The Whale Broke Me (Not In a Good Way) | Movie Review
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- Опубліковано 22 гру 2022
- Brendan Fraser gives the performance of his career as a 600 pound man trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter. A24's The Whale is the latest from cult favorite filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and one of my most anticipated films of the fall. Well, I saw The Whale... and it broke me (not in a good way). Here's my video review. Have you seen The Whale? Let me know in the comments below!
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Have you seen THE WHALE? Let me know what you thought of the film!
I loved the film. To me, it wasn’t about Charlie’s weight but rather about the devastating impact of homophobia. It was about how religion can destroy people’s lives. Charlie is a compassionate, intelligent and loving human being. His quote: “People can’t not care” sums it up. I couldn’t help but think how different his life would be if he had lived in New York City or Boston where his sexuality would be much more excepted.
I really wanted to like it but watching the daughter berate her father over and over again was just exhausting and way overdone. BF did wonderfully but nothing else about it was up to the level of his performance.
I was so excited to see Brendan Fraser in a starring role once again. Maybe the hype was overblown, but I always felt he gave his all in every movie he's been in. His downfall wasn't necessarily his fault; his mother dying, a nasty divorce, bankruptcy and him being cast in box office bombs must've been hard on him.
I loved the movie. But I really don’t watch that many movies.
@@jbgoldstein5105 he left her when she was 8. And her character did more for her father’s character than I did for mine when he tried to get in touch as he was dying 🤷🏼♀️. Idk maybe you have to know why she was so mad to get it
I hate how people see the film as fat phobia.
It's not about finding Charlie disgusting. It's about finding sympathy for what he has physically become and finding the drive to cheer for his last shot at redemption.
If anyone ever seriously tells me anything is fatphobic i laugh at them. I dont excuse people who are rude to overweight people but fatphobia dosent exist. Your an asshole if you do that but your not “fat phobic”
They missed the point. It is a common criticism too, and I think it's more about desire to shoehorn representation into every movie. Some friends of mine wondered if it wasn't fat positive, which it's not and shouldn't be. It's not about that.
fatphobia doesn't exist.
Alot of people don't like to have a mirror shoved in their face, as soon as something triggers anything that leads to selfreflection they'll point outwards instead of inwards. They probably see themselves, and they don't like it.
@@michael.david.davison I think people hate it because it's to real they can't deny that it's a problem
I am going to sound really judgemental saying this, but I feel like a lot of people who don't connect with Charlie haven't been through similar things. I have dealt with addiction for over a decade. Feeling so shitty that you can't even bend over to pick up a key you dropped, that's straight up body horror. You have people that enable you and then use it as ammo. To me, Aronofsky's films are about humanization.
You've gotta go through some crap to truly get this movie, I completely get your comment
I’ve had an unhealthy relationship with food and this film portrays it really well. It shows how we are always at war with our own self-control
I feel we also have to acknowledge Sadie Sinks character as to having “Abandonment rage”. I’m not sure if the audience caught on to that.
I wholeheartedly agree with you
Absolutely, some people are calling this over dramatic but I thought it was a very real representation. Even the binge eating scene, people think is over the top. But, as someone who’s had bouts of binge eating, that’s what it looks like. Literally getting anything you can and consuming it as fast as possible.
Brendan Fraser is a champion. He has struggled with a ruined back for years and he knows what it means to suffer. My mother and I had the great privilege to meet him at Fan Expo in Toronto. He was a true gentleman. He listened to my mother's story about her own back surgery and problems. He was extremely kind and sympathetic. He gave her a big hug, held her hands, and thanked her for coming to see him. Brendan Fraser is the greatest ambassador that Canada has ever had.
That's an awesome story right there man. Sometimes a little bit of kindness towards a person can go a long way you know what I mean?
Don't forget the sexual harassment and rape allegations which i think are true. Getting groped on set and potentially raped behind the scenes is not something i'd wish my worst enemies.
U forgot the part where he was sexually abused by Hollywood elites too he overcame that
@@andresvalverde5182 ah u beat me too it !
@@andresvalverde5182 Brendan is such a good actor, back in his prime he did all of his stunts on his own and risked his life because he was so dedicated to his career. They turn around and blacklist him for speaking up about sexual abuse. Brendan is genuinely a good example of how men should be and thrive to become. Todays society teaches men they should “toughen up” and deal with the pain. Brendan expresses his emotions and brings joy into everyone’s heart, I mean you gotta love the guy. This man is one of my favourite and most deserving actor.
I had a professor who was morbidly obese and obviously only teaching for health benefits... he would break down in tears in class because he couldn't physically get through it. It was sad to watch.
😔
Good faith for your professor, let’s hope he gets better.
Praying for him!
:(
🤣🤣🤣 gold! Wow! Big brain comment!!
I saw it in the theater and it broke me. I have been crying for two days. I have binge eating disorder and the way he portrayed binge eating literally made me gasp and sob in the theater. I also am a nurse and have worked with so many patients who we just can't save from themselves. As much as I will tell everyone this is an outstanding and beautiful film, it was also gut wrenching to watch and still has me feeling upset.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself
Imagine being born in a 3rd world country and raped and beaten every day and you still arent suicidal... stop feeling sorry for yourself ..Imagine living in a place someone can eat themselves to death
Is it a disorder or poor choices?
I got a bucket full of problems or challenging issues myself but I've finally stopped looking for and using excuses and I've begun to accept that at me age it all falls squarely on me.
Not my past, not my disorders or ailments, not the government, not my upbringing, me, my choices and my actions/reactions.
I wish you the best and just wanted to share that with you.
@@grizzlo7300 no shit ... good points
@@grizzlo7300 I don't wish anyone anything bad either... even if I talk that way... but people gotta understand....
As a person who is overweight myself i can tell you this. No fat person will be offended by Fraser's portrayal as his weight is not what defines him in the film. He is a complicated character. His weight is seen as the embodiment of his self loathing and his desire to die rather than something like," ew, this fat person is so gross".
Edit: why the fuck are there rightoids in the comments railing against an imaginary strawmen of the left.
Edit: holy shit, this post is still getting likes and comments.
Exactly! The only people offended are thin people on our behalf. Just let us speak, thank you
Absolutely agree
@@balthasardenner5216 Oh, here we go...
@@655321able It's true. People who promote "body positivity" are literally saying "if you work out you're fat phobic" and "if you dont want to date a fat person you're fat phobic". SJW's are insane
@@655321able why did you say 'here we go'? The person isn't wrong. Most of the people complaining are from the Body Positivity/Obese is Healthy/Eff your Beauty Standards groups that are left leaning. These groups align with far left ideas such as bio men can have babies and trans or fully men & women. The left are the more tolerant and accepting.
Am I wrong?
The truth is, in this story, people aren't disgusted by the character's body, but by the attitude he has developed, by his depression. The movie's intent isn't 'fat is disgusting, look at this pig', it's 'look at how this person's issues destroyed his body and mind, and left him struggling to crawl back out of that hole'.
