THE WHALE Q&A with Brendan Fraser, Darren Aronofsky and Sadie Sink | TIFF 2022

The team behind THE WHALE in conversation with TIFF in advance of its premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. Brendan Fraser gives a career-defining performance in Darren Aronofsky’s arrestingly intimate drama about a reclusive English professor struggling with personal relationships and self-acceptance, adapted from the stage play by Samuel D. Hunter.
The 47th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 8 to 18, 2022. For more, visit tiff.net.
Brendan Fraser gives a career-defining performance in this arrestingly intimate drama from director Darren Aronofsky. The Whale invites us to identify with a man in a precarious state of isolation that has been exacerbated by a potentially lethal mix of technology and our culture of body shaming. Writing instructor Charlie (Fraser) never seems to have his webcam enabled while teaching online. He makes excuses and is so good-natured that no one makes a fuss, but the real reason for his invisibility is his appearance. Charlie weighs 600 pounds. His obesity starts to pose a grave threat to his health and his friend Liz (Hong Chau, also at this year’s Festival in The Menu), a nurse, begs him to check into a hospital, but also recognizes that it might be more important to simply offer support. Charlie’s current status quo is upended by the return of his long-estranged adolescent daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink), though her willingness to resume a relationship seems prompted as much by Charlie’s offers to ghostwrite her school essays as it is by her sense of familial loyalty. Meanwhile, Charlie receives visits from a door-to-door evangelist (Ty Simpkins) who engages him in a dialogue about redemption that, despite Charlie’s lack of religious inclination, proves surprisingly resonant. Can any of these folks, regardless of their personal agendas, serve as the lifeline to self-acceptance that Charlie so urgently needs? Screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter, here adapting his own play, has already proved himself a compassionate chronicler of offbeat characters with the FX series Baskets. With The Whale - the title a reference to Moby Dick, Charlie’s favourite book - Hunter has given us a story that fuses love, grief, and discomfort as a zigzag path to empathy.
Darren Aronofsky was born in Brooklyn. His features include Pi (98), and the Festival selections Requiem for a Dream (00), The Fountain (06), The Wrestler (08), Black Swan (10), and Mother! (17). The Whale (22) is his latest film.

[@BeautynBrainz2]

Brendan is finally getting the recognition he’s deserved for years! He’s not just a pretty face. I met him once & he was such a deep soul. Funny, intelligent, down to earth, kind & curious. I can’t wait to see this movie!

[@12567NoYouCannot]

He Surely does deserve it!

[@cynthiaciotti2888]

It was a piece of art. Bravo to everyone 👍❤️

[@thezombiekiller54540]

Yea Brendan is a great guy. I love George of the jungle

[@andywood18]

I really wish I could go to see 👀 the movie.

[@cam23417]

I am so happy to read that he is a great human in person! I have been deeply moved by his performance and can't get out of my mind his Critic's Choice awards acceptance speech, "step into the light, great things can happen", that being tied so beautifully to the movie. It has changed me in the most literal, touching way. Wish I could tell him.

[@iswearimcreativeproduction7604]

Oscar Winner Brendan Fraser sounds nice

[@Danny-mk1zs]

So happy to see Brendan back to starring in movies. Great man, great actor, and an absolute legend!!

[@ruthanabi]

That last scene got me crying so hard my glasses fogged such a beautiful scene to witness, such acting, such writing.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

indeed.

[@briangrossman5594]

Man I’m emotional and I haven’t even seen the movie yet. So happy for Brendan.

[@isaacclarke4229]

Man I want Brendon to win an Oscar for this role

[@stevethomas5467]

I hope Brendan wins an Oscar for this role.

[@ivelissediaz9583]

Oh he Won !!!!! Great speech and i watched the Oscars for rhe first time in 20 years just to see that moment live. I screamed, i cried, i put the volume on as high as it would go! I needed his message of positivity and kindness and grace to roll into every corner, nook and cranny of my house. I want his light to illuminate everything.

[@popculture656]

already manifesting for brendan to win the oscar next year cause he deserves it

[@ivelissediaz9583]

And he won!!!!! I absolutely believe in manifesring, the laws of attraction and asking the universe for things. When he won, i put the tv volume to full blast so that every corner, and nook and cranny of my house could be filled with the positive message in his speech. I cried, i screamed and mostly i smiled. I am still smiling.

[@bnicolette14]

He's so sweet. Seeing him get emotional & then hiding it with comedy is just so awesome lol I can't imagine what this must feel like! Also, I doubt he cares, but I hope he knows he's still hot lmao

[@afreesoulonearth]

9:46 I love to see how Darren Aronofsky is protective with Brendan Fraser😊

[@reignLA]

I'm here not only for Brendan... But also for Sadie!

