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Brendan Fraser. © 2022. A24 and Protozoa Pictures. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. CIFF #2 Watched it at The Chicago International Film Festival 2022 through AMC Theaters (CIFF #2)
A Struggle With Obesity Won't Block Your Path To Redemption. This film really pushed the boundaries of one-location films into something much greater. This is a film that will rip you apart and rethink how life is precious. Darren Aronofsky really brought something special to Chicago, literally. It was amazing to attend his master class during the festival but with his tips and tricks learned from that presentation and applying them to this film, it really showed how his direction really affected this film. It's a heavy subject that some directors won't risk but Aronofsky takes those risks and he executes them well. But it's not just him, but Brendan Fraser as well. Join me in the apartment of Charlie where his final days are near but there is time to redeem himself. Q&A conversation will also be a part of this review. Be on the lookout while reading this review. Story: 600 lb. (272 kg) middle-aged Charlie tries to reconnect with his seventeen-year-old daughter. The two grew apart after Charlie abandoned his family for his lover, who later died. Charlie then went on to binge eat out of pain and guilt which resulted in his current appearance. But after hearing that his obesity is killing him, he has one last chance to reconnect with her daughter and become a true father one last time. This film was gripping from beginning to end. The score really elevated this film with a haunted vibe from it and it was dreadful all the way through the film. That aspect really stuck with me and it helped bring certain scenes to come to life and give the actor's true performance. While the music wasn't heard during filming, I felt like it added realism and depth to those scenes. Especially in a one-location film. The film isn't fully 100% filmed in one location but the way Darren Aronofsky directed it felt like every shot was fresh and each day had its own story to tell. The film is split into 5 or 6 days but on every day, it shows the struggles of Charlie and his obesity while fighting his own past and his upcoming death. I really loved how they explored his past through small photos and flashbacks but the execution of it is well done. I love how they stuck with Charlie in this film but they switch to the other characters to give some breathing area in the film. Having a small cast really helps the film's pacing and it gives a unique look to this story. The production design of this film is great and helps the audience to understand the situation in which Charlie is in and how is his lifestyle. Even small set details really help sell the world of this film and it makes you care more about Charlie. Even some of the most fucked up moments in the film really show how Charlie is fucked up in this health situation. After the title card, there is one scene that really disturbed me immediately and it shows the struggles of Charlie's life and sexuality. This leads me to the subjects of the film that were presented in this film. Sexuality, religion, family, and obesity really helped the narrative drive including fucking food. All of this works in a disturbing and realistic way because of Aronofsky's directing. The directing in this film is phenomenal. It's fucking gripping and how he pulls this off is very interesting. According to his master class and Q&A at the Chicago international film festival, he used a lot of prosthetics in Brendan Fraser's suit but none of it was CGI. A tiny VFX work had to be done but it was almost all practical which is insane. Plus, the way he directs by having different angles and shots each time for one location, he does it by taking it slow and keeping the performance up close. I really loved his directing in this film and I can't believe he achieved this in one location. The cinematography is amazing. I loved the 4:3 aspect ratio and I think it's the right aspect ratio for this film. It can help bring out emotional scenes including close-up shots and full shots. It really surprised me and it worked out amazingly. Back to the subjects, the way Aronofsky worked with these subjects is well put to use. One of those subjects that will get major controversy is religion. Christianity plays part in this film with the character Thomas, played by Ty Simpkins, and they handle the subject very well. While some audiences will find it a little bit offensive or uneasy with it, it really sets up the tone of the film and it explores finding yourself for redemption. It's an arc of redemption and by the final shot of the film, you will see why redemption is an important theme in this film. Sexuality is an important subject in the film because it relates to it right at the beginning of the film. It's a fucked up scene but it sets up how fucked up Charlie's life is and it plays a lot with it throughout the film. It's a sensitive subject for sure, but it serves its purpose for the main character and it goes into deeper and darker territory. Yes, it's fucked up for sure, but it supports the film's tone. Family is also another subject that is played with and it is done very well. But I cannot forget about obesity. Aronofsky directs the shit out of this film and the subject matter is directed very well. It shows how even being fat won't change who you are. But it can change some perspectives for some people. Aronofsky mentioned during the Q&A that one of the characters was made up in the film and he thought it was an actual character in the play, but the playwriter confirmed he wasn't. The film is based on a play for context. That character has a very small role but it plays a huge part in what society thinks about obesity. This film plays a lot with sensitive subjects but it respects them and pushes it to get to the overall theme and message of this film. Really well fucking done. Finally, the performances. Everyone here is legit fucking fantastic. Ty Simpkins did a great job with his performance and character. Easily his best so far including Sadie Sink. She did a wonderful job and this might top Stranger Things 4 but I still loved her performance. Samantha Morton did an amazing job as well and her character was heartbreaking and believable. Hong Chau did a fantastic job with her performance and she really made this film more heartbreaking. She needs to be in more films because she is really that fucking great. Like, she can earn a nomination just for this performance. Every supporting character including the pizza guy is amazing. The protagonist himself, Charlie, played by Brendan Fraser is phenomenal and I smell an Oscar from a mile away. He transformed into this character in seconds and I felt like this character was real. Something about his performance really worked with me and while you can see that's Fraser in the film, by the second act of the film, you're already believing that's Charlie and not Fraser. His performance is heartbreaking and I cried twice while watching this film. The audience really fell in love with Charlie and the rest of the cast. It's a gut-wrenching film that will leave you thinking about the ending and overall message of this film. It left me with a "wow" at the end of the film and indeed it was a true "wow." I don't have any huge critiques but I felt like the second act dragged a little bit with its pacing. It's a slow film for sure but I wished they could've used a little bit of faster editing but that's my nitpick. I wish we could've explored more of one anonymous room which I won't spoil but it would've added more story to the film. Besides that, this film was very fucking strong from start to finish. Overall, this film is a huge win for Fraser, Aronofsky, and for the crew of the film. This is a fantastic well-made film with a phenomenal performance from Brendan Fraser including the supporting cast. The directing is a home run and this is a film that will be talked about in the film community. This is a film that even non-cinephiles should watch because of its subjectivity and performances. This was quite an experience to watch it early with no trailer or clips and being there with a full crowd and the director present made my experience, memorable. I highly recommend watching it in theaters and I can't wait for Darren Aronofsky's next project! In Theaters December 9, 2022. Vizeit Score: "A" (Share this review with your film friends and on social media! Thank you for your continue support.) Copyright © 2022. Vizeit Studios. All Rights Reserved. Review Written By: Everardo Garcia Jr.
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