EXACTLY 🎯 💯
The people who see it as 'fatphobia' just simply can't critically think and see the movie for what it really is because they're mentally underdeveloped lmao
Well said
THIS!
Um plenty of the characters are portrayed as being disgusted by his physical form.
So stop blaming it on his “personality”.
You’re probably the same type of person who makes fun of people for their looks or treats them differently and then turns around and blames them for their own mistreatment because you won’t admit to your prejudice.
I respectfully disagree with you. This was a deeply moving experience for me. I know addiction, although mine is not an eating disorder, I could relate four-by-four to his frustration, and especially with his Hurculean ability to see past his self-pity and self-loathing to accomplish something truly beautiful. That is a major triumph. Just thinking about it makes me tear up.
Beautifully said, Dan. While disagreement is always welcome here, respectful disagreement is the most appreciated :)
@@cineflectI respect peoples opinions, especially educated opinions as yours. I will never try to change anyone’s opinion, as if to say, you’re wrong and I’m right. No. We had different experiences. That’s all.
@Blaise Pascal I have no strong feelings one way or the other
Baby
@@cineflect and this is in part why we love your channel. It's nice to see respectful disagreement on UA-cam for once
Hey man, I’m morbidly obese and I loved this movie. Like a lot. I cried in theaters and I don’t cry at movies. It’s also not fat phobic, it’s fucking accurate.
you should do some cardio
Are you Morbiusly serious?
°~°
Dude, yeah. It seems like any portrayal of an overweight individual that isn't constantly infused with messages about how happy and beautiful they are is fatphobic. So weird. The projection/denial is crazy...
You're biased. Of course you liked it.
Anybody who thinks his performance is meant to make people think ‘fat people are disgusting’ just doesn’t get it. His character is so intelligent, well-spoken, and kind. Imo the audience is meant to feel for him, not make fun of him or think he’s disgusting. It’s meant to highlight the ‘tragedy’ of somebody so capable, kind and well-spoken falling prey to an addiction to the extent that it ruins their life.
People who abandon their kids for a gay lifestyle are disgusting.
@naggerssuck Okay, “naggerssuck.” Clearly you’re just a 12 year old kid that’s developing early
@naggerssuck shut up
well said
@naggerssuck just because you get an addiction doesn’t make you weaker than someone else
Never left a cinema so drained like I was after this movie. It was just incredible.
Did you ever see Midsommer?? That’s the most drained I’ve been after a movie or Silence the 2016 Scorsese film
I saw avatar: the way of the water last night and got bored so I had my gf give me dome for all 8 hours of that shitfest. I felt so drained after
@Mood**% booooooooooo
@@swarthygiant1463 I know right?! Avatar was so bad I was boooing too. Glad we can agree
@@doreno189 Midsommer was doodoo
This movie was powerful for me as an addict. Brendan’s face when he ate the candy was so accurate. Especially if you get to a point where you know it’s killing you but you can’t stop.
I'm an alcholic with a 13 year old kid, im scared to watch this movie. She knows im a loser
@@sliceoflife4220 it’s a hard watch, so if you’re struggling with sobriety I would wait, I pushed myself to watch it because I love Brendan Fraser. Sending you love and strength, it’s not over❤️
yeah i feel you, i think people don´t see and miss the point of the movie. It was a catarsis especially to see your self in the mirror on Charlie to not let your addiction take over like it does to him. I find funny the youtuber owner give you a like to your comment after the review he gave.
@@jasminedragon7360 Thanks
I saw The Whale in theaters. I thought, as a parent myself whose experienced trauma, that this movie was brilliant and a true piece of art. If you have experienced trauma, been shunned by society, have in any way experienced anything that was shown in The Whale...this really got to you. This was beautiful and wonderful. I would have given it a 5 out of 5.
Totally agree! I recommend triangle of sadness, another 2022 gem
i just did,too,witth a good friend...enjoyed it, sad, and an eding I won't give, but he manages to do with teenage daughter Ellie had wanted him to do as she walked out the door...get up and walk. RIGHT near the end. WHat happens THEN, though, I won't reveal!
Yes, I loved it, but it seems to be getting bad reviews. I think people who are touched by it can relate on some level
You perfectly encapsulated my feelings after watching it.
This movie reminded me of my father. How he left and went through this downward spiral of addiction too alcohol and food. His gluttony. It tied to me aswell with past weight struggles. Charlie even shared my father eyes, the same tired blue with red obscuring the white. It was honestly too much for me. It was good but it destroyed me so much I feel like I enjoyed it less. It just hit to close to home
I can't imagine going through that in real life and then seeing a film that closely resembles it. I wish you nothing but the best.
The trailor just broke me
I drew similar comparisons to my dad. They even share the same name! It was an intense movie, full of heavy emotions.
Yeah, I'm avoiding it for similar reasons. Lucky for those who think it's "unrealistic" but I'm happy to sit this film out, as it looks like the reactions some people have to this film is maybe being privileged enough not to have seen these struggles close up in real life with people they love.
This movie reminds me too much of my father rn, it's disturbing to me. I see it for what it is, he's broken, depressed and doesn't know what to do anymore.
There is absolutely no way you could possibly show addiction and all of its truth without it becoming grotesque. This is a situation when you are in the center of an addiction where one is actually in hell any person who's gone through addiction or seen someone go through it or has family members gone through it and it had that experience will tell you it is actual hell and it is grotesque.
Great point, Jemel.
Exactly 💯
Think about Requiem For a Dream...addiction is grotesque, and too often, fatal.
I'm not a cinema person, not at all, but as someone who struggles with binge eating disorder, and someone who has watched someone die at its hands. The feelings that Charlie struggles with and watching these extremely intense feelings be played out is extremely cathartic. This movie left me shaking and sobbing. I think its a tragic portray that unless you have experienced addiction, or and eating disorder first hand this movie may not hit home. This movie for me was more about Humanizing the fat experience.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It's clear that this film is having a profound effect on many people.
Brendan Fraser absolutely deserves this comeback and the love he has received from fans all around the world, and even more. I can’t express how happy I am to see him back in movies, he was a huge part of my childhood
To be honest, I don't think he'll actually be making a big comeback, he just got the perfect role that also aligns a lot with what he's been through. As much as he deserves the oscar for this, he'll probably stay where he was before. Think of Mickey Rourke or Michael Keaton, same thing happened with them. It's a temporal resurrection, only for one big role.
@@keyser9537 I disagree. I don't think he will be the kind of leading man he was before, but he's shown in several recent performances that he still has the chops for character depth and drama. Just because he isn't an action hero, doesn't mean he isn't a successful actor.
I deliver for doordash and have attended food addiction support groups so I know people like Charlie. This movie told a story that I’ve personally never seen told before in a way that had me engaged the entire movie. The movie really tries hard to make you cry and for me it succeeded. I’ve never cried harder watching a movie.
