Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Rating: 4 ½ stars
"The Whale" is a beautifully crafted film that tackles complex themes such as loss, grief, and redemption. Directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser, the movie tells the story of Charlie, a morbidly obese man who is trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter before his health fails him. The film is a poignant and deeply moving exploration of human emotions and relationships that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.
From the very beginning, the film immerses viewers into Charlie's world. The opening shot features Fraser's character, Charlie, struggling to breathe while performing everyday tasks such as washing himself or getting dressed. From the beginning the audience can see that Charlie’s time is almost over as he practically has a heart attack while watching a lewd video and is only saved by a passing missionary who Charlie instructs to read an essay about Moby Dick that Charlie beforehand was trying to recite to calm his heart. Through this powerful visual imagery, Aronofsky successfully captures the struggles of an obese person, and it's impossible not to empathize with Charlie's plight. Charlie is a sympathetic character, and Fraser's nuanced performance perfectly captures the character's pain, both physical and emotional. Fraser committed to the role by wearing a massive 300 pound prosthetic body suit to play the role of Charlie, and it's a testament to his dedication as an actor. His portrayal of Charlie is heartbreaking and authentic, and it's hard not to feel a deep connection with the character.
The supporting cast, which includes Hong Chau as Charlie's nurse and friend Liz, who also delivers a solid performance. Chau’s character is an integral part of the film, providing Charlie with the emotional support he needs to confront his demons after the passing of his boyfriend Alan to suicide. Her character is kind yet sassy and compassionate, and her presence is a source of comfort for Charlie. The film's secondary characters, including Charlie's ex-wife and daughter, who are also well developed and add depth to the story.
Charlie’s estranged daughter Ellie is a 17-year old girl who hasn't seen her father Charlie since he left her and her mother for one of his students, Alan. Rightfully so, she has grown to become angry and resentful of the world and in the beginning of the film, she shows some disturbing habits such as verbally abusing and extorting Charlie so that he can try to salvage his relationship with her before he dies within the week. The relationship between Charlie and his daughter Ellie is hard to watch as while the viewer can sympathize with Ellie’s feelings of abandonment and anger, yet it's heartbreaking to see how Charlie takes this behavior and brushes it off because he knows what he did to Ellie was wrong and it's essentially his fault that she turned out this way. A father’s love for his daughter is clearly seen in the film as despite all of Ellie’s faults, Charlie still sees her as a shining light in his life and sees her potential.
The cinematography is one of the standout features of "The Whale". Aronofsky makes excellent use of close-up shots to highlight the characters' emotions, while also showcasing the vast Alaskan landscape in all its beauty. The film's score is equally impressive, with haunting melodies that heighten the emotional impact of the story. The cinematography and score work together seamlessly to create a sense of intimacy and connection with the characters.
At its core, "The Whale" is a deeply moving film that delves into themes of loss and redemption. Charlie is a man who has lost everything – his boyfriend, wife, his daughter, and his health. He is searching for meaning and purpose in his life, and his journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The film tackles complex issues such as food addiction, mental health, and obesity, and it does so with sensitivity and nuance. The film's message is one of hope, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.
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