[@PatrickOCnMD]

Brendon finally coming into his well-deserved own. Just a great actor, with already many great credits accomplished. Still relatively young too.

[@SuperKitty104]

I watched this movie before Oscar Sunday and I’m so glad he won! I cried so much at the ending of this movie!

[@johnpalooka8814]

Mr. Fraser is a genius

[@danielh437]

Thumbs up for Brendan!

[@lucymadden8158]

Such a big fan of Sadie Sink so really excited to see this movie ❤️

[@MsKarduspandora]

I wouldn’t survive if I were at this event. Watched the movie and still had to be there for Q&A. I just watched it and haven’t stopped crying while typing this too. I’m sure he will win this Oscar, Brendan.

[@codyt821]

I am becoming more and more fascinated with this story. I think this might be something really special, and I get the feeling we might have an incredible performance coming from Mr. Fraser. I’m going to seek out a performance of the play when I can. I’m just totally getting sucked into this whole project. Sadie Sink is definitely someone to watch as well, her latest Stranger Things performance was also incredible

[@12567NoYouCannot]

Indeed. I agree. A lot of people are excited about this Project and his comeback! .

[@giovannibertoia8027]

Loved every second of it. The writing, impeccable dialogue. Great timing (Sadie Sink was phenomenal), terrific performances, great camera movements when needed, score on point. Terrific film all around.

[@elizabethlatorre5360]

Love Brendan Fraser ❤️. Deserves all the successes

[@lyndasurgenorball5595]

I am so happy to see Brendan Feaser getting this recognition 👏 ❤ he is such a wonderful real person and a brilliant actor! Well done you!!!!!

[@missjojoy212]

Brendan deserves all the accolades he is getting. I hope he wins the Oscar. Such a humble man. I look forward to seeing him alot in the future.

[@airdany]

I have known a person for 20 years and in the last 4 years he has gained weight! That worried her, because she was thin all her life, I only needed what it took to regain her healthy weight. When I saw the movie, she reminded me, because she is a very good person. Brendan reflects his good heart in this film.

[@elizabethlatorre5360]

Who doesn't love Brendan Fraser

[@L7ONELEEONLY]

Brendan Fraser. Love him soo much. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🫂. I wanna see him getting an Oscar and listen to his speech 🥲. I am already gettin all teary. From Pakistan

[@12567NoYouCannot]

That is So Sweet!!! We love him here in America too, a lot, he is like a hero to us here. Thank You for Supporting him. Pray for him to Win that Oscar and the Director too, I think this director is Brilliant!!

[@sweetesthawaiianprincess8086]

😭😭😭😭😭😩😍🥰♥️❤️‍🩹💜💔😮😅😊😇

[@MegaSuziek]

i love how they pay attention to the crew - getting them the recognition as well

[@hellionsentinel]

I watched this film yesterday not knowing much of it except that Brendan was playing the character of an obese man. Man, was I shocked, touched, and inspired by his performance and not ashamed to say that the last 25 minutes of the movie I spent bawling my eyes out

[@anam.]

So happy for all of them. Great movie!!!

[@12567NoYouCannot]

I hope this move becomes a HUGE SUCCESS for everyone involved, Brenda Fraser, the Director, the Script writer, and all the other people involved !!!

[@LC2567]

HE FREAKING DESERVE AN OSCAR!!!

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

For an actor to take on the persona of a truly unique character and make it believable is a rare gift. For example : Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's monster - John Hurt as John Merrick (The Elephant Man) - Dustin Hoffman as Jack Crabb (Little Big Man) - Billy Bob Thornton as Karl Childers (Slingblade) - Robert Englund as Freddy Kruger (Nightmare on Elm Street) - Brendon Fraser as Charlie (The Whale) - Sissy Spacek as Loretta Lynn (Coalminer's Daughter) - are just a few who have achieved acclaim through their visual character depictions on screen. The crown for playing multiple characters in one movie - Alec Guinness ( Kind Hearts and Coronets) - he played 8 different characters - 1 female and 7 males.

[@arelisportuondo3482]

BRENDA TAN SENCILLO AMABLE, SINCERO. LOS AMAMOS AQUI EN EEUU BENDICIONES 😘 🙏

[@lexmcdermott2751]

I’m not crying or reacting to Brendan’s emotions, I’m chopping onions at my cubicle.

[@lyndasurgenorball5595]

I love the theatre references with rehearsals

[@sarasmith9333]

ALL OF THEM ARE AMAING IN THEIR OWN RIGHT! WE WISH TO SEE THEM MORE OFTEN TOO!