I know nothing about binge eating but I'm very familiar with hurting yourself while having faith in others. That's what broke me about the film. Everyone is seeing in through superficial eyes and not seeing the bigger picture. I believe Hong Chau definitely deserves recognition, she was absolutely amazing
Love your comment.
The bigger picture? Is that a fat joke?
It honestly feels like the people complaining at the movie for being fatphobic have not experience being overweight and feel powerless over your food addiction. I think we need more honest portrayals of the struggles of emotional eating so people actually understand the struggle of these people. Body positivity sounds good on principle but it's not helpful for people that are overweight because of mental health and are desperate because it doesn't seem like they can overcome it.
Completely agree. People think we’re just fat because we’re lazy 🤪 but being through a traumatic experience that leads to binge eating is not an easy thing to live with, let alone to be able to overcome. Feeling that powerlessness against food and often feeling like the worst person alive after eating it is not exclusive to EDs like anorexia an bulimia, and people need to see that everyone struggling with any kind of ED deserves understanding and is fighting a very big battle. Loved the movie and the portrayal of those emotions, somehow felt understood.
Exactly. If I have to hear from one more skinny idiot about how the film is fatphobic, I will scream. It honestly feels like they care more about being seen as morally superior than about our health and wellbeing.
I'm not saying I want people to hurl fatphobic abuse at me, but how about some nuance? How about recognizing that for some of us use food as an instrument for self-harm. It doesn't make us less valuable as people but it is an illness that has to be treated, and those who want to help us can work towards making treatment resources more widely available.
I think Charlie and Liz’s relationship in particular was so unique and lovely compared to a lot of the cliched and surface level character pairings we had this year. It was really something I hadn’t seen and I was really moved by their complex love for each other.
Yeah, their scenes are far and away the best parts of the film.
He was al asshole to her. He let her suffer needlessly. Lied about the money. She was the one making lots of sacrifices to help him, believing he had no other choice. Probably exhausted emotionally and physically and feeling devastated because she believed that her friend didn't have the means to save himself. He was actually a really selfish person
@@magda386 You missed the point.
@@semperdeinceps7980 that point being???
@@magda386 The movie is about a flawed character, who is struggling with his own trauma and addiction. He's on death's door and, at that point of his life, only cares making things right with his daughter. He does not have the mental or emotional energy to consider anything other than that. Selfishness would be him keeping the money for himself and not caring about his daughter, but if you even paid attention a little during the movie you would see that he was a geniune, good person with a kind heart. Good people sometimes do selfish things. No one's perfect, not even you.
As a recovering alcoholic, this movie brought me to tears. I view eating disorders no differently than substance abuse - and the fact that his wife was an alcoholic was so sadly poetic. Immensely moving film.
Meh.
And Allen starved himself to death, opposite of charlie
The binge eating scene is spot on. I was bulimic for 14 years. Yes, folks, that is how binging looks, at least the way I binged. I still have a struggle with my relationship with food at 69 and my family. I found this movie to be extremely real for me. This is someone who "swallows back" his own emotional baggage to desperately try to please others.
I loved it.
Same here. For me it felt so real. The guilt, the sadness... Ive some issues with bulimia too and yeah. I totally get you. Loved it too.
After watching the movie, nobody spoke. Usually people whisper or chat a little as they exit. But this time everyone just quietly gathered their things and left.
I think it really left a memorable mark on the audience.
This movie hits the most when you have someone in your life that you are actively observing destroy themselves. Maybe that's your family member. Maybe it's a friend. Maybe it's yourself.
I dunno. I liked it. Charlie's self-loathing/self-pity was physically hard to watch
And ultimately it gave me feels. That's the difference between good art and bad art; does it make you feel, or does it make you numb?
My birth family drove me to destroy myself before I was born. You'd be surprised how often people in families eat each other and at the same time they're "upset about your behavior because they care about you" they're actually the perpetrators turning you against yourself. The subtle tricks my birth family used to get me to choke to death or kill myself since I was, like I said, a baby...the greatest monsters wear human clothes.
I like what you had to say about Sadie and the actress portraying her mother. I think they all rehearsed the show for 3 weeks before filming... maybe sticking to the play as much as possible before getting any cameras involved. It was an interesting movie, and I think Brenden deserves an Oscar for his performance.
I thought the mom was good, sadie sink was a little annoying
@@systemofadown945 I think Sadie Sink was supposed to be THAT type of person, it was in the character. In her eyes, her dad ditched her entire family and cheated with a student, now he wants to randomly contact her? She ramped up that fiery Max personality I know her from. I hope she isn't typecast more as that type of teen though
The play was so much better lol imo. They left out some things and added others in the movie. Brandon was Amazing though
When the film ended EVERY PERSON in the theater (myself included) was perfectly still for ten minutes. I’ve never experienced anything like that reaction before. We were all processing in silence before any of us got to our feet, like when you wake after an intense dream and you stay in the position you woke up in while piecing together the dream. It was like that.
When I saw this in the theatre I had a similar experience. When the credits started rolling the whole room was silent and nobody moved for a good while.
Regardless of how anyone feels about this film, Brendan Fraser deserves and Oscar, a Golden Globe and a SAG award for his performance. And anyone who complains that it's about fat shaming and the use of a fat suit etc is wrong, must remember it's called acting, and Brendan does just that perfectly in this role. He is amazing. I am so glad to see him back on the screen and can't wait to see more from him.
Yeah if you’re not celebrating obesity these days you get canceled. Sick society we live in…
When I first saw the whale it broke me open. From the beginning I had tears in my eyes and I could hear many others crying too. By the end scene of the film I along with almost the entire audience was was crying. I cried through the whole credits and had an emotional conversation with the theatre staff about to clean the auditorium and one of them was even crying during the ending also. This was a wonderful experience for me and I would personally rank it as tied with everything everywhere all at once as the saddest movie of the year.
But EEAAO has a happy ending.......I suppose if you believe Charlie goes to heaven this one does too. But not for atheists.....
It's a tough one. You see a character that is a good person trapped by emotional pain, loss, mistakes of the past, addiction, and a matryr complex (he keeps thinking about others in particular his daugther vs. getting himself to a hospital and hopefully some kind of treatment program). I would have like to see him overcame it, get better, but speaking as a former alchoholic I know not everyone can get out of it.
people calling this movie fatphobic is ridiculous. As an overweight person myself, I have had to struggle with many of the problems Charlie has, and I felt a resounding connection of my life with his. Being that big should not be " body positive ". We are killing ourselves , and this movie has honestly pushed me to finally make that change, and save my own life
That's good to hear, I hated watching the movie tbh but also I hoped it might encourage someone to make a change. I hope you stick to it! :)
Man, the whole theather I was, (including myself) were weeping and sobbing when the movie ended. Even when i was driving back home, with my girlfriend right beside me, we couldn't contain our tears and we hugged, telling each other how much we loved and fortunate enough of being together, safe and sound. This is not only a movie, is the definition of humanity itself. I'm looking forward to rewatch it again but I'm not ready, at least not for now. This films holds an incredible power, no one is safe from breaking down after visualizing Brendan Fraser's role. Specially the last 15 minutes, i was crying like a newborn child
Ah I love hearing this. I was holding back totally sobbing in the theater. I’m very happy I went alone.
