Darren Aronofksy's The Whale with Brendan Fraser

[Stringer]

The comparison is the media narrative to elevate its awards potential. You said that it's a comeback narrative, how legitimate does that make the performance? Also, just because a film hits all the usual notes the Academy loves to recognize doesn't justify a films nomination.

 

[DarkKnight88]

I think people are more seeing the Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler situation, not least of all because of the same filmmaker involved.

Also, we all know Brendan Fraser for his physical peak performances in Encino Man, George of the Jungle and The Mummy. Seeing him here is such a change.

 

[Stringer]

If that's what's happening here then I'm on board.

 

[CaptainWagner]

I think people are more seeing the Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler situation, not least of all because of the same filmmaker involved.

Also, we all know Brendan Fraser for his physical peak performances in Encino Man, George of the Jungle and The Mummy. Seeing him here is such a change.

Yeah, if any recent awards run is analogous to Fraser here, it's Rourke. Big difference being that while Rourke had burnt a lot of bridges, Fraser is pretty universally loved. (Some of that surely performative from people who were tangentially complicit in his blacklisting, but most seems genuine)

Hugh Jackman/Sean Penn then is the higher profile star from the big studio-backed film. But at least this time around, either way the winner will be a complex dramatic character study rather than a generic biopic like we've been inundated with for a while.

 

[Boom]

So this will be interesting to watch. The film itself is getting polarizing reviews so far (69 on MetaCritic with 16 reviews so far), but Fraser is getting a lot of love. Basic vibe is, "The movie is meh, but go Brendan." One video of him breaking down during the ovation has millions of views.

All things equal, I think the response to the film is too weak for him to win. But the outpour of support is undeniable. Is that enough to break precedent?

 

[Drizzle]

So this will be interesting to watch. The film itself is getting polarizing reviews so far (69 on MetaCritic with 16 reviews so far), but Fraser is getting a lot of love. Basic vibe is, "The movie is meh, but go Brendan." One video of him breaking down during the ovation has millions of views.

All things equal, I think the response to the film is too weak for him to win. But the outpour of support is undeniable. Is that enough to break precedent?

It's a little too early to tell but if he gets enough traction for his performance then I don't think it'll matter if the movie isn't universally praised. After all, Rami Malek won for Bohemian Rhapsody and Joaquin Phoenix won for Joker and even though those were also nominated for Best Picture and generally well-received by audiences, both of those films had a lukewarm reception from critics at best.

 

[-Arya-]

The RT is decent for now @ 85%

 

[Shinobi Shaw]

Yeah I’m rooting for Brendan Fraser. Had no idea the reason why we haven’t seen him in a good while is because he had the guts to speak out against Hollywood abuse.

Always liked him.

 

[Drizzle]

There's also the thing where even if you take his sympathetic life story out of the equation, I think people just miss seeing Fraser in movies. I know I do. Sure, not everything he did was a grand slam but he was still fun to watch.

 

[DarkKnight88]

It's a little too early to tell but if he gets enough traction for his performance then I don't think it'll matter if the movie isn't universally praised. After all, Rami Malek won for Bohemian Rhapsody and Joaquin Phoenix won for Joker and even though those were also nominated for Best Picture and generally well-received by audiences, both of those films had a lukewarm reception from critics at best.

Even more than that was Rene Zellweger winning Best Actress for Judy which I don’t think anyone remembers even the year it came out lol

 

[Drizzle]

Even more than that was Rene Zellweger winning Best Actress for Judy which I don’t think anyone remembers even the year it came out lol

I'm not gonna lie, I forgot that even happened and it was only two years ago.

 

[Kane52630]

It's a nice performance but oh so forgettable.

 

[Shinobi Shaw]

Even more than that was Rene Zellweger winning Best Actress for Judy which I don’t think anyone remembers even the year it came out lol

She deserved that Oscar though. That movie may have came and went, but she did Judy justice.

 

[GREEN =w= DAY]

So happy to see all the love Brendan Fraser has been getting. Guy deserves to have his comeback

 

[Boom]

More strong marks for King Fraser out of the Toronto International Film Festival. He received a five-minute standing ovation (supposedly the longest of any given at the festival so far).

Brendan Fraser’s ‘The Whale’ performance leaves Toronto audience in tears: ‘Your man to beat’ in Oscar race

 

[Pennywise]

'The Whale': “Brenaissance” Continues at TIFF as Brendan Fraser Receives Tribute Award

 

[Doctor Jones]

Brenaissance

 

[DarkKnight88]

I'll be honest, part of me gets excited thinking this might also get us closer to that Disney+ Encino Man sequel!

Directed by Darren Aronosfky, of course, buuu-ddy!

 

[Pennywise]

 

[Boom]

 

[Pennywise]

I’m going to definitely be crying while watching the film!

 

[Kane52630]

 

[Closerframe]

Aronofsky destroyed me with Requiem for a Dream and The Fountain so I can only imagine what I’m in for with this.

 

[Luigi]

The Wrestler, round two. Have no doubt that it's going to be just as heartbreaking.

 

[Elayis]

This makes three religious films in a row for Aronofsky, not too crazy about that. After hating mother! I'm still not even sure if I'll catch this in theaters.