#daryn aronofsky

[bestreviewguy]

When watching a Darren Aronofsky film, a good time isn’t exactly what you look for. More of the opposite in a morbid way, from films such as “Requiem for a Dream” to my personal favorite, “Mother” one way or another, you somewhat plan to be scarred, while most film veterans can shake this off as nothing more than extended shock value, the somewhat new project released (2021) is a different type of shock value. No unexpected message on the dangers of heroin addictions and thankfully no scenes like the ending of Jennifer Lawrence’s, “Mother” are included in this cinematic tale. Instead, we are given a view on what a heartbreak can truly do to a man. In this film, we view the final weeks of Brendan Frazier’s life. The best thing about this movie is the performances, Sadie Sink and Frazier steal the show and are well owed an Oscar. It is a film you will watch once, and never want to see again, for better or for worse. Generally speaking, most people don’t watch Aronofsky films for a casual good time popcorn flick. Instead, when faced with the ending, much similar to my time in the theatre with this one, your only response is utter silence. A rhetorical stance on if it was based on a true story or not, yet we know that somewhere in the world, a heartbreaking tale such as what you’ve just experienced is no doubt occurring. The new film in his collection is no different, with an ending just as depressing as you would come to expect if your knowledgeable on his prior work. As a matter of fact, if their is one word to describe this film, it is “Depressing” throughout the film, all your wanting to feel is sympathy. Do not expect a happy ending. Do not expect to have a hero’s journey because it isn’t one of those tales. For better or for worse, you will learn a fact of life, and what you take away from that lesson is entirely up to the audience. While I’m glad to see Brendan Frazier back in action in his career in Hollywood, this is VASTLY DIFFERENT from anything he’s done prior. I’m all for it. You cry in the last 10 minutes, and you dread viewing his dynamic relationships with the cast. Their isn’t a single performance that does not feel like they don’t belong here. The best way to describe this piece of cinema is like a play. It mirrors a rollercoaster you want so badly to get off of, yet are already strapped in for the ride; and all you can do is wait for it to be over. Unfortunately, the cinematography isn’t going to be for everyone, regardless of the tone of the film, yet the PHENOMENAL PERFORMANCES by everyone on screen drastically makes up for it. It’s (as Sadie Sinks character says) “disgusting” when it needs to be, hard to look away, and absolutely not a boring watch. Yet I would not mind watching it ever again. You can view this movie one to two times before losing interest, and what happens in those times are entirely up to you, the viewer. I’m going to give ‘The Whale’ a 7 out of 10.

7/10

+ Not a single bad performance

+Emotionally gripping throughout every scene.

+Suspenseful in a morbid way

+One of the most grounded in reality films since “Pi”

-Some cinematography issues

-Not a lot of rewatch value