I experienced the same. Was the first time in my whole life.
Being a huge Elvis fan I thought Austin Butler was amazing in Elvis and should of won best actor this year. But after seeing the whale and the emotion and acting skills Brenden had in this movie i think he should take the award. I wanted to see this movie since I seen he was making a comeback, and I'm glad I did. What a great performance and a great story.
What a few people don’t understand is the raw truth of life not always being beautiful. I’ve seen this man. I’ve been this man. Addiction, depression, and the feeling of being sorry is a truth to so many. This movie captures the raw emotion so many hide deep in a closet buried behind a fake smile.
I’ve been living with someone for twenty years whose active and horrific addiction destroyed his own life, almost brought down my children and me, and is now disabled and waiting to die. The Whale hit hard. It allowed a glimmer of compassion to enter my heart which has grown so helpless regarding the individual in my house. I truly see this as a brilliant film.
I find it very beautiful that this film allowed a little bit of compassion in for you. Really, that's moving. I am curious to know if that person watched it too?
Brendan knows what it's like to struggle with his weight and his emotions. He understands the feeling of being scrutinized and abandoned. He put every part of his soul into this. He should be proud.
"Let the internet devour itself"..... this is the way.
The internet is on that Keto diet.
Best comment 😂
I don’t find the movie to be “fatphobic”. A part of it is real life experience of people who are in such a position. And as a member of the audience, many of us look at his character and feel sad as well as a measure of cringe for the character because he has reached such a unhealthy lifestyle and weight. And no that’s not fatphobic to say that. It’s our inner compassion that feels “I wish Charlie was more mentally and physically healthier, I feel terrible for him and his current position.” To say that we should accept Charlie at his current weight is NOT compassionate. Because we leave him to die at his own expense instead of accepting the fact that he will die in part of his mental and physical state.
I’ve never seen critics so divided on a film before, like didn’t YMS give it a 9? Insane, I haven’t seen it yet
Wow, did he really? I haven't watched his review. As with any divided movie, it's best to see it for yourself and see where you land. Let me know if you do!
If the movies at a 93% for audience scores then it’s definitely doing something right. People are FEELING something when they watch it, and it compels them to contribute to a positive score.
Exactly......low 'critics' scores usually mean a movie is decent to great.When they give high scores you probably have a (woke) disaster.
When 'critics' score vs audience score differ a lot it says it all......NEVER go with the 'critics' score.
'Critics' scores have to be used in reverse......such sad (activist) sacks they are. 🤣
@@PainInTheS depends on when the movie was released tbh. Also, scores don't mean anything unless you read Xd
The Whale was my first A24 film that I saw in theaters. This movie will always have a special place in my heart because of that. The confrontation Charlie has with the missionary boy on the reality of Charlie's relationship with his partner was one of my favorite scenes and, to me, felt like such good representation. Charlie was so in love, his depression was evidence of it. I hope people don't take away the queerness built into this movie intentionally because of fear of misunderstanding.
Who cares about it being A24? I saw hereditary in theatres, and it wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be.
@@joshcantrell8397 Uh, I do. The Lighthouse and Midsommar gave me experiences I've never had before when watching movies. I'm not blindly saying that all A24 films are great or even of equal value, but I recognize the company is often going to be behind some very interesting films that actually resonate with me.
I appreciated that all the side characters quietly indulge in their own destructive vices throughout the movie, but only the damage of Charlie's vice is visible at all times. His caretaker smokes, his ex-wife is an alcoholic, etc.
I saw this as an honest portrayal of a man suffering from his mental illness in a physical form. This film is saying there are extremes that we put ourselves through whether it's because of shame or guilt, it inevitably decomposes the body, mind, and spirit. I am glad I watched this film but cannot see to pull myself together emotionally since having an eating disorder has been my own private hell. I am still functioning and go to the gym so no one truly sees my pain but it's been following me for years. I have so much love for Brendon for taking on this role.
I would say we all have things we struggle with, not all with addiction, but a lot of people are addicted to social media and don't know it. I think it's good that you recognize you have an issue and have been dealing with it, although it's okay to tell someone if that would help ease the burden, preferably someone who can help keep you accountable.
This is the first review I've seen talking about the overuse of the music, and I agree 100%. There were many moments when it just seemed a little too on the nose for me. 10/10 performances from Fraser and Chau, 6/10 movie overall.
Ending could of hit harder tbh
I haven't seen it yet but I'm a huge fan of Fraser and I truly hope he gets the Oscar.
At this point I think the only one standing in his way is Colin Farrell, who I think deserves it. At the end of the day, I'd be happy to see either of them win it.
@@cineflectColin Farrell is an interesting pick. I watched Banshees of Inersherin and loved Colin Farrell didn’t think Oscar worthy though. I’m wondering why you believe he deserves it and maybe change my perspective?
One review of this movie infuriated me, wherein it stated:
"A hard-to-watch sequence in which Charlie eats his way through most of the contents of his fridge in a self-destructive binge reminded me of Aronofsky’s drug-addiction horror show Requiem for a Dream, a film I have never forgiven for grossing me out without providing enough meaning or beauty to make the experience worthwhile."
THE ENTIRE POINT of both of these movies is to display a form of addiction. This person clearly doesnt understand the impact or toll these two things have on someone and does not know their perspective. I am 19 years old and over weight, I am a 230 pound lesbian girl that has never felt so represented. I am on a path of recovery, not of self discovery. I will be the first to admit that. Being overweight or not meeting society's standards is perfectly okay!!! There have bee times where I was comfortable in my skin even though I wasn't the skinniest. But then, COVID hit and ALL I could do was eat. It is bad, and anyone in my position should be the first to admit it. There was times where I related too much to Charile, and this movie managed to humaze and motivate me at the same time. Binge eating should "gross you out", but also make you feel connected to the events on screen. Sorry thats the end of my rant!
One of the most moving films I've ever seen. Bravo Brendan Fraser.
I personally know someone who is actually like this in real life, every time I see him it breaks my heart.
His life is a total tragedy, he lives on his sofa, he can barely walk, has multiple medical conditions and all because of one fateful event… he fell over walking down the road to help a friend. He had to have an operation on his ankle that went wrong and as a result got lymphedema.
He then got diabetes, water retention a heart condition and put on 40 stones. He uses a heavy duty frame to move and goes to toilet in a bucket he has positioned by the sofa as he can’t walk to get to the toilet. He’s lived like this for 6 years now.
