is adapted from Hunter’s play of the same name, and is a reminder of how gifted an actor Fraser truly is. Now, Fraser's crowd-pleasing Hollywood comeback story has become all the more satisfying as he has received an Oscar nomination for his performance in The Whale.
Believe the hype surrounding Brendan Fraser's performance in The Whale — the actor really is that good in the film. Much of the film’s content has been overshadowed by Fraser's lauded performance, and deservedly so since many believe it to be the greatest strength of The Whale's film adaptation. Fraser has not just received considerable praise for his turn as Charlie, but there's also a chance that he could win an Oscar for his performance, which would be huge for his career moving forward.
Why Brendan Fraser's Performance In The Whale Is So Good
The Whale is set up a lot like a stage play, in which Charlie's house is really the only set used in the film. Charlie's movement is also restricted throughout, and Brendan Fraser conveys the nuances of his character’s emotions through his eyes, face, and tone of voice. This isn’t an easy feat for any actor, but Fraser’s expressive eyes go a long way in portraying Charlie’s heartache, joy, frustration, and desperation. Fraser does a lot with the material, and it’s through his intonation, which sometimes reflects the opposite of what his eyes are implying, and the gentleness with which he handles Charlie’s journey that truly stands out.
Fraser’s portrayal of Charlie is empathetic, sensitive, and compassionate. It’s a transformative performance that sees him exploring Charlie on a deeper level than The Whale perhaps calls for. Fraser has always been a talented actor, but the limitations of Aronofsky's set allow Fraser to fully commit to a physical performance, unimpeded beyond the emotion fueling his character. The Whale is a character drama, and the script relies on Fraser bringing Charlie’s vulnerability and humanity to the surface. Fraser does so with an intensity that delicately conveys every breathtaking feeling, bringing the audience into Charlie's world. Fraser doesn’t simply embody the role he’s in, he evokes a feeling audiences can latch onto as well.
Will Brendan Fraser Win An Oscar For The Whale?
When the movie was still on the film festival circuit, Brendan Fraser's performance in The Whale was one of the buzz-worthy subjects. As awards season has kicked in, Fraser is still at the forefront when it comes to conversations surrounding the Best Actor category. A number of film critics associations, including the Critics Choice Association, have nominated Fraser for Best Actor. The beloved actor was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor (though Fraser refused to attend the ceremony despite the nomination).
The amount of accolades Fraser has received for his work in The Whale makes it unsurprising that he secured his first Oscar nomination for his performance. However, Fraser may not win the Oscar considering the buzz surrounding his performance has not only tapered off, but a plethora of other actors have come to the forefront in the race for Best Actor. That includes Colin Farrell for his performance in The Banshees of Inisherin and Austin Butler for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis. The controversy surrounding The Whale, which picked up steam following the Venice Film Festival, may also negatively affect Fraser’s potential Oscar win.
How The Whale Begins Brendan Fraser's Comeback
It’s not that The Whale is Brendan Fraser’s first film in a long time — the actor has been working consistently for the last several years — but it is his first major role in a film that is receiving awards recognition on this scale. With The Whale, Fraser's performance served as a reminder of what he was capable of as an actor, and the film reignited the spark and rejuvenated the energy surrounding the performer and his acting abilities. The Whale could be a turning point precisely because he is being noticed on a bigger platform.
The film could mark the next chapter in Fraser's career, and it's possible he will be considered for meatier roles in the future; Darren Aronofsky's movie more than proved the actor capable of handling nuance and complexity so seamlessly, and there’s no doubt other filmmakers have also taken notice. Fraser has already landed a role in Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, in which he will star Leonardo DiCaprio, and more major roles will likely soon follow. All the awards buzz surrounding The Whale has helped Fraser back into the spotlight after years of doing films that garnered little attention. It’s about time for a "Brenaissance."
Fraser's Oscar Nomination Is More Than Just A Comeback Story
Brendan Fraser's performance in The Whale didn't earn an Oscar nomination just because Hollywood loves a comeback story. The Whale may be the most important role in Fraser's career at this point, and it certainly did off the actor the opportunity to remind the world of his talents. It is also true that the story surrounding his comeback has been charming. He is an actor everyone has liked for years and his off-screen persona seemed to make him even more likable. After missing him in movies for so long, it is a thrill to see him return in such an acclaimed way.
However, putting aside Brendan Fraser's own story, his performance deserves to be recognized on its own merits. Had Fraser remained in the spotlight and made more movies in The Mummy franchise, his performance in The Whale would be just as staggering. The vulnerability he communicates in his performance is impressive. It feels like a performance Fraser was always capable of giving but only now has been given the chance to show. Regardless of whether Fraser ends up winning Best Actor, his performance deserves to be remembered beyond his admittedly satisfying comeback story while also serving as a reminder of how nice it is to have Brendan Fraser back in movies.