[@TheDubastro]

I love the way Sadie looks at Brendan

[@ludwybejarano6255]

Just saw this amazing film! Brendan is brutal!!!! The rest of the cast as well!! Darren A. Best film!! Amazing film

[@patriciamueller2498]

Brendan is such an intelligent articulate man.❤️

[@isaacclarke4229]

That boy Ty from Iron Man 3 and Insidious has grown big😵😵

[@josecampos9533]

EN EFECTO "BRENDAN FRASER" ES CINE ❤

[@alonsoba82]

I love you brendan

[@CamielleMusic]

Brendan. ❤

[@matthewnodar7298]

Anyone notice how the chapter section for the video is titled "Finding Brendan Gleeson" rather than Brendan Frasier?

[@beckylang91]

Hi, TIFF! Y’all might want to take a look at the chapters. You wrote “Brendan Gleeson” accidentally ❤

[@Kelly-uw1xr]

Now where is the trailer? Omg

[@dhruvdutt9828]

Finding Brendan Gleeson? You mean Brendon Fraser! Great proof reading and quality check. Good job!

[@sarasmith9333]

BRENDAN, YOU DESERVE IT ALL!

[@diyarajak932]

I Love Ty Simpkins

[@ronadominictepania7318]

The best movie in the 21 century

[@robgrossi2368]

Does anyone know what theatre this is?

[@tammysmith7517]

Brendan I hope you win for this stunning performance. 😢. It’s your time ❤

[@LerockJohn]

Karma can be a wonderful, beautiful thing...

[@jhonanovero7216]

SHE SAID HIS NAME RIGHT!! Its FRAY-ZER like RAZOR! 😊😊

[@ericasinclairsno150]

21:57 sadie🥰

[@LastlyMore]

Where's the chairs?

[@aiko8311]

Hahaha

[@ozzie460pu]

where was the caretaker at this event?? She was wonderful.....not to take away from the stellar performances of the the rest of the cast and creators.

[@Bng210]

Brendan has been a favorite for many, many, many fans! Glad to see him play a role like this. Can't wait to see the film!

[@organicskating]

Why does the bookmark for the KZbin slider guide at 14:14 say "finding Brendan Gleeson"? What a mistake!

[@MLhub.]

and the osca goes to . . . CONGRATULATIONS mr.fraser !

[@MLhub.]

@brendanfraser0q you are not the real Brendan

[@LoneStreet]

No one Absolutely no one The time stamp at 14:05: Finding Brendan Gleason I’m dead 💀 Everyone was so good in the movie.

[@aritrodasgupta2841]

@Tiff Originals It's Brendan FRAAASERRR... not Gleeson🤦‍♂️

[@brooksy3069]

17:40 markish, can see darren holding in some emotion and trying hard to stay focused

[@billy91108]

'Gleeson' in your playbar.

[@TheConorsmithusa]

Finding Brendan Gleeson??

[@Gam3Junkie]

Does anyone know how the movie ends?

[@vildjuret6591]

Not a doctor but probably the people who watched the movie.

[@wheatstonebridge]

I won't spoil it. Go watch it

[@everthpalomequejr]

2023 Oscar winners: Best actor: Brandon Fraser Best director: darren aronofsky. Best original screenplay: Samuel D. Hunter

[@alice_sink4689]

Sadie sink is my wife.

[@dmitrytannill7436]

The dude banging on the microphone ruined this situation

[@wheatstonebridge]

Nothing was ruined

[@potato_kake]

Jeepers I wish people would pronounce his surname correctly!!

[@sarasmith9333]

BRENDAN IS S GOOD.

[@deltavagen9796]

Sadie sink is so fine 🤤 🤤

[@kirkchan7726]

this movie looks cheesy and cringe, but it's mostly hilarious that the chapter of this video says "finding brendan GLEESON" lololll

[@maia-k]

why is sadie admitting the role was given to her and she didnt even audition at least she is honest 💀 also get her away from the creepy men in this movie she’s way too good for them, darrens last gf was 25 too he’s definitely weird to her and 50 years old…

[@_.itstayyee]

Lol

[@priortokaraew7569]

Cat woman who no man wants?

[@nothudanasir]

Why is that weird to admit… it’s true she was offered the role like what??

[@AdamF89]

Just because he dated a 25 year old woman doesn’t mean he only deliberately seeks out 25 year old women who act in his movies to date, wtf is wrong with you, every film press conference has an older male director who praises the cast, including the female actors

[@michelkudluk6193]

I love how the woman in the beginning announced her name and involvement with the presentation and had a moment for applause but it was dead silent.

[@sarasmith9333]

but we love seeing BRENDAN, HE IS AMAZING!

[@12567NoYouCannot]

Brendan Fraser was the Perfect Actor for this character, but Also this DIRECTOR is BRILLIANT, Imho.

[@nanditagulati3183]

oscar winning

[@sarasmith9333]

ask thing to TY, people can be so mean