• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • by Genre
      • Action
      • Animated
      • Biography
      • Chick Flick
      • Comedy
      • Complete Shit
      • Dick Flick
      • Documentary
      • Drama
      • Family
      • History
      • Horror
      • Indie Films
      • Musical
      • Mystery
      • Romance
      • Sci-fi & Fantasy
      • Short
      • Suspense
      • Thriller
      • Western
    • by Grouch
      • Alyn Darnay
      • Amadarwin
      • Billy K
      • David Limacher
      • Eric Chamberlain
      • H-Man
      • Joshua Diaz
      • Madison Swift
      • Michael Carter
      • Rachel Peters
      • Star Shine
      • Rick Swift
    • Throwback Theater
  • News
    • News
    • Podcast
    • Rants
  • Shop
Film Grouch

Film Grouch

Back in my day, films were great. What happened?

The Whale

March 22, 2023 by Billy K 0 Comments

4/5 - (1 vote)
Brendan Fraser is Charlie in THE WHALE

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Written by: Samuel D. Hunter (based on his play)
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, Samantha Morton

The Whale centers around Charlie, an overweight man who lives alone. It is clear he prefers to be alone but is constantly forced to interact with people throughout the film. Each additional character is introduced during a time of need for Charlie.

Chau’s character, Liz arrives often to bring him food and check on his health. Sadie Sink plays Charlie’s daughter, Ellie. Ellie plays as a great counterpart to Charlie. Their dynamic is the main focus of the film.

Charlie after many years seeks to reconnect with his daughter and attempts to do so out of fear that he only has a little time left on this earth. Thomas, portrayed by Ty Simpkins, is by far the most unpredictable character. It’s best to keep his involvement a surprise for the movie. His character’s unpredictability enables the film to explore concepts that may challenge the audience, prompting them to question their own beliefs and ideas.

The most amazing part of The Whale is Aronofsky’s ability to create a world around one small setting. Most of the film takes place within Charlie’s apartment. This small setting showcases the emotional and physical struggle of life.

If you look beyond the main character’s weight, the themes in The Whale feel ubiquitous in our present society. While the film feels like it is meant to empathize with Charlie, a large portion of the content does feel like he is meant to be the butt of a joke. As the film progresses the audience is shown new sections of the apartment that at first seem like just a room but soon become integral set pieces.

For most of The Whale Charlie is sat on the couch. This at first feels meaningless to note, but as the story unfolds the audience notices there are some areas of the house Charlie cannot reach due to his physical weight and/or the emotional weight of his life.

This film has faced a large amount of criticism for its portrayal, and some say mockery, of overweight individuals. I will admit there are a few scenes that make Charlie out to be truly grotesque, and I believe that is intentional. From the set design down to the sound editing. This includes hearing grunts of Charlie trying to get up or move around or eating to the point of illness. These scenes do feel more intentionally exploitative than necessary to the overall story. While there is some validity to the criticism, there is a lot more to this film than Charlie’s weight.

Additionally, Fraser feels expertly cast in this film as some of Fraser’s real-life struggles with Hollywood seem to mirror that of Charlie’s life.

The Whale is a dialogue-heavy film really leaning into the inner struggles of each character depicted. Even the Pizza Delivery guy gets a storyline. There are no bit parts. Each character commands the audience’s attention and it’s a journey worth taking. While I do feel The Whale exhibits great storytelling, it does suffer from a bland ending in my opinion. However, with this in mind, it is an overall powerful film from start to finish.

As previously mentioned, Aronofsky manages to build a world around just one apartment. Each room tells a story and allows the audience to dig deeper into each character’s emotions. There is a particular scene that stands out with Hong Chau and Ty Simpkins. The two characters have a conversation outside of Charlie’s apartment. While they are just outside the front door, the film manages to make the scene feel like these two are in their own little world. It is an impressive accomplishment both on the crew behind and in front of the camera.

While The Whale does face logically sound criticism, I do believe each Academy Award nomination is deserved. If you have the chance to check this film out while it is still in theaters that is probably the best way to view it. The Whale gets 4 out of 5 stars from me thanks to its strong cast performances and incredible visuals to match. 

Filed Under: Drama, Reviews

About Billy K

Orlando,FL Resident. A Film Buff Boy turned Film Buff Man. After years of seeing his favorite movies compared to how fresh or rotten a fruit was (or is it a vegetable ?) he decided to take matters into his own hands. Superheroes and Supervillians is his forte. From Captain America to Freddy Krueger. He loves it all.

Primary Sidebar

The Film Grouch Show!

Did You Read These Reviews?

  • Truth or DareTruth or Dare
    By Rick Swift
  • The HustleThe Hustle
    By Joshua

GREAT YOUTUBES

Dave Chappelle talks about Kanye West, the 2022 midterm elections and Donald Trump.

Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3uQxh4q

Subscribe to SNL: https://goo.gl/tUsXwM
Stream Current Full Episodes: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live

WATCH PAST SNL SEASONS
Google Play - http://bit.ly/SNLGooglePlay
iTunes - http://bit.ly/SNLiTunes

SNL ON SOCIAL
SNL Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbcsnl
SNL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snl
SNL Twitter: https://twitter.com/nbcsnl
SNL TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcsnl

GET MORE NBC
Like NBC: http://Facebook.com/NBC
Follow NBC: http://Twitter.com/NBC
NBC Tumblr: http://NBCtv.tumblr.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nbc
NBC Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbc

#SNL #DaveChappelle #SNL48 #BlackStar

390.3K 46.7K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy5DMkU4NTY1QUFGQTYwMDE3

Dave Chappelle Stand-Up Monologue - SNL

16.8M views November 13, 2022 1:51 am

W has compiled all the most sensational moments from the first season of the hit series 'ASMR interview'. Relax and enjoy the electric tingles from soothing whispers and sounds generated by A-list celebrities like Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lucy Hale, Salma Hayek, Kate Hudson, Emily Ratajkowski, Aubrey Plaza, Ashley Graham, and Melissa Benoist.

Still haven’t subscribed to W on YouTube? ►► http://bit.ly/wyoutubesub

ABOUT W
The Who, What, Where, When, and Why in the world of fashion and style. W provides the ultimate insider experience with an original, provocative approach to art, culture, videos, travel, fashion, and beauty.

Best of ASMR: Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot and More Explore ASMR with Whispers and Sounds | W Magazine

116K 3.5K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy4yQUE2Q0JEMTk4NTM3RTZC

Best of ASMR: Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot and More Explore ASMR with Whispers and Sounds | W Magazine

6.9M views June 25, 2018 7:00 am

What is a Dick Flick Pick?  

Tactical Girl is trying to find a new job in this civvy world that's seemingly foreign.  She's starting this vlog to see if anyone has a job for her.  In the mean time, she's got a temp gig at Film Grouch, reviewing Dick Flick Picks.  What is a Dick Flick Pick?  Tactical Girl explains...

Featuring shirt by veteran-owned hellhoundapparel.com

Produced by Micah Haughey
Written by Rick Swift, Julia Ling
Assistant Producer Ryan Finlay
Title Graphics by Ernesto Moreno
Makeup by Exquisitely Madeup
"Lethal Breed" Shirt by Hell Hound Apparel

"Texas Techno" by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

56 7

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy5DQ0MyQ0Y4Mzg0M0VGOEYw

Tactical Girl Explains the Dick Flick Pick

2.1K views April 2, 2018 3:18 am

REMASTERED IN HD!
Official video of Billy Idol performing Cradle Of Love from the album Charmed Life. Buy It Here: http://smarturl.it/x5mixo 
At the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, the video was nominated for Best Male Video and Best Special Effects and won the award for Best Video from a Film
Like Billy Idol on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BillyIdol 
Follow Billy Idol on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/billyidol 
Official Website: http://billyidol.net/

#BillyIdol #CradleOfLove #Remastered #Vevo

165.2K 7.4K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy41QUZGQTY5OTE4QTREQUU4

Billy Idol - Cradle Of Love (Official Music Video)

29.5M views March 10, 2009 1:31 am

🌟 Turn ON Closed Captions for lyrics.
🔥 DragonForce Razer Customs ► https://bit.ly/3iZNOis
🥰 What Easter eggs did you find in the video? Watch again and leave a comment!

DragonForce Troopers of the Stars from the album Extreme Power Metal is inspired by the movie Starship Troopers. This official music video was filmed in Los Angeles California, before the pandemic with director Roboshobo.

DragonForce is a Grammy nominated platinum selling metal band. For over 20 years, DragonForce have toured around the world and shared the stage with many amazing bands including Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, Helloween, Sabaton, Nightwish, Powerwolf, Amon Amarth, Hammerfall, Amaranthe, Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch, Rhapsody and many more bands on Nuclear Blast Records, Napalm Records.
#dragonforce #extremepowermetal #hermanli #samtotman #marchudson #geeanzalone #aliciavigil

SUBSCRIBE ► https://www.youtube.com/c/dragonforce?sub_confirmation=1
ENABLE ► Notification
FOLLOW ► @HermanLi on Twitch, Twitter, Instagram, Cameo and Discord
FOLLOW ► @DragonForce on Twitter and @DragonForcHQ on Instagram

Catch Herman Li Twitch livestreams, Monday - Friday
for more epic live reaction video, guitar playthrough, video gaming, guitar reviews, gear reviews, special guest sessions and more! ► https://twitch.tv/hermanli
Get your Herman Li shout out to friends ► https://cameo.com/hermanli

