The film that won Brendan Fraser an Oscar, ‘The Whale,’ premiered at the Keene State Putnam Theatre from March 24 to 27.
Based on Samuel D. Hunter’s play ‘The Whale,’ the film was directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton.
The film follows a man, played by Fraser, named Charlie accepting the condition he put himself in and reconciles his past mistakes while trying to make situations right in the present.
What I liked about this film are the aesthetic, the score, and the dialogue. Also, the film has an interesting discussion of religions and cults.
Additionally, the film dealt with Charlie knowing he is going to die from the condition he is in and not wanting to go to a hospital. As a viewer, you see how the condition progresses for Charlie and how he lives his daily life.
Charlie also has a friend who is a nurse and checks in on him and wants the best for him but simultaneously enables him with his addiction.
This film is an emotional ride. Throughout the film, the dialogue brings up moments from his past that come to life and how he deals with them. For example, Charlie abandoned his family and daughter, Ellie, played by Sink, to pursue a same-sex relationship with a power dynamic involved.
The performance Sink brings is wonderful and you feel for her as well. One of the relationships Charlie is trying to reconcile is in the present. Their dialogue tells the story, especially in moments of conflict between Fraser and Sink.
This was the first Aronofsky film that I have seen, as I have heard great things about his film ‘Requiem For A Dream.’ I was impressed by the direction and aesthetic choices that were made. I also loved how the meaning of the title plays out throughout the film where you
wonder what it refers to before going in and afterward, understanding the meaning of the title of the film.
For a film that had one location, Charlie’s apartment and the narrative going on through the days of this week of his life left, you feel for him. I also like the location of Idaho as the setting because of the wide shots of the state. Great usage of space.
When I was younger, I was a fan of “The Mummy” trilogy and Fraser. It was wonderful to see him in a role like this. Additionally, I am a fan of Sink in ‘Stranger Things.’
What I liked about this film is the buzz around it and, honestly, not knowing much about the story going into it. It was an interesting and thought-provoking drama and also had some humor.
Many films are adaptations of other creative works, and I am glad Hunter’s play was made into this film, as I thoroughly enjoyed it and think it was Fraser’s best performance in years.
Shawn Belden can be contacted at
sbelden@kscequinox.com
