As a fan of cinema and a connoisseur of Brendan Fraser’s illustrious career, I find myself utterly enamored with this list that delves into the actor’s favorite films. From the captivating world of Pixar to the silver screen classics, it’s clear that Brendan’s cinematic tastes are as diverse as his acting talents!
Brendan Fraser experienced a remarkable transformation within the film industry. Before receiving the Best Actor award at the Oscars for his role in “The Whale”, he found himself fading from popularity, no longer recognized as the beloved star who entertained viewers in the ’90s with movies like “The Mummy”. However, Fraser persevered and managed to make a significant comeback with his portrayal of a 600-pound recluse seeking purpose in life. The public has once again come to admire him, and he has reciprocated the affection shown to him. His acting in “Brothers” serves as evidence of this renewed bond.
Fraser’s films, even lesser-known ones, are always entertaining, but what does the actor enjoy? He revealed his preferences to A.frame, the digital publication of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The actor didn’t merely choose movies he believes are masterfully crafted, but also those that influenced him significantly. If he had been born in a different era, he would have been an ideal fit for some of these roles.
10 Bambi (1942)
In a story inspired by Felix Salten’s 1923 novel “Bambi: A Life in the Woods,” the titular deer, Bambi, embarks on forest expeditions and interacts with significant characters such as his mother, father, the majestic leader of the forest, known as The Great Prince of the Forest, and a charming young doe named Faline. This film stands out due to its unique production process, where seven different directors were involved in creating each sequence.
A Fun Yet Frightening Film
In the movie, Bambi enjoys many happy moments, yet he also observes the harsh realities and terrors of forest existence, such as the ruthless actions of hunters. As a child, Fraser recollects that this was his first film experience, and he acknowledges it made him want to treat animals with kindness. Horror specialist David Cronenberg considered it one of the scariest movies for children, and Fraser concurs. He admits: “Of course, the traumatic scenes involving the hunter and Bambi’s mother have stayed with me.
Stream it on Disney+
9 Platoon (1986)
In simple terms, Oliver Stone’s iconic anti-war film, “Platoon,” follows the harrowing transformation of naive U.S. soldier Chris Taylor (played by Charlie Sheen), as he journeys from an idealistic newcomer to a battle-hardened survivor in the brutal, bloodstained battlefields of Vietnam. However, tension arises within his unit due to Staff Sergeant Barnes’ instructions to massacre civilians, which splits the soldiers into those who support him and those who do not.
Fraser Could Relate
Many found “Platoon” to be quite enjoyable, even the kind-hearted folks at the Academy of Motion Pictures who honored it as Best Picture. However, military professionals weren’t exactly enamored with it. Brendan Fraser is among the multitude who appreciated the movie, expressing that it resonated with him due to his age being similar to the characters portrayed in the film. At that time, he recognized that he could have been one of those on screen if he had been born earlier, as he would have been drafted.
Stream it on Fubo, MGM+ or Apple TV+
8 Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
In Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the Imperial Forces, acting upon orders from the merciless Darth Vader (David Prowse), capture Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). Their plan is to use her as leverage against a rebellion that aims to overthrow the Empire. However, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) join forces in an effort to save the princess and reclaim freedom for the entire galaxy.
A Treat for the Eyes and Ears
Fraser acknowledges that “Star Wars” was another movie that sparked his affection for blockbusters, expressing his excitement at the moment when Luke’s X-wing dives into the chasm before destroying the Death Star. In essence, this first installment is a grand spectacle, and George Lucas masterfully elevates a seemingly ordinary story with an extraordinary cinematic presentation. The film stands out due to its intricate portrayal of space dynamics, coupled with the ingenious use of color and sound, making it an unparalleled space opera unlike any other.
Stream it on Disney+
7 Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
The story of Jason and the Argonauts revolves around Pelias, portrayed by Douglas Wilmer. Unbeknownst to him, he aids a man who turns out to be his father’s usurper, also named Pelias (Douglas Wilmer). This unidentified villain then deceives him into embarking on a perilous quest for the Golden Fleece. His motive was to ensure Jason’s demise and prevent the fulfillment of the prophecy predicting his return to the throne.
An Inspiration for The Mummy
The movie is flawless, serving dual purposes as a heartwarming journey tale and a poignant exploration of the consequences of deceit. Fraser admired the film’s rough, sporadic rhythm, referring to it as “boy-oriented.” He is also grateful that this timeless treasure influenced his later production, The Mummy, as it became evident that the scene where the hero grabs a sword and swings, “whack, smash,” and fights against mummies was inspired by skeleton battles in Jason and the Argonauts.
Stream it on Tubi or buy it on Amazon
6 Barry Lyndon (1975)
As a cinephile penning my thoughts, I must say that Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Barry Lyndon’ is a captivating journey into the life of a daring rogue. This tale, loosely based on William Makepeace Thackeray’s 1844 novel “The Luck of Barry Lyndon,” unfolds against the backdrop of the Seven Years War.
Another Masterclass in Filmmaking
Without a doubt, Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, Barry Lyndon, continues to captivate and move audiences with its poignant exploration of love against the backdrop of strict societal class structures. It serves as both an engaging tale and a warning about the dangers of placing unfounded trust in others too hastily. Similar to all Kubrick’s films, this adaptation was crafted with great care, a detail that Fraser admired particularly, remarking that he “loved Barry Lyndon because I learned that Kubrick developed lenses specifically to allow for wide apertures capturing candlelight, which I thought was quite impressive.
Buy it on Apple TV+ or Amazon
5 The Breakfast Club (1985)
In the movie titled “The Breakfast Club“, five teenagers from diverse personalities and backgrounds are forced to spend a Saturday detention by the school principal, Mr. Vernon (Paul Gleason). This punishment provides them with an opportunity to share their individual tales. By the end of the day, they come to understand that they share more similarities than differences.
A Joyous Ensemble Outing
The primary appeal of this 1982 indie comedy-drama, with its sharp, colorful dialogue and strong ensemble performances, lies not only in these elements but also in the authentic portrayal of teenagers. Fraser confesses to rewatching it more than ten times, praising the actors and stating that the film captures the essence of teenage conversations, a kind of heartfelt, emotionally raw, self-exploratory dialogue that would later be recognized as therapeutic.
Stream it on Prime Video
4 Braveheart (1995)
As a passionate movie connoisseur, I find myself deeply moved by the epic tale of Braveheart. This film sees Mel Gibson brilliantly portray William Wallace, a legendary Scottish warrior, amidst the tumultuous First War of Scottish Independence. When tragedy strikes as my beloved is taken cruelly from me at the hands of King Edward I of England, a ruler who carelessly disregarded the plights of his subjects, my resolve was steeled to ignite a rebellion against this callous monarch. Though ultimately captured and martyred, Wallace’s indomitable spirit lives on, embodying the freedom-loving heart of Scotland.
Tapping Into War and Family
Many people appreciate Braveheart primarily due to its intense battle scenes. However, Fraser found a deeper meaning in it, stating that “‘Braveheart’ is essentially about fathers and sons, which resonated with me.’” Indeed, the movie delves into themes of atrocity, fatherhood, love, political negligence, and persecution, handling each one so skillfully that one could easily focus on just one aspect, as Fraser did. The visuals also pay tribute to classic sword and sandal films, while Mel Gibson’s portrayal lends the story a powerful, spirited essence.
Stream it on Paramount+
3 Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
In the thrilling adventure titled “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the character Indiana Jones, an archaeology