SOCIALS
Discord ► https://discord.gg/hermanli
Instagram ► https://instagram.com/dragonforcehq
Instagram ► https://instagram.com/hermanli
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/dragonforce
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/hermanli
Tiktok ► https://tiktok.com/@dragonforce
Tiktok ► https://tiktok.com/@hermanli
Facebook ► https://facebook.com/dragonforce

DRAGONFORCE
🌏 Tour Tickets & VIP ► https://dragonforce.com/shows
👕 Merch ► https://dragonforce.com/shop

🎸 OUR MUSIC
iTunes https://apple.co/2P2xTjx
Amazon https://amzn.to/3jOF1hN
Tidal https://bit.ly/348GDxn
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2pH3wEn4eYlMMIIQyKPbVR

🎥 CAST
Alien Overlord - Clint Tauscher
Pizza Kimmy - Katie Kelley
Pizza Steve - Jake Yocham
Pizza Monster - Brenna Cheney
Surprised Dad - Jaret Sacrey
Party Guests - Random Acts of Irreverent Dance (RAID)

19.5K 1.2K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy43NDhFRTgwOTRERTU4Rjg3

DragonForce - Troopers of the Stars (Official Video - Extreme Power Metal)

962.7K views August 27, 2021 4:00 am

The human race only gets stronger as new generations are born to help innovate the world in new ways, but imagine if, somehow, everyone stopped having babies and this was the last generation! Check out the huge impact not having children would have across the entire globe!

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE INFOGRAPHICS SHOW ► https://www.youtube.com/c/theinfographicsshowOFFICIAL?sub_confirmation=1

🔖 MY SOCIAL PAGES
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@theinfographicsshow
Discord ► https://discord.gg/theinfoshow
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/TheInfographicsShow
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/TheInfoShow


💭 Find more interesting stuff on:
https://www.theinfographicsshow.com


📝 SOURCES:https://pastebin.com/P1UNFEFb

All videos are based on publicly available information unless otherwise noted.

11.7K 1.9K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy44Mjc5REFBRUE2MTdFRDU0

What If People Stopped Having Children

385K views November 11, 2022 10:15 am

Dave Chappelle talks about Kanye West, the 2022 midterm elections and Donald Trump.

Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3uQxh4q

Subscribe to SNL: https://goo.gl/tUsXwM
Stream Current Full Episodes: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live

WATCH PAST SNL SEASONS
Google Play - http://bit.ly/SNLGooglePlay
iTunes - http://bit.ly/SNLiTunes

SNL ON SOCIAL
SNL Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbcsnl
SNL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snl
SNL Twitter: https://twitter.com/nbcsnl
SNL TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcsnl

GET MORE NBC
Like NBC: http://Facebook.com/NBC
Follow NBC: http://Twitter.com/NBC
NBC Tumblr: http://NBCtv.tumblr.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nbc
NBC Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbc

#SNL #DaveChappelle #SNL48 #BlackStar

390.3K 46.7K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy5DMkU4NTY1QUFGQTYwMDE3

Dave Chappelle Stand-Up Monologue - SNL

16.8M views November 13, 2022 1:51 am

W has compiled all the most sensational moments from the first season of the hit series 'ASMR interview'. Relax and enjoy the electric tingles from soothing whispers and sounds generated by A-list celebrities like Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lucy Hale, Salma Hayek, Kate Hudson, Emily Ratajkowski, Aubrey Plaza, Ashley Graham, and Melissa Benoist.

Still haven’t subscribed to W on YouTube? ►► http://bit.ly/wyoutubesub

ABOUT W
The Who, What, Where, When, and Why in the world of fashion and style. W provides the ultimate insider experience with an original, provocative approach to art, culture, videos, travel, fashion, and beauty.

Best of ASMR: Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot and More Explore ASMR with Whispers and Sounds | W Magazine

116K 3.5K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy4yQUE2Q0JEMTk4NTM3RTZC

Best of ASMR: Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot and More Explore ASMR with Whispers and Sounds | W Magazine

6.9M views June 25, 2018 7:00 am

What is a Dick Flick Pick?  

Tactical Girl is trying to find a new job in this civvy world that's seemingly foreign.  She's starting this vlog to see if anyone has a job for her.  In the mean time, she's got a temp gig at Film Grouch, reviewing Dick Flick Picks.  What is a Dick Flick Pick?  Tactical Girl explains...

