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.
This story is from the February 05, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 05, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Bethell relishing Old Trafford T20 decider
JACOB Bethell was pleased to get down to business for England after admitting he struggled to shut out the external noise during a low-key international debut.
Is this turning point that boss so badly needs?
Victory buys Ten Hag breathing space, but now United must capitalise on it
Food for thought for the Insta diners
Why we need to disconnect from our phones for the best eating out experience
'It would normally be packed but now! it's a GHOST TOWN'
Traders warn they won't survive the loss of spaces after water company closed car park
Man used trafficked woman to make more than £100k
A MAN profited from the exploitation of a vulnerable woman to the tune of more than £100,000.
'You imagine there would be a lot of barking but it was silent?
The devastating Manchester Dogs Home fire ten years on
Couple's home hit by car for THIRD time
Pair forced to evacuate property
Shopkeeper faces £20k costs to undo changes he made
Business owner was refused permission for work already done
Disorder'more anti-government than racism'
Barrister makes claim as thug who attacked bus during trouble outside hotel housing asylum seekers jailed
'There's no characters left'
Traders and customers' sadness as shutters come down on market for final time