Brendan Fraser had already generated significant hype for his performance in “The Whale” even before its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2022. However, it was his emotional reaction after the screening that many believe paved the way for his eventual Best Actor win. While there is no doubt that Fraser’s portrayal of a 600-pound recluse was powerful, several individuals associated with the A24 film have claimed that the viral video of him crying during the six-minute standing ovation had a greater impact than any paid marketing campaign.
The clip of Fraser’s emotional moment garnered hundreds of thousands of views and generated headlines across various news sites and blogs. Additionally, it sparked equally viral reactions from A-list celebrities, particularly Dwayne Johnson. Johnson recalled how Fraser had supported him during his first Hollywood role in “The Mummy Returns” and expressed his support for Fraser’s success. This kind of support from influential figures with large followings further boosted Fraser’s visibility and created a positive buzz around his performance.
Following Fraser’s memorable moment in Venice, there seemed to be a heightened media focus on emotional displays by celebrities at film festivals. In Cannes, according to headlines, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp were also seen tearing up or holding back tears at their respective screenings. Ford received a career retrospective and a hero’s welcome for his final Indiana Jones film, while Depp made his return to cinema after a highly publicized legal battle with his ex-wife. Even Sam Levinson, the creator of “The Idol,” choked up during his post-screening thank you speech.
It is important to note that while these emotional moments generated press attention, there is no suggestion that they were contrived or insincere. Several publicists have stated that they have never heard of stars being asked to cry for the sake of a campaign. However, one publicity veteran points out that emotional displays by men, like Fraser, might have a more significant impact due to gender stereotypes. The reaction to a male actor’s tears is considered impactful, whereas a female actor crying may not receive the same attention.
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Fraser’s reaction in Venice was particularly poignant due to the circumstances surrounding his comeback. As a beloved former marquee star who had endured a tumultuous period in his personal life, including alleged assault, injury, and divorce, his emotional response to the applause for his return as a leading man resonated with audiences. Fraser’s genuine tears touched many, especially because they were seen as an authentic and spontaneous reaction to his long-awaited recognition in the industry.
Interviewed after the Venice premiere, Fraser humorously attributed his tears to “smiling so hard my face leaked.” This leaking continued during premieres of “The Whale” in Toronto and London and when he eventually won the Best Actor award at the Oscars. Once again, the overwhelming response from both the industry and the public was one of happiness and joy for Fraser’s well-deserved success.
A year after the Venice tears, the festival landscape appears to be less emotional. Due to the actors’ strike, star sightings and emotional displays may be limited. Therefore, awards campaigners may have to resort to more traditional routes to generate buzz and support for their films.
However, it is worth mentioning that not all emotional moments at film festivals are what they seem. Sometimes, individuals may appear to be crying but are actually experiencing health-related issues such as migraines due to stress. It is essential to consider the context and individual circumstances when assessing emotional displays in such settings.
In conclusion, Brendan Fraser’s emotional reaction at the Venice Film Festival had a significant impact on his awards campaign and eventual Best Actor win. The viral video of him crying during a standing ovation generated widespread attention and support from both fans and fellow celebrities. Fraser’s genuine tears resonated with audiences due to his personal struggles and his long-awaited return as a leading man. While emotional moments can generate press coverage, it is essential to approach them with critical thinking and consider the context in which they occur.
