On September 4, 2022, the film that marks Brendan Fraser’s return to Hollywood had its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival. Called The whale, the psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky marks the journey of Charlie, a lonely, isolated and reclusive English teacher of 600 pounds who is locked up after an unfortunate tragedy. The premise, based on the Broadway play titled The Same, follows Fraser’s character in a deeply personal, emotional, and thought-provoking setting.
It’s no surprise the film received a six-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. While Aronofsky’s films are tinged with unparalleled cinematic brilliance, as many of his fans can attest, The whale caused an important moment in Hollywood history. With Fraser’s return hailed as critics have nothing but praise for him, we stand before a shift in the industry that should have happened a long time ago.
Fraser’s famed acting expedition was not kind to him. There’s a reason the acclaimed figurehead of the 90s and early 2000s hasn’t been seen in the spotlight for years. While this is certainly a devastating story to tell, it shows the world that despite everything, the incredibly talented actor managed to triumph over the toilsome tribulations that befell him.
Brendan Fraser’s Hollywood Journey
When the well-deserved standing ovation for The whale happened, Brendan Fraser cried. It’s a testament to the love, adoration and warm welcome he received after years away from Hollywood. Fraser made his film debut in 1991 with a minor role in aerial combat. Whereas The Mummywhich came out in 1999, cemented the actor as one of Hollywood’s top talents, his first starring role in Encino Man earned him notable commercial success. Both the film and Fraser were given cult classic stature.
Things seemed to be going well for the critically acclaimed star. The late 90s and early 2000s brought some of the biggest hits of his career to the mainstream. Fraser quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most versatile players in the industry.
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Jumping from genre to genre, audiences appreciated and revered many facets of the actor. George of the Jungle, Still breathing, the mummy returns, The Quiet American, etc. — the eminent star seemed unstoppable. The sky was the limit and Brendan Fraser was there to say it.
Or so we thought.
Personal trials and tribulations
In a 2018 interview with GQ, Fraser mentioned how certain roles pushed him over the edge. In retrospect, as the actor himself said, he was “trying too hard, in a way that is destructive.” His films took physical toll on him, all thanks to the rigorous and challenging action stunts he had to pull off. Such experiences turned into years of pain, which eventually resulted in multiple surgeries.
Read more: Brendan Fraser makes comeback history for the ages as he receives a six-minute standing ovation for his unforgettable performance in The Whale
The actor had to undergo a laminectomy, partial knee replacement and repair of his vocal cords. As the actor claims, he has been a constant visitor to hospitals for almost seven consecutive years.
Additionally, the actor opened up about something that had haunted him for years; something he couldn’t talk about because of the risk of humiliation. Fraser alleged that in 2003, former Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Philip Berk sexually assaulted him. To that, Berk had an answer: “Mr. Fraser’s version is a total fabrication. This heartbreaking experience had plunged the famous actor into depression. He felt “lonely”, as he retired from fame which caused excruciating pain.
He also wondered if the HFPA ended up demoting him, as he was rarely invited to the Golden Globes after the incident in 2023.
Things never quite ended there. Brendan Fraser also went through a divorce from his ex-wife Afton Smith and came to terms with the death of his mother. An amalgam of life-altering experiences led the actor to step away from the public eye.
A new dawn
Read more: ‘I built muscles I didn’t know I had’: Brendan Fraser explains why he took a huge risk playing a 600-pound overweight character in his ‘Oscar Worthy’ movie ‘The Whale”
2022 marks the return of Brendan Fraser. Say The whale sparked a critical taste that no other would be an understatement. It follows a premise so personal, yet so delicately manipulated. It’s inspiring and provides a cinematic experience that requires deep thought. With people praising Fraser for his raw, authentic, and deeply moving performance, the actor’s future looks bright.
Regardless of any industry, across the spectrum of society, men have faced constant ridicule for recounting their experiences of sexual assault. They have been mocked and ridiculed for years. Such cases of invalidating their trauma were commonplace. It still is, undeniably.
But to say that the world does not change would be a lie. Fraser’s ultra-successful return to Hollywood is a testament to changing perceptions of the industry. The world deeply adores the actor, seeking nothing but deep fulfillment and unreserved happiness.
Needless to say, Brendan Fraser was born to make history. And this time, without a doubt, he’s here to stay.
The whale is set to release on December 9, 2022.