It’s so tragic and breaks my heart as he is one of the nicest guys you could ever know.
God bless you Melvin Gibbs.
I thought it was meh, but Brandon Fraser should win the Oscar. Our king gave the best performance of a lifetime.
I saw The Whale two nights ago and even though I thought the performances were all excellent, the subject matter is definitely very difficult to truly understand. I myself am an obese person and the struggles are very real. I mean, I'm not as big as the main character in this movie, but trauma can really change your life in the worst ways. I know a lot of people have heard stories of individuals who suffered terribly and eventually recovered. But not everyone who experiences trauma recovers, and eventually the consequences of addiction will kill them.
You seem to understand it pretty well, that it's not so much the trauma after a certain point, but the addiction itself. Just wanted to encourage you that trying to move on and let go doesn't mean whatever happened was okay, but that it doesn't need to hurt you for the rest of your life. Sorry if that sounds like an empty platitude, I don't mean it to be.
Darren Aronofsky is brilliant at visibly portraying addiction, grief, desperation really showing humanity at their lowest point and humanizing them. I haven’t seen the whale yet but I have seen requiem for a dream and been a lifelong fan. I was a heroin addict for 10 years and used fentanyl in the end and I can tell you he portrayed addiction perfectly. I am excited to see what he has to show with the whale
I'm a huge fan of the movie. I'm less hard on mellowdramas than most, and I don't necessarily think faithful stage adaptations are a minus for cinema. We don't always have to leave room just because the medium can.
Everyone is praising Brendan, but if you've ever seen a work by Darren Aronofsky all his work is like this. What really impressed me is how Darren is working harder each film to mix the ordinary with the extraordinary. Films are supposed to help us transcend that line between reality and fantasy: Darren's earlier works like Pi and The Fountain (my favorite) do a good job of this. While The Fountain is my favorite, The Whale was better storytelling and easier for people to understand. It's by far the most impactful film he's created and I look forward to his next project.
The Whale isn't made for everybody. That's why I don't think there was strong advertising for it. But being someone who relates to Ellie (though not as extreme as portrayed in the movie), it was the small things in the movie that broke me. The way Charlie moved on the couch, never truly being able to look behind him, the wheezing and coughing fits that would go on just enough to make others worry if it may progress into something more, and the way how you would feel so small compared to them that there's an extreme limit to how much you can help them. People who claim this movie is fatphobic aren't truly recognizing the movie's message. What's so tragic about The Whale is how we know how it's going to end, and we can only watch as this man continues to harm himself to the end. Even with so many people around him who love and care for them (each with their own limits, but very much expressing concern for him in some way), he accepts what will happen, and that's the worst thing that can happen to someone you love. No matter how much you love them, and they still take their own life, it seems like your love wasn't enough.
I think this film represents one of the weird rare times when I'd claim the music takes away from the film rather than adds to it; which weirdly enough is the only negative critique I have myself.
Look, my 18 son wanted to see this. So we went. I’m a crier, so it’s obvious I was emotional. But when Fraser said I want to give something good into the world about his daughter, my son starting sobbing. We held hands. The movie is also about family relationships, and when the screen turned white, the light…we were just stunned. My son mentioned the score was amazing.
Absolutely, the films themes of honesty, love, and the value of family all displayed in a self destructive and cynical environment really hit me hard.
I like that you said "Relentless Repetition" twice
😏
I think that it's a wonderful representation of not working through grief in a healthy manner in the same way that alcoholics or drug addicts use their preferred substances to cope with or numb emotional or physical pain. Charlie uses food to fill a void that can never be filled. It's sad but not in a grotesque or humiliating way but in a very real and very human way. Charlie's weight and the issues that come with it are very real. As an individual who was once obese, I can honestly say that I was well aware I was fat and I felt disgusted with myself and how unhealthy I was and didn't need anyone to remind me of the fact. Being fat alone took a mental toll on me and an even greater one when it was met with harsh judgement. Occasionally people think that telling a fat person they're gross or unhealthy or that telling an alcoholic that they're a lazy drunkard will cause a revelation and a change in behavior but in reality it might cause the problem to get much worse. Addicts of any kind be it food, alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling and so on, need a healthy dose of kindness and compassion but more so than ever truth, honesty and firm boundaries and there is a way to be honest and truthful without passing judgement and a way to set boundaries without keeping people out. Those things in my personal opinion are the difference between recovery and relapse.
It was a grotesque movie, I wouldn't call an obese person gross but addiction is a terrible thing and it's okay to admit that. Charlie was also a bad person, he left his family for his boyfriend (I didn't watch the whole movie but that's what the daughter said and he didn't argue). I like Brendan Fraser and I'm glad he won an award, and definitely addicts need compassion.
Call me a simpleton, but this movie hit me hard. I saw myself in Charlie and how much he struggled. I saw and understood the choices he made because I've been there. In that dark abyss where it seems like there is no way out. Some days I'm still in that dark place. Some days I'm not. Him not having the will to even pick up a dropped key, a man who was at one point so capable that anything was possible. Made me realize a few things about myself that I don't like and need to change. It's not easy, and never will be easy for some. But, the best things in life aren't easy.
What broke me is seeing the whale as an international student, away from my mother who struggles with obesity. It is a serious illness, and I have tried and failed to set the scale right because it hurts her whole body. The movie is painful on so many levels as you see a man chased around by different people without him being able to make a life for himself. It comes to a point where gore and horror of cinema is useless and pure agony is what makes you stop watching. That agony is what makes me so sad about my mother's state, and makes me train every day to escape the painful life that it brings. There are always underlying symptoms, but help is needed on all fronts.
I think you don't understand this movie. Everybody has an opinion and critics opine on how they would have done it differently. I'm going to give you my perspective as a physician, novelist and a screenwriter. This film is near perfect. And here is why:
The Whale is a movie about launching a cruise missile. As a screenwriter I can tell you what an amazing process it is. You send your work out to various professionals, get their reviews and modify your work based on all of these criticisms and also positive comments. Sometimes you agree, some times you don't. I at times get these reviews that totally don't get my work and want to gut it and take it in a new direction. The essay about the whale was a marvelous totem and became an explosive reveal that was a dagger to Charlie's soul...and Ellie placed it. Took my breath away. The integration of the storyline to all of the characters...Charlie, Ellie, Liz, Thomas, Mary...was masterful and heartbreaking. The criticism about them continuing to ask him to go to the hospital and him refusing was purposeful! Each and every time he said no he reached closer to the launch button...like a beating drum. The criticism that it "didn't go deep enough" about his condition was also ridiculous and I will explore this more below. Charlie's path was determined years prior. When Mary was discussing with Charlie about the money he was saving for Ellie, that decision was made shortly after the divorce or shortly after the death of his lover. Charlie was collecting that money, every cent he could to save Ellie...to give her a fighting chance at being happy. Charlie knew he wasn't going to make it so he tried to resolve his issues with Ellie before he died. He knew he was going to die. He chose his path...and he never deviated from it. You must understand that he knew he couldn't do both. He couldn't save himself and keep the money for Ellie. His medical bills alone would have consumed those funds in a week. So, why didn't he just save himself and stop binging? This brings us to part two...
I have had an amazing career as an internist and a dermatologist. Spent 14 years as an army physician in some of the finest tertiary care hospitals, teaching and taking care of patients. I see 50-60 patients a day in my private practice and we share our lives with them... There is no greater stage on life itself than the exam room of a physician. I see the trauma in patient's lives...I see patients struggle with body dysmorphic syndrome, neurotic excoriations, delusions of parasitosis, lichen simplex chronicus, prurigo nodularis. I share the grief of the death of loved ones. I see patients manifest their responses to stress and trauma in ways most people would not understand. Patient's dying of melanoma still getting a tan. The same goes for obesity...it is incredibly difficult to manage...and it is personal. I can remember taking care of an obese patient in the ICU that had developed intestinal necrosis...all of her small intestines died. Needless to say she couldn't eat anything. She was NPO. I can remember her begging for something to eat. She passed away in a few days....there was nothing we could do... I see it all the time. People determined to go out their way, regardless of the consequences. Charlie manifested his profound grief by binging. He tries to stop. He wants to stop. But he can't. I understand. I see it all the time.
This brings us to the very end of the movie, when Ellie reads her essay to him about the whale that she wrote years ago. It was the most compassionate thing she had ever done. She knew it was killing him, but it is what he wanted. She pressed the button that finally launched the cruise missile of Charlie's life. His feet leave the ground. Liftoff into oblivion. I understand... The Whale is a masterpiece.
as a writer you surely know the power of editing
I fear watching this movie because it reminds me of what my dad is going through right now.
I would have to disagree with the score, I think the direction and Brendan's Performance are both amazing, there's a lot of symbolism with the film, even choosing 4:3 instead of 16:9 aspect ratio is part of it, the colors, the wardrobe, they all have a reason for being. Charlie is self destructing and he has made a lot of mistakes but yet there's what he thinks its his last shot at redemption and his obsesed, and I think particulary the ending scene is amazing, as Charlie has done nothing to improve himself but managing to find the strength to stand up as his last attempt to show his daughter he acomplished something as she reads the essay out loud. I might have to rewatch it soon, but the music never felt to me like it overshadowed the dialogue.
I liked the part where Brendon Fraser yelled, "It's Whalin time!" and starting whaling everyone.
Definitely one of the highlights. How about when he blew off that lady's head with a shotgun, turned to the camera, winked and said, "Ar, she blows!"
Now this, this I would watch
I didn’t like it, I was surprised that a movie called the Whale didn’t trust it’s audience to go deep! The missionary argues with Charlie about basic religion, the daughter argues with Charlie about basic abandonment issues and the nurse argues with Charley about basic self destructive tendencies. None of these arguments felt like they were between real people but rather performances for the audience.
Darren A. is my favorite director of all time. His movies are usually uncomfortable but that's because they're so real and raw. I've loved every movie he has done. In my opinion, Requiem For a Dream was his best. Very difficult to watch but it has the most nerve-racking endings ever
Mother was entirely unwatchable for me, and Noah really got away from him. However The Wrestler and The Fountain are two of my favorite films. I just don’t think most of his work is for me, but if it resonates with others that’s awesome.
@@Umberloid87 how do you feel about Requiem for a Dream?
@@robertyeah2259 honestly I loved it when I was younger, but I haven’t watched it in years. I might have to rewatch it sometime.
I went to see it last night and was utterly blown away. Having been trying to stay off whiskey for a few months now, and having known many people with EDs (albeit not binge EDs), I think the Whale works a lot better from either a perspective about addiction or a case study of the homophobic and downright lonely Midwest. To me, though, it's a film about brutal honesty, with yourself and with the world at large. (this comment has spoilers)
Each of the six characters that actually speak all _seem_ to see Charlie in different ways (i.e. a deadbeat dad, the one who walked out, the only remainder of one's brother, someone to guide spiritually, the recluse who orders pizza a lot), but ultimately, it boils down to all of them finding him varying levels of disgusting, and they all somewhat hate _themselves,_ as well, especially once those who _don't know_ finally see what's become of him.
I think what really tied it together for me was the symbolism. I know a lot of it was very unsubtle, but I still loved it - I even saw the aspect ratio as a way to make his apartment feel more cramped than it already was. There were also the numerous comparisons to Moby Dick, in the literal form of one's juvenile interpretation and in the not-so-subtle costuming and portrayals (i.e. Charlie is a great white whale, Mary is his Captain Ahab, Thomas is his Ishmael, etc...) and I thought the music was phenomenal as well, despite its volume. It really does resemble whalesong in some moments, specifically in the opening, and I think it works fantastically. The last thing I realized, though, is the fact that it is _always raining._
There are almost no scenes where the weather is clear - the only times being when Charlie is drugged, or at the very end. His emotional intensity corresponds to how loud the storm is outside, and the weather is always awful.
The Whale is a film that made me deeply, viscerally uncomfortable - and goddamn it, I loved every second.
my only gripe with it is that Liz's audio for some reason was always peaking, though? like, no matter how loud she was talking, there was fuzz during her lines
i cant stop crying because of this movie i watched it like a week ago now and it still makes me sob
where can i watch it
Its fucking good.
Mother wasn't bad, but Noah was one of the only movies I've ever actually walked out of the theater on before it was finished.
So you still don't know how Noah ends? ;)
@@cineflect -- when he started using rock goblins to build the arch that was it for me. I remember a Muppets movie was playing on the next screen so I ended up watching that instead.
Noah is based on the comic book not the bible.
I absolutely loved this movie it broke me as well while I dont have the weight issue part I related to Charlie allot on the level of depression and loosing a loved one my wife left me 6 months ago she didnt die but how she left was terrible so I related to him on that. I also related on the level of anxiety that is portrayed. This is one absolutely beautiful movie although it is a hard watch especially for people who have similar issues
I loved it. It feels real. Anyone who says this movie is fatphobic doesn't have a morbidly obese loved one. I do and he is like this. This is the reality for many people. I also loved how they didn't swing one way or the other when it comes down to if he's a (good or bad) guy. In reality no one is perfect. We all have good and evil about us. And I think the director and his performance worked together to create a realistic and honest character. Of course some people don't like it. They don't want to see this side of life. Standing up and saying this is ridiculing obese people is not only incorrect. It does them a disservice. There are real Charlie's in the world. And that world is never pretty.
Saying the whale is fat phobic is kinda like saying kung fu panda is fat phobic. Yes, being fat is unhealthy and your habits are still bad, but doesn’t mean you’re worthless and don’t deserve compassion
The Whale is going to be one of those films that critics don't really understand for years. I keep seeing and reading reviews that totally miss the point of the film and what's really going on.
