The Whale

Heartbreaking drama directed by Aronofsky. Online English teacher Charlie once left his family for a lover. After the tragic death of his boyfriend, Charlie suffers from obesity, leads a reclusive lifestyle, and eventually finds himself on the brink of death. At this moment, he decides to try to rebuild his relationship with his teenage daughter Ellie, whom he hasn't seen in several years.

But the film is remembered not only for this story but also for the incredible comeback of actor Brendan Fraser («The Mummy»), who himself went through a transformation from a Hollywood sex symbol to a depressed, overweight man on the verge of bankruptcy. In 2007, he divorced his wife and was forced by a court order to pay huge alimony for his three sons. Additionally, he suffered a serious injury and, due to a sedentary lifestyle, gained weight and became uninteresting to directors.

The role in «The Whale» helped Brendan Fraser overcome his depression and get back on his feet, feeling needed and loved again. At the Venice Film Festival, the actor received a six-minute standing ovation, and at the Oscars, he couldn't hold back tears. Taking the stage, the actor thanked the members of the Academy and personally Aronofsky for throwing him a creative lifeline.

 Sorriso Diverso Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the Venice Film Festival. And two Oscars: for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Male Performance.