From the 4:3 aspect ratio to the murky lighting to the claustrophobic set dressing, Darren Aronofsky does not want you to comfortably acclimate yourself to experiencing The Whale. The amazing performance by Brendan Fraser as lead Charlie does little to let your emotions off the hook as well.
This film is never tranquil in its intent or its execution. It’s based on a play of the same name written by Samuel D. Hunter (who also penned the screenplay). It tells the story of Charlie a morbidly obese man who is so damaged by losing the one he loved, he is eating himself to death.
In his mind, his fate is sealed and in the last moments of his life, he tries to make a connection with his daughter Ellie, played with venomous intensity by Sadie Sink. She is truly awful but Charlie sees only the good in her and still feels deep guilt over abandoning her and her mother when she was a young child.
Aronofsky builds in so much discomfort with his creative choices, you are never left at ease. Fraser’s performance is a master class in delivering emotion with a minimal amount of body activity. His sad puppy dog eyes will tear out your heart. This is not easy to digest cinema but for those that are up for the challenge, it creates real and visceral emotions.
Rob Hudson
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