The Whale is a 2022 American drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser. The film is based on a screenplay by Samuel D. Hunter adapted Hunter's 2012 play of the same name. The film also stars Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton.
The Whale had its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2022, and was released in the United States on December 9, 2022, by A24. The film received polarizing reviews, with acclaim for the performances of Fraser and Chau, but criticism for the screenplay's heavy-handedness and perpetuation of fatphobia.
Synopsis.
A24 writes, "The Whale the story of a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter."
Cast.
Brendan Fraser as Charlie, an obese and reclusive literature professor,
Sadie Sink as Ellie, Charlie's estranged teenage daughter,
Jacey Sink as young Ellie,
Hong Chau as Liz, a nurse and Charlie's best friend who takes care of him,
Ty Simpkins as Thomas, a religious LDS missionary,
Samantha Morton as Mary, Charlie's ex-wife, and
Sathya Sridharan as Dan, a pizza delivery worker.
Production.
Aronofsky said he had been trying to get the film made for a decade, blocked by the casting of Charlie (its lead character), until he saw a trailer for Journey to the End of the Night on YouTube which starred Fraser, when it "clicked" for him to cast Fraser.
On January 11, 2021, it was announced that A24 had global distribution rights to The Whale, which would be directed by Aronofsky and star Fraser. In February 2021, Hong Chau, Sadie Sink and Samantha Morton joined the cast. The following month, Ty Simpkins joined the cast. Sathya Sridharan also joined the cast.
Principal photography began on March 8 and wrapped on April 7, 2021, in Newburgh, New York. The film entered post-production the same month.
For the titular role, Fraser would spend four hours each day in the makeup department getting fitted with prosthetics that weighed up to 300 pounds. He also worked with a dance instructor for months prior to filming to figure out how his character would move with the excess weight and consulted with the Obesity Action Coalition.
