Brendan Fraser Responds to Whale Controversy Amidst Oscar Hype

Brendan Fraser replies modestly to criticisms surrounding The Whale despite the overwhelming Oscar hype surrounding the film.

The movie, which is based on Samuel D. Hunter’s play, features Fraser as a 600-pound English teacher trying to reconcile with his daughter after leaving his wife and daughter for his deceased gay partner. It delves into themes of sorrow, culpability and penitence. However, the film has sparked controversy due to its portrayal of the lead character’s obesity, resulting in divided opinions among viewers.

During the bustling awards season, Brendan Fraser sat down with the Los Angeles Times to discuss his Oscar nomination for his role in The Whale.

When questioned about the criticisms that the movie has received for its portrayal of obesity, Fraser gave a modest reply and shared the encouragement he received while filming.

Here’s what he said –

I respect those who don’t see eye to eye with the aims of this film. I don’t agree with them because I know that there’s no ill intent. I know I want to know if I — me, Brendan — have done any harm. But the answer I got from the OAC was, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing.’ We made the movie we wanted to make, and we made it correctly. And I stand by that.

Brendan Fraser

Even before its much-awaited release, The Whale had already ignited discussions about Brendan Fraser’s portrayal of the central character, particularly his use of prosthetics to depict Charlie’s obesity, which some considered to perpetuate the trope of overweight individuals constantly binge eating.

However, director Darren Aronofsky has repeatedly defended the film, arguing that he and Hunter aimed for a compassionate portrayal of the character, which he believes is more respectful than other depictions of overweight individuals in the media.

Fraser, on the other hand, has criticized the current fatphobic representations of people like Charlie in the media and has refused to refer to his prosthetics as a “fat suit.” Despite the controversy surrounding it, Brendan Fraser’s performance in The Whale remains a front-runner during this awards season, leading many to speculate if it will make a splash at the Oscars.

The Academy Awards has experienced its fair share of controversy over the last few years, and this year is no different, with Andrea Riseborough also facing backlash after receiving an Oscar nomination due to her grassroots campaign, although the Academy has confirmed that she will be allowed to keep it.

Last month, Brendan Fraser missed out on the Golden Globe for his leading role in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which was won by Austin Butler. Nonetheless, the actor remains a strong contender in the awards race.

In recent weeks, Fraser has won both the SAG and Critics’ Choice Awards for his performance in The Whale. Given his well-known strained relationship with the Golden Globes, the recognition he has received elsewhere increases his chances of winning the Oscar. However, it remains to be seen if a win for Fraser in The Whale will help alleviate criticisms or amplify them further.

About The Whale

The Whale is a 2022 American psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Samuel D. Hunter, based on his 2012 play of the same name.

It stars Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton. In the film, a reclusive English teacher with morbid obesity tries to restore his relationship with his teenage daughter, after having left them for his gay partner who passed away shortly after.