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The Whale
I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting going into it, but this is about what I had in mind. Mostly. I was looking for some kind of family drama revolving around a big guy, and that’s pretty much what I got. On that note, this film will not please everyone. There were some small moments where I was just like “ok, let’s speed it up here”, but there were still lots of moments where I was very invested. I think there’s more positive than negative, it just didn’t blow me away or anything. I’ve also never been an old literature fan, but using “Moby Dick” and Walt Whitman to help control and advance the story, especially the stuff surrounding the characters, was very interesting, and I liked it. Having Charlie be an English teacher gives him a special aspect, rather than just being a random dude and his struggles. I think using his job, the literature, and his gay relationship really helps him stick out as a person. Brendan Fraser’s performance was certainly worthy of his Oscar win. Some scenes make you chuckle, while others almost feel like your heart is being ripped out. Hong Chau steals the spotlight in whatever scene she’s in, and I’m confident she’ll be getting an Oscar soon. Sadie Sink was unbearable, so I’ll pass over her. And Ty Simpkins is great, and I’ll forever love that guy, in anything he’s in. The score was beautiful and emotional, and gave the exact sound that this film needed. I believe that most of the time, music makes the movie, and in this case, it does. Lastly, the makeup and prosthetics definitely deserved their Oscar win, because the suit that Fraser wins is very believable, and seamlessly put together. Overall, this is a solid film, but isn’t anything special. But it does prove that every film should be shot in 4:3, because it’s just beautiful like that. I’d probably recommend it to most drama fans.
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