Agree! Surprised there are so many negative reviews. It seems a lot of critics are looking for an overarching social theme. But for me, the story and its perfectly placed peaks left me short of breath at times. Amazing film.
This movie is a hit or miss with the audience. I personally feel that people who don’t connect with this film see life through a different lens. Struggling with obesity my whole life, this film is a window 🪟 to what obesity internally feels like
the reason this movie connects so well is that its so relatable to so many people and effectively acted. not necessarily relating to being extremely obese but addiction. addiction, being a bad parent, having low self esteem.
As someone who is morbidly obese at 41 percent. I admire this movie and it's message. How dreadful food addiction can be. Just like alcohol and narcotics, it can ruin someone's life.
I went into this movie not knowing what to except. I ugly cried right in the theater, it gave me all the feels. I will say that I felt pretty sad the rest of the day.
"I just want to know that I've done one thing right in my life"
Everyone can relate to that and ask themselves the very same thing, whether it be about family, a career, friends, etc etc. Such a powerful line in a powerful film that does make you think. That's what I took away from it. Have I done 1 thing right with my life. I thought about it after the film and I found it very very powerful. I loved the movie. xx
Judging from what I’ve experienced in the comments I’d like to share a brief personal story.
In my teenager years, my grandparents lost their eldest grandchild. My cousin Miller Spivey. He died from a drug overdose that no one saw coming, he had prospects and had been clean for many years. It only took an old friend passing through town and he was dead the next morning. When we congregated together I had never seen a people so broken and devastated. Even more it was my own family. I felt raw grief coming from some of the people who I loved the most in my life. Even so I couldn’t really say I was grieving. I never really even knew Miller, I was one of the youngest cousins and I never really got the chance to spend quality time with him Christmas after Christmas. The following day we had a funeral ceremony at our families cabin together. We poured his ashes into the Lake and brought good food and hired some men to come and play the blues on the guitar. Are family wasn’t alone however. We had many friends come too to celebrate with us. Standing in the corner was the young preacher of my grandfather’s church. It was funny because of how awkward he was a little bit. You could tell he didn’t quite know how to take it in among the rest of my family. I was standing near my beloved Grandaddy when he turned to me and said he could tell too. He told me the preacher was too young. That the reason he wasn’t fitting in was because he’d never experienced death yet for himself, and that only once he did would he be able to truly stand by another and grieve.
It is confusing and disheartening for the people you love to go through so much pain and not understand what they are going through. Sometimes, you have to go through that trauma itself to truly understand. Although I am young, I have felt the pain of losing a loved one in the death of my Grandaddy Will Thompson, but I haven’t known what it is like to overcome the addictions so many of the people here in this comment section claim they fighting. Regardless I offer you my support and my love to all of you who have fought and struggled. I do not come from a place of empathy, but through love I know we can all still stand by each other when we are going through hard times. I hope I’ve made myself clear to you. Thank you
The Whale hit home in so many ways. I related to Sadie Sink’s character, Ellie. I was an angry, disappointed, and hurt child. My father is a gay man and left his family to live with his partner. But most importantly, to live his identity. I went through a lot of emotional and physical hardship to understand this and why it happened. I blamed my mom, brother, and sisters for the reason he left. I hated everyone, including myself. I ran away with my father when I was five years old. I left with him because I felt no one loved him, and I felt alone (authorities call it kidnapped & he did go to prison). I didn’t hear the truth about his sexuality until I was a teenager, and my father explained it himself. He always loved my mother and asked about her (even when she remarried and had other children). Did it break our family? It sure did, and the effects are everlasting even through forgiveness (triggers, PTSD, depression, anxiety, anger, addiction). The movie broke me in the scene when Charlie explains to his daughter how much he admires and loves her, “You are an amazing person, Ellie, and I couldn’t ask for a more incredible daughter.” He didn't want her to grow up with hatred in her heart, and I felt that my father wanted the same for me.
Thank you for sharing your story. It really resonates with me because I have forgiven 3/4 of my family for what they did to me despite the ongoing effects. But my brother I still struggle with. I won't go into details, the main thing I wanted to say is just to echo the power of forgiveness. I believe everyone is doing their best and hurt people hurt people, as they say.
I truly hope he wins an Oscar for his performance. I am rooting for this to be his massive comeback! ❤
I'm scared - I just bought my ticket.
There are some scary parallels in my life that I'm experiencing with Charlie.
My first lover died by suicide when I was 18 due to his struggles with his sexuality.
Now, nearly 16 years later, I'm alone, working remotely, and am considerably more overweight. No children, but I will say I am scared to see this movie, but I feel like I MUST see it.
Hey, how did you like it? I'm sorry for your loss
I see what you're saying but it is a story that very well could possibly be happening to many right now in real life. The character was more recognizable to actual people in my life than any other character I've seen in the last 20+yrs from Hollywood.
I thought it was very well done.
As somebody who will be "recovering" from obesity from my entire life (very healthy now but it's a constant battle), the scenes of binge eating and other "fat" depictions were scarily accurate. I think the film is slightly more complicated because Charlie is fat because he has given up on life, not because he is fighting an addiction (and it's kind of implied he might be terminally ill anyway), but it was really welcome for me to see obesity and its associated problems on screen for the first time ever in a heartfelt way. Personally I really connected with the film and am just saddened that Charlie did not find a way back to life from his grief.
I haven't seen it, but based on what I heard and seen I don't want to. Not because I think it will be horrible but because I connected with Charlie for too well than I should have. So much so that the trailer alone has me crying. I'm scared what I'll end up like if I saw it
I saw it based on the trailer, which I was excited for, but wow was I disappointed. The trailer is wildly misleading.
I had a similar take. While I loved the performances of Fraser and Chau, the movie as a whole left me exhausted from the overuse of dramatic misery to get a reaction from the audience. One of the best scenes to me was when the delivery driver sees Charlie for the first time. Powerful scene that wasn't overdone. This is an incredibly amazing movie, but I will probably never watch it again.
dramatic misery? dude the guy was actively dying within the week the film takes place, your reaction was probably justified..
After reading a bunch of comments, I think I finally understand why there's such a split opinion on this movie. From my perspective, as someone who hasn't talked to my dad in more than 2 years because of his neglect, this movie really spoke to me and I cried throughout it and personally loved it to bits. At the same time though, I can understand how it's harder to enjoy this movie if you can't relate to it, meaning you never really went though any of the things that were portrayed in the film, so it's hard to truly understand what Charlie and the other characters went through. Despite this, I still think even if I didn't have a personal way to relate to the film, it still deserves a 10/10 because of the flawless acting and just the fact that the whole movie took place in a single room with only 4 people, and yet was still able to portray a life's worth of sadness and suffering.
