WHEN Brendan Fraser took on the role of Charlie, a father and English teacher living with severe obesity in Darren Aronofsky's The Whale, he says he knew that he had a lot of work to do.
An unflinching character study of a man running out of time, The Whale adapted by Samuel D. Hunter from his play of the same name - follows Charlie through five days in his life as he deals with congestive heart failure and comes to terms with the fact that he doesn't have long left to make peace with his life.
Oscar nominee Brendan, 54, says he had to do extensive research to ensure that his portrayal of Charlie and his situation was not only accurate, but sensitive and honest.
"Everything I needed to know about Charlie is right there in Sam Hunter's play and adapted screenplay," says the star who made his name in family movies like The Mummy and George of the Jungle.
"I consulted with the Obesity Action Coalition, who are an advocacy group for people who live with obesity, and they were very helpful in many aspects of being sensitive in the character.
"They gave great notes on the authenticity of the make-up, and impressed upon us how important it was to get that right." Creating Charlie for The Whale required the use of extensive prosthetics, make-up and costuming, which Brendan had to learn to act in and embody without dehumanising the character.
"Charlie's not a creature or an animal, he's a man, and his body is north of 500 pounds, whatever it is, but he's a big man... his mobility is going to be influenced by that," says Brendan, who consulted with people living with obesity and eating disorders to help him understand Charlie.
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2023-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2023-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.
Teenage star Chido on target once again
CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.