Brendan Fraser underwent a significant transformation for his role in Darren Aronofsky's The Whale, leaving many viewers in awe. His impressive weight gain and overall stunning transformation caught the attention of the Academy, resulting in three Oscar nominations for the film in 2023. Despite being almost unrecognizable in The Whale, Brendan Fraser's past roles in successful 1990s movies solidified his status as one of the decade's top global stars. After taking a break from the spotlight, Fraser's career is now on a positive trajectory, with The Whale being just one of his exciting upcoming projects.
In The Whale, based on a play by Samuel D. Hunter, Brendan Fraser portrays Charlie, a 600-pound recluse who turns to binge-eating to cope with the guilt of leaving his family for his gay lover. While Fraser's transformation for the role is striking, he embodies Charlie's character flawlessly. Utilizing a prosthetic "fat suit" was part of the process to achieve his transformed figure, but it was not the sole method used. Due to the drastic change in appearance, many viewers were curious about how much weight Brendan Fraser actually gained for his role in The Whale.
What We Know About Brendan Fraser's Whale Movie Transformation
Brendan Fraser's Weight Gain In The Whale Was Achieved With A Combination Of Techniques
Brendan Fraser as Charlie in The Whale - Brendan Fraser's Weight Gain In The Whale Was Achieved With A Combination Of Techniques - What We Know About Brendan Fraser's Whale Movie Transformation
Brendan Fraser's weight gain in The Whale was achieved through a combination of make-up, prosthetics, and CGI. To portray his character, Fraser wore a fatsuit, which later underwent digital enhancements to make him appear to weigh 600 lbs. Fraser shared with Newsweek that the process of getting into character as Charlie was challenging due to the extensive and cumbersome wardrobe and costume. He emphasized the intricate details involved in bringing his character to life in The Whale.
" certainly far removed from anything I've ever done ."
Why Brendan Fraser's Whale Movie Transformation Is Divisive
Brendan Fraser's Appearance In The Whale Drew Accusations Of Fatphobia
Brendan Fraser in The Whale and The Mummy - Brendan Fraser's Appearance In The Whale Drew Accusations Of Fatphobia - Why Brendan Fraser's Whale Movie Transformation Is Divisive
The Whale is just one of the many roles marking Fraser's anticipated comeback. The role of Charlie, however, has sparked division.
Hollywood's treatment of Brendan Fraser has been no secret, with his career suffering a blow after he accused former HFPA president Phillip Berk of sexual assault. In The Whale, Fraser's portrayal of the 600-pound Charlie has led to controversy due to his weight gain, requiring prosthetics. Some critics have accused the film of fatphobia.
Brendan Fraser's Dramatic Transformation Helped The Whale's 2023 Oscar Chances
The potential for The Whale to offend was certainly high. The subject matter is sensitive for many and its approach needed to be carefully measured in order to dispel the justified concerns about the film. However, Fraser's own journey helped ease concerns about the sensitivity of The Whale. After fighting monsters in The Mummy movies, Brendan Fraser's career lull led to weight gain, and the actor was himself subjected to body-shaming. As a result, the actor's personal journey helped lend a more sympathetic tone to The Whale's story.
It Would Have Been Impossible For Fraser To Play Charlie In The Whale Without The Weight Gain
Brendan Fraser in The Whale - It Would Have Been Impossible For Fraser To Play Charlie In The Whale Without The Weight Gain - Brendan Fraser's Dramatic Transformation Helped The Whale's 2023 Oscar Chances
The Whale weight gain of Brendan Fraser caused some controversy, but his incredible transformation had a big impact on the 2023 Oscars. The film received a nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, thanks to Fraser's outstanding performance as Charlie, earning him his first Best Actor nomination. He faced tough competition, as seen at the Golden Globes where he was also nominated. Additionally, Hong Chau was recognized with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in The Whale.
Fraser decided not to attend the Golden Globes for personal reasons and lost to Austin Butler (Elvis). However, he did attend the Oscars and was honored with his first Best Actor win. Although Chau did not win against Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once), The Whale did receive the award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Despite not needing to undergo the weight gain for the role, Brendan Fraser was acknowledged by the Oscars for his exceptional performance and the team's skillful work on his appearance in the film.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the remarkable transformation Brendan Fraser underwent for his role in "The Whale," capturing the attention of viewers and earning him an Oscar nomination. Fraser's physical and emotional portrayal of Charlie, a 600-pound recluse, has been widely praised. The article also acknowledges the controversy surrounding Fraser's weight gain, with some critics accusing the film of promoting fatphobia. However, the article insists that Fraser's personal journey and the nuanced portrayal of the character have helped mitigate these concerns.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of Fraser's transformation and its impact on the film's success. It highlights the actor's dedication to his craft and the importance of his personal journey in shaping the character. The article also raises awareness of the sensitive nature of the subject matter and the potential for controversy, which has been addressed through Fraser's own experiences and the film's nuanced portrayal of the character.