The Whale director Darren Aronofsky says fatphobia criticisms ‘make no sense’

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The film stars Brendan Fraser as an obese and reclusive English teacher who has a troubled relationship with his daughter, played by Sadie Sink. I asked him, ‘Can we do something that’s realistic?’ Because if it’s going to look like a joke, then we shouldn’t do it.” Aronofsky is best known as the director of films including Black Swan, The Wrestler and Requiem for a Dream. Brendan Fraser in ‘The Whale’ “People with obesity are generally written as bad guys or as punchlines,” Aronofsky continued. “Brendan Fraser is the right actor to play this role, and the film is an exercise in empathy.” This week, it was announced that Fraser had been nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in the film, despite stating that he would not attend the ceremony.