Featuring shirt by veteran-owned hellhoundapparel.com

Produced by Micah Haughey
Written by Rick Swift, Julia Ling
Assistant Producer Ryan Finlay
Title Graphics by Ernesto Moreno
Makeup by Exquisitely Madeup
"Lethal Breed" Shirt by Hell Hound Apparel

"Texas Techno" by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

56 7

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy5DQ0MyQ0Y4Mzg0M0VGOEYw

Tactical Girl Explains the Dick Flick Pick

2.1K views April 2, 2018 3:18 am

REMASTERED IN HD!
Official video of Billy Idol performing Cradle Of Love from the album Charmed Life. Buy It Here: http://smarturl.it/x5mixo 
At the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, the video was nominated for Best Male Video and Best Special Effects and won the award for Best Video from a Film
Like Billy Idol on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BillyIdol 
Follow Billy Idol on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/billyidol 
Official Website: http://billyidol.net/

#BillyIdol #CradleOfLove #Remastered #Vevo

165.2K 7.4K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy41QUZGQTY5OTE4QTREQUU4

Billy Idol - Cradle Of Love (Official Music Video)

29.5M views March 10, 2009 1:31 am

🌟 Turn ON Closed Captions for lyrics.
🔥 DragonForce Razer Customs ► https://bit.ly/3iZNOis
🥰 What Easter eggs did you find in the video? Watch again and leave a comment!

DragonForce Troopers of the Stars from the album Extreme Power Metal is inspired by the movie Starship Troopers. This official music video was filmed in Los Angeles California, before the pandemic with director Roboshobo.

DragonForce is a Grammy nominated platinum selling metal band. For over 20 years, DragonForce have toured around the world and shared the stage with many amazing bands including Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, Helloween, Sabaton, Nightwish, Powerwolf, Amon Amarth, Hammerfall, Amaranthe, Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch, Rhapsody and many more bands on Nuclear Blast Records, Napalm Records.
#dragonforce #extremepowermetal #hermanli #samtotman #marchudson #geeanzalone #aliciavigil

SUBSCRIBE ► https://www.youtube.com/c/dragonforce?sub_confirmation=1
ENABLE ► Notification
FOLLOW ► @HermanLi on Twitch, Twitter, Instagram, Cameo and Discord
FOLLOW ► @DragonForce on Twitter and @DragonForcHQ on Instagram

Catch Herman Li Twitch livestreams, Monday - Friday
for more epic live reaction video, guitar playthrough, video gaming, guitar reviews, gear reviews, special guest sessions and more! ► https://twitch.tv/hermanli
Get your Herman Li shout out to friends ► https://cameo.com/hermanli

SOCIALS
Discord ► https://discord.gg/hermanli
Instagram ► https://instagram.com/dragonforcehq
Instagram ► https://instagram.com/hermanli
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/dragonforce
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/hermanli
Tiktok ► https://tiktok.com/@dragonforce
Tiktok ► https://tiktok.com/@hermanli
Facebook ► https://facebook.com/dragonforce

DRAGONFORCE
🌏 Tour Tickets & VIP ► https://dragonforce.com/shows
👕 Merch ► https://dragonforce.com/shop

🎸 OUR MUSIC
iTunes https://apple.co/2P2xTjx
Amazon https://amzn.to/3jOF1hN
Tidal https://bit.ly/348GDxn
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2pH3wEn4eYlMMIIQyKPbVR

🎥 CAST
Alien Overlord - Clint Tauscher
Pizza Kimmy - Katie Kelley
Pizza Steve - Jake Yocham
Pizza Monster - Brenna Cheney
Surprised Dad - Jaret Sacrey
Party Guests - Random Acts of Irreverent Dance (RAID)

19.5K 1.2K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy43NDhFRTgwOTRERTU4Rjg3

DragonForce - Troopers of the Stars (Official Video - Extreme Power Metal)

962.7K views August 27, 2021 4:00 am

The human race only gets stronger as new generations are born to help innovate the world in new ways, but imagine if, somehow, everyone stopped having babies and this was the last generation! Check out the huge impact not having children would have across the entire globe!

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE INFOGRAPHICS SHOW ► https://www.youtube.com/c/theinfographicsshowOFFICIAL?sub_confirmation=1

🔖 MY SOCIAL PAGES
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@theinfographicsshow
Discord ► https://discord.gg/theinfoshow
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/TheInfographicsShow
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/TheInfoShow


💭 Find more interesting stuff on:
https://www.theinfographicsshow.com


📝 SOURCES:https://pastebin.com/P1UNFEFb

All videos are based on publicly available information unless otherwise noted.

11.7K 1.9K

YouTube Video UExYeWVGQXNoeVl2UHRPb1hsWVVDUVZzbDJ3c1R2MEhJVy44Mjc5REFBRUE2MTdFRDU0

What If People Stopped Having Children

385K views November 11, 2022 10:15 am

Footer

Letterboxd is great for creating Top Movie lists and connecting with other movie lovers.

A fun Star Wars Podcast I co-host!

Working with Veterans to produce some terrific films and more!

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

Lightbox image placeholder

Previous Slide

Next Slide