“Be good, be brief, be seated” – Brendan Fraser, Germany Premiere of “The Whale” (April 25th, 2023)
Honestly, this movie was very dramatic. However, that alone does not necessarily define the whole worth of a film.
So let’s dive deep into the dramaturgy of Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” (2022) and in the end, you can decide whether it is worth seeing or not.
This film review will be a bit more different than my classical in depth analysis of movies inspired by my university years. It is inspired by the main character, Charlie (Brendan Fraser) himself.
Charlie is an online university instructor for writing courses, and at the core of his teaching is, being honest with your writing.
Funny enough, Charlie has a hard time being honest with himself and the decisions he has made in life. He is human. Quoting Brendan Fresar himself at the Berlin Premiere (April 25th, 2023) “Charlie is not just an instructor, he is also a father, a lover and only human.”
The drama in the film is not only deep, but also very raw. Filmed during the corona lockdowns in 2020, almost the whole movie takes place in one setting. However, the atmosphere that Aronofsky creates is so genial that one is barely bothered by this aspect. It is as if we are in the psychological embodiment of the whale analogy made throughout the story. It is big, suffocating and at times slippery.
The acting also enhances the rawness of the movie. Each character is played with intense emotions which don’t surpass their purpose. Adapted by the play “The Whale” these theatrical aspects of the movie make it an even more interesting watch if you love theater.
So, yes it is dramatic. And yes the film is raw. This Oscar winning masterpiece is a result of exactly what a dramatic screenplay would look like if it were a movie.
So to keep it honest and raw: I hope this review helps any of you film fans out there on making a wise and informed decision on whether or not to see the film. Because, to see or not to see – that is the question;)
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