Brendan Fraser (L) in director Darren Aronofsky’s (R) “The Whale.” (Fraser photo from A24’s Twitter; Aronofsky photo by Siebbi, from Wikimedia Commons)
Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” is among the films that will play at the 79th Venice Film Festival, running Aug. 31-Sept. 10.
“The Whale,” from film studio A24, will star Brendan Fraser as a 600-pound gay man trying to reconcile with his estranged 17-year-old daughter, played by “Stranger Things” actress Sadie Sink.
Fraser, speaking with Unilad in June 2021, said his costume and makeup for the film was “extensive, seamless, cumbersome” but did not elaborate much more on the film.
“This is certainly far removed from anything I’ve ever done but not to be coy, I haven’t seen any of it yet but I do know it’s going to make a lasting impression,” Fraser said.
The film is being adapted by Samuel D. Hunter, the writer behind the 2012 play of the same name. Speaking with Deadline in January 2021, Hunter said “Adapting my play into a screenplay has been a real labor of love for me. This story is deeply personal and I’m very thankful it will have the chance to reach a wider audience.”
Aronofsky is known for bringing an offbeat, otherworldly feel to his dramas. His previous work includes “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Wrestler,” “mother!” and “Black Swan.”
Over the last several years, the Venice Film Festival has been a breeding ground for movies that would go on to dominate that year’s award season, including “The Power of the Dog,” “Nomadland,” “Roma,” “La La Land” and “The Shape of Water,” to name a few.
“The Whale” is one of 23 films that will compete during the influential film festival. Other films making their debut at this year’s festival include the Marilyn Monroe biopic “Blonde,” “Bones and All” starring Timothée Chalamet, “The Son” with Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern, “TÁR” starring Cate Blanchett and director Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise,” which will open the film festival.
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