Of Mummy’s & Men: Brendan Fraser
This will be the last blog before the 95th Academy Awards. I’ve written about my favorite movies of 2022 and I’ve done a recap on some of the nominations. So rather than do another general blog highlighting a lot, I wanted to do a deep dive on one of the nominees, Brendan Fraser. Not just because I think his performance in The Whale was the best I saw last year, but because it’s refreshing to see someone get the recognition they so rightfully deserves.
I’m a child of the 90’s. Which means at five years old I thought George swinging into a tree in George Of The Jungle was peak comedy. Nothing could ever be funnier. I remember a few years later I was scared to watch The Mummy (I’ve come a long way) but when I realized that it was the guy who swung into the tree on an Indiana Jones type adventure, all fear was cast to the side. Looking back on it, I realize now that I was able to let my guard down because Fraser has this ability to bring a unique sense of humor and warmth to his roles. He has a natural charm that allows him to connect with audiences, making them root for his characters and feel emotionally invested in his performances. No matter if it was a sillier role like in George Of The Jungle or Dudley Do Right, a more adventurous role like in The Mummy franchise or Blast From The Past, or if he was taking on a more serious role like in Gods & Monsters or Crash, Fraser brings a sense of humanity to his roles that makes them relatable and endearing. This caused him to be the king of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Everywhere you looked Fraser was there, but then he disappeared.
There are several reasons Fraser disappeared. He was in several back to back movies that had lackluster box office performances. At the end of the day the film business is still a business, and it’s an unfortunate thing that even when an actor does the best they can with what they are given, they can receive a lot of the blame for the overall film's financial performance. It’s even more unfortunate that this is where a person’s worth is seen amongst the critics. As much as critics think they have the power to sway a career, a lull is always beatable. What does have the power to sway a career, in any profession, is the toll taken on the body and mind.
Fraser did a lot of his own stunts early on in his career. Fraser is quoted with saying that most of his injuries came from The Mummy but what a lot of people don’t know is that his most extensive injury was on the set in 2003, while filming the movie Looney Tunes: Back in Action. The actor was performing a stunt that required him to be strapped into a harness and lifted into the air. However, the harness malfunctioned, causing Fraser to crash into a wall and land on his back. The accident left Fraser with a number of injuries, including a compressed spine, herniated discs, and a damaged left knee. The actor was forced to undergo multiple surgeries to repair the damage, including a laminectomy to relieve pressure on his spinal cord twice because the first surgery was not successful. In addition to his back injury, Fraser has also suffered from vocal cord damage, which he believes was caused by years of shouting and screaming during his film roles. He underwent surgery to repair the damage, but the procedure left him with a hoarse voice and difficulty speaking for several months. Fraser's injuries took a toll on his career, as he was unable to work at the same pace he had before the accident. He also experienced chronic pain, which made it difficult for him to perform physically demanding roles.
The toll taken on the body is hard to bounce back from. It can affect your mental health when you can’t move the way you use too. However, his injuries were not the only thing that took a toll on his mental health. Fraser is a victim of sexual assault. In an interview with GQ magazine, Fraser revealed that he was sexually assaulted by a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, during a luncheon event. Following the incident, Fraser said he felt discouraged and withdrew from the public eye, fearing that he would be judged or criticized for speaking out. It wasn't until years later, when the #MeToo movement gained momentum, that he felt empowered to share his story. Fraser's bravery in speaking out about his experience is commendable, as it sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual assault and harassment in Hollywood. With the toll taken on his body and mind Fraser backed away for many years.
And then came The Whale. The Whale is directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Samuel D. Hunter based off Hunter’s play of the same name. It tells the story of a man named Charlie, played by Fraser, who weighs over 600 pounds and is confined to his apartment. The films explores Charlie's relationship with his estranged daughter and his struggle to reconcile with his past mistakes, including abandoning his family for another man. But that summary is not really what it’s about. The film is really about second chances. It’s about forgiveness. It’s about seeing the best in people. And Fraser who has been hurt in every way a person can be hurt, he brought every ounce of pain and love left in him to that role. There’s a moment in the film where Fraser’s character says “People are amazing.” The look in Frasers eyes when he says this, there’s no acting. He meant it. A lot of people are calling it Fraser’s comeback, but I think if we’re being honest it’s the return of someone who should have never had to deal with having to leave in the first place.
Fraser's journey serves as a reminder that even the most successful and talented individuals can face personal struggles that impact their careers. While it's easy to speculate about why someone has disappeared from the limelight, the reality is often more complex and personal than we realize. As fans, it's important to support our favorite artists and give them the space and time they need to heal and recover. We can't always know what's going on behind the scenes, but we can show our love and appreciation for their work when they are ready to return to the public eye.
For the love of movies,
Jonathan Austin
