While the title itself would be a pejorative for someone morbidly obese, it really ties into a story that the lead character Charlie holds dear to his failing heart. That is the story of "Moby Dick" Though the tale itself doesn't really come into play, if not for only the last great memory he has is of the sea and of a daughter that he had abandoned when he feel in love with someone of the same sex.
Much has been said about Brendan Fraser's performance, and I couldn't agree more with the accolades he will get. As he is someone who is playing someone so uncomfortable in his skin, Fraser seems entirely wrapped up into the man's eat-to-death skin. And as someone who has had friends who are delusional when it comes to self-awareness of excess weight, the character of Charlie REALLY knows he is done with life. When he is reunited with his really estranged daughter, there is so much anger and resentment built up, you can feel the ugliness of family and the ability for them to destroy your insides. But Charlie doesn't take it to heart after all, he is the catalyst for the well earned disgust and hate. Hard to hammer on a guy who knows life has him beat. He is also doted on by his life partner's sister who seems to be both a caretaker and an enabler. She is played by Hong Chau, who brings so much connection to Charlie's lot in life. She both understands and has to standby as he self-destructs. This is very similar to the Elisabeth Shue character in "Leaving Las Vegas"
This movie is not for everyone. People who have suffered abandonment and require easy answers isn't going to get it fully. There is no forgiveness for Charlie. Though he isn't exactly clamoring for it either. He wants to do the right thing, and tends to annoy people with his optimism despite his physical ailments. At a certain point one has to allow the person to go unto the inevitable end. Is this love? Not quite. Nor has he ever gotten it. But for a movie that relies on the past and history and family dynamics to guide the emotions involved here, a little background may have helped. Perhaps Charlie's own childhood would be a window into his self-destruction. Instead, the audience needs to piece together, perhaps, the backstory from scant clues.
A one location drama is a remarkable feat we should all celebrate. "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Wolf?" blows any of them away. But director Darren Aronofsky does wonders with an isolated Idaho apartment. As if the outside world is as bleak as the one he is entombed in. The story of Charlie and his ultimate future is what should keep you watching. For others who require a lot of action, this is not for you. It is a quiet piece that Fraser absolutely nails through gestures and emotions. Some have criticized this movie for exploiting an obese person. At moments I felt the pity come through. But the wise decision was to make Charlie seem at peace with his decisions he's made, though still disappointed. What lifts him to the resolution we want comes from him coming to terms with his relationship with his daughter. But also, a incredibly uncomfortable moment with his ex-wife (nearly unrecognizable Samantha Morton) who has fallen into the bottle yet still holds warmth for Charlie.
People aren't going to like how the world caters to Charlie. It could be uncomfortably funny as in "The Simpsons" where Homer gets morbidly obese to get to work from home. There is no motivation here for that. He is a recluse who enjoys the occasional visit and sometimes self-pity. And that will turn many people off.
I wish there was a happier ending. But that's not what you go to an Aronofsky movie for. Not sure what this is trying to fully say. Perhaps...we make decisions in our lives that sometimes we can't repair, but the other person needs to know they tried? Maybe. It's a tricky line that isn't going to sit well with everyone. I happened to appreciate it. Maybe you will too.
Much has been said about Brendan Fraser's performance, and I couldn't agree more with the accolades he will get. As he is someone who is playing someone so uncomfortable in his skin, Fraser seems entirely wrapped up into the man's eat-to-death skin. And as someone who has had friends who are delusional when it comes to self-awareness of excess weight, the character of Charlie REALLY knows he is done with life. When he is reunited with his really estranged daughter, there is so much anger and resentment built up, you can feel the ugliness of family and the ability for them to destroy your insides. But Charlie doesn't take it to heart after all, he is the catalyst for the well earned disgust and hate. Hard to hammer on a guy who knows life has him beat. He is also doted on by his life partner's sister who seems to be both a caretaker and an enabler. She is played by Hong Chau, who brings so much connection to Charlie's lot in life. She both understands and has to standby as he self-destructs. This is very similar to the Elisabeth Shue character in "Leaving Las Vegas"
This movie is not for everyone. People who have suffered abandonment and require easy answers isn't going to get it fully. There is no forgiveness for Charlie. Though he isn't exactly clamoring for it either. He wants to do the right thing, and tends to annoy people with his optimism despite his physical ailments. At a certain point one has to allow the person to go unto the inevitable end. Is this love? Not quite. Nor has he ever gotten it. But for a movie that relies on the past and history and family dynamics to guide the emotions involved here, a little background may have helped. Perhaps Charlie's own childhood would be a window into his self-destruction. Instead, the audience needs to piece together, perhaps, the backstory from scant clues.
A one location drama is a remarkable feat we should all celebrate. "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Wolf?" blows any of them away. But director Darren Aronofsky does wonders with an isolated Idaho apartment. As if the outside world is as bleak as the one he is entombed in. The story of Charlie and his ultimate future is what should keep you watching. For others who require a lot of action, this is not for you. It is a quiet piece that Fraser absolutely nails through gestures and emotions. Some have criticized this movie for exploiting an obese person. At moments I felt the pity come through. But the wise decision was to make Charlie seem at peace with his decisions he's made, though still disappointed. What lifts him to the resolution we want comes from him coming to terms with his relationship with his daughter. But also, a incredibly uncomfortable moment with his ex-wife (nearly unrecognizable Samantha Morton) who has fallen into the bottle yet still holds warmth for Charlie.
People aren't going to like how the world caters to Charlie. It could be uncomfortably funny as in "The Simpsons" where Homer gets morbidly obese to get to work from home. There is no motivation here for that. He is a recluse who enjoys the occasional visit and sometimes self-pity. And that will turn many people off.
I wish there was a happier ending. But that's not what you go to an Aronofsky movie for. Not sure what this is trying to fully say. Perhaps...we make decisions in our lives that sometimes we can't repair, but the other person needs to know they tried? Maybe. It's a tricky line that isn't going to sit well with everyone. I happened to appreciate it. Maybe you will too.