True, I hated watching the movie but I have a good family and try to avoid the toxic people the movie is full of- I'm not just talking about Charlie (he's toxic for leaving his family). The nurse is nice but she enables him. I did volunteer at a homeless shelter for a while and do have compassion on people who suffer from addiction- but that didn't make it enjoyable to watch. I like Brendan as an actor though and I'm glad he won an award.
@@sarahberkner Yeah I completely understand where you're coming from. I think in the end its all about perspective and where everyone comes from.
I saw a different movie, one that had amazing acting, a difficult, painful, heavy topic addressed as never before. Not a feel good movie, but totally engrossing, moving & worthwhile. I weighed 400 lbs for a couple years & it changed my attitude about "fatties" totally. This movie is important in ways unfathomable to those who have never dealt with being overweight. This is a monumental film & will impact many folks for many years.
Charlie is such a good character and he’s written beautifully: he’s complicated, good natured, soft spoken, kind and so hopeful, but he’s also a little bit manipulative and unfair to the closest people to him. But he’s not ill intentioned, he’s just exhausted. And who can’t relate to that? Listening to him admit to his daughter he made a mistake by leaving her because he was in love was one of the absolute most gut wrenching moments of the film. It was so human. A mistake so many people have made. The scenes of him binge eating were a tough watch, not because I found him “disgusting”, but because I cared about him and I could tell he was in pain and his best way to cope was hurting himself more; his binge eating was both to give himself comfort and to punish himself, to bring himself closer to “the end”. I know people like Charlie, except they don’t suffer from obesity. Their ailments are different but the psychological aspects are so similar so it was easy to empathize with him and everyone around him. The stubbornness, the regret, the self-flagellation, etc. That’s why it shouldn’t take you knowing people like him to care about him, because his obesity is not even the most substantial thing about him as a person; it’s both about his loss of control and paradoxically the only thing he still has control over. He left everything, including his daughter, for a chance at happiness with his partner and then that was gone and he was left with nothing. How tragic is that. And to be clear: I’m referring to the experiences of Charlie as a character in the film, I’m not referring to other people who might be categorized or identify as obese. Their own lives will of course be different and Charlie’s struggles might of course not be their struggles any more than his virtues might not be their virtues. That’s why I wish people could step out of their own experiences and ideas for a few hours and try to see things from a different perspective; labeling this film as lacking, saying it’s just “fat phobic” is so reductive. There’s a lot more to the film that the portrayal of someone suffering with obesity, the same way there’s so much more to Charlie as a character than being obese. If that’s not your personal experience with food and your body, that’s perfectly fine. But not everyone is meant to feel/think/act the way you do. This is his story, it is Charlie’s experience, and it’s equally worthy.
This is about redemption and how everyone has a whale we are chasing. He wanted a redemption with his daughter and ultimately wanted redemption with his life.. that's why he wanted to know of he's done one good thing with his life
@T B sexy life style?? Go away troll
Everything you said is correct and valid only for me it worked. I like big brash operatic on the nose no subtlety movies.
The characters psychological striving for honesty as reflected by his insistence that his students be honest, that his daughter is redeemable (due to her honesty) hit me. also, the depiction of food addiction and how that emotionally plays out was real and raw.
one thing i do agree with you about is overuse of the score. didnt need it so often
As a divorced father estranged from his teenage daughter, it was a very moving film.
I'm perplexed by people seeing this as "fatphobia" because it portrays someone with an extreme eating disorder as living a miserable and pretty much terminal life when there have been numerous films with actors who actually lose tons of weight to portray characters who are mentally disturbed and probably have undereating disorders, e.g. The Machinist, Joker, or even Aronofsky's Black Swan. No one is calling those films "skinny-phobic", because the same people recognize those films for what they are- a psychological portrayal of mental illness and addiction. A major theme in The Whale is guilt, and like The Machinist does for emaciation and past misdeeds (I'm trying to avoid spoilers), Charlie's weight is representative of his self-loathing and guilt for leaving his family and not being there for his daughter. I've struggled with a (primarily undereating) eating disorder and it's miserable, yet you're convincing yourself that everything is OK. Like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream, Aronofosky shines an unflinching light on the realities of obsession and addiction. In addition, The Whale portrays Charlie as a sympathetic character- it would truly be "fatphobic" if it just portrayed fat people as lazy assholes or something (like TLC does). For some reason, society recognizes morbidly underweight people as truly in need of help, but acts like morbidly overweight people are somehow less deserving, or on the flip "fat activism" side, an oppressed group who don't need to address their addiction.
This was the best reply for this movie. The reactions to this film mirror how our society views different disorders people have as "worthy" or "unworthy". Thanks for your review.
This is one of the best video essays I have seen lately. Extremely short and super concise! Excellent!
Cheers, Captain Crispy!
People shouldn’t be mad that they put Brenden Fraser in a fat suit for this. Someone who is actually 600 lbs would be physically incapable of playing a role in a movie
Darren Aronofsky is the same director who pulled Mickey Rourke out of the mothballs in 2008 to do 'The Wrestler', which even had Roddy Rowdy Piper in tears after the first screening.
I love THE WRESTLER. That's a much superior film in my book.
Bruh, this movie was hard to watch, but it's actually genius. It's one of the best structured films around.
I'm glad you dug it!
@Cineflect Yeah it was good, just tough.
Nobody gave grief to Charlize Theron for playing "ugly" through prosthetic makeup.
Oh, I'm sure the PC Task Force would tackle her if that film came out today.
i think its one of the most accurate portrayals of the human nature in this day and age. The sheer simplicity of the set and the cinematography blew me away. The Whale is so heartbreaking because its chararcters tell such a common story in a unique way. The abandonment issues are prevalent among us, with most families being dysfunctional rather than functional. Charlie and his behavior is almost like an omen for everybody who was part of such family. The added tension of his limited time just raises the stakes and begs the question. What would have we done if we were put in such a situation: try to reconnect with our parent/child or reject everybody and everything and live in hatred. Charlie is great character for this situation, and Ellie compliments him perfectly. She manages to express her deep feelings of fear, pain, confusion, love, care and hate towards her parent in a straightforward way, thus becoming a beacon for the children who feel abandoned by their parent/s, who want to find out what happenned, but cant, because its just too hard of a situation to deal with.
The Whale is a beautiful movie about such a simple yet important matter in our life today. The responsability of being a parent and its rewards are showchased in almost a Kafkaesque way, by humanizing the parents, allowing the viewer to understand that not only the child is burdenned, but so are them, and love is complicated, and tough, and illogical. The world we live in today wants us to be put in boxes, to be stuck with a label on. Love is the one thing they cant categorize and explain, and most of the time it fucks up the system. That is The Whale. Its not about an obese guy on the brink of death and his daughter. Its about love, its about being a parent, its about flaws and how they maximize the human experience.
Kind of a long comment, but I couldnt help myself, the movie brought me to tears of pain and joy. Not many movies do that these days