Some stars have to rise a second time in the Hollywood sky so that the star machine understands what they have in them. Some of them are fighting tooth and nail for this comeback. And if they absolutely deserve it, as in this case, leave it alone Tears don’t just roll down in the film.
Brendan Fraser’s second spring with his Oscar-winning performance in The Whale is probably one of the most touching Hollywood stories of recent years. A united Internet stood behind him, held him accountable, and collectively freaked out when he finally got his hands on the gold man. Justified? Oh yes. See for yourself – it just so happens that the subscription to Amazon Prime is starting today.
In The Whale on Amazon Prime, an isolated Brendan Fraser desperately searches for a connection to the outside world
Charlie (Fraser) doesn’t leave his apartment. He never leaves her. He spends his days on the sofa and in front of the refrigerator, on his laptop as an online lecturer, and in front of the television. Almost always alone. His nurse and best friend Liz (Hong Chau) only comes by every now and then to check on his vitals. Because Charlie weighs almost 300 kilograms and refuses to be treated in the hospital.
Eight years ago, Charlie almost all bridges burned and left his old life behind as husband to Mary (Samantha Morton) and father to the then eight-year-old Ellie (Sadie Sink). But now he wants to try to become a part of his daughter’s life again. To be there for her, even if it’s just by writing her school essays for her.
At least he wants to help her with her school leaving certificate. But Ellie is reserved, stubborn and anything but interested in this new contact. She is angry and hurtafter all, he just left her alone back then. But Charlie doesn’t let up. So Ellie reluctantly becomes a regular guest in his isolated apartment and the two begin to get closer.
Brendan Fraser will break your heart in The Whale – and that’s a good thing
Fraser’s acting performance in The Whale earned him a comeback and an Oscar for Best Actor. And that is exactly what carries the film from the first to the last second. Charlie is like that incredibly complex portrayed characterthat it really awakens every possible emotion in us.
He is pitiable, but his stubbornness makes you incredibly angry. He is almost naive in his optimism and casually shatters hopes when he is gripped by cynicism. He stands up for himself while giving himself up, desperate but determined. He’s even funny. Just a human being. Played humanely, sensitively felt. An emotional hell ride.
Over the almost two-hour running time, Fraser really puts us through the emotional wringer. Anyone who has even a little empathy will sympathize. Together with a fantastic Chau and a vulnerable Sink, Fraser holds us captive. An achievement that proves how film can magically captivate us, painful as it is. A performance that you have to see for yourself.
If you need to have a good cry again or just want to experience Fraser’s Oscar performance live, you can now do so with a streaming subscription on Amazon Prime.
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