Hollywood actor Brendan Fraser's comeback film The Whale received a six-minute long standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. Early reactions after the premier are hinting at an Oscar nomination.
Fraser plays a 272 kg gay man, Charlie, confined to a wheelchair and struggling to connect with his 17-year-old daughter, played by Sadie Sink. The duo grew apart after Charlie abandoned his family to be with his gay partner. After his death, Charlie copes with binge eating and develops severe obesity.
As the massive applause erupted at the theatre, the actor was seen breaking down in tears. About the prosthetic suit worn for the role, he told the media at Venice that he felt a sense of vertigo at the end of the day when the suit was removed, reported Variety.
The actor shared an emotional hug with director Darren Aronofsky. The Whale is his first major film since 2013. He rose to stardom by playing an explorer in The Mummy franchise.
Sadie Sink's Ellie, an angry 16-year-old is seen throwing barbs at her father as a way to express her anger.
The movie is set for its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11. Fraser will be receiving the Tribute Award for his performance. The Whale will be released in the US on December 9.