‘Believe the hype’: Brendan Fraser pegged for Oscar nomination as The Whale hits London Film Festival
Fraser is being lauded for his turn as a 600-pound gay man confined to a wheelchair
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Whale aired at London Film Festival on Tuesday (11 October), meaning some members of the media were able to see Darren Aronofsky’s drama ahead of its December release.
At its international premiere at Venice Film Festival in September, Brendan Fraser received a rapturous standing ovation for his lead role as a 600-pound gay man confined to a wheelchair.
After the London screening, British members of the press, too, are heaping praise on the long-forgotten actor for his performance.
“Brendan Fraser in The Whale. BELIEVE THE HYPE,” podcaster Sam Meltzer wrote on Twitter. “Ladies and gentlemen, THAT is how you win an Academy Award. F***.”
Digital Spy editor Gabriella Geisinger wrote: “The Whale – my absolute god. I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach! What a formidable piece of filmmaking.”
Meanwhile, staff writer at The Digital Fix Charlotte Colombo simply shared a selfie of herself in tears with the caption: “Until I can articulate my thoughts more clearly on The Whale... I think this sums it up.”
Screenwriter Ted Wilkes added: “#TheWhale is magnificent. Fraser is fearless throughout. He dredges up emotions from every part of him. Every word he utters is a poem. Every line across his face a story. Every bead of sweat a testament to his utter commitment. Throw all the awards at his feet. They are his now.”
Fraser stars in the movie alongside Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, Hong Chau and Samantha Morton.
The Whale will be released in the US on 9 December. A UK release date is yet to be announced.
You can read a timeline of Fraser’s career here.
Read Geoffrey Macnab’s four-star review of the film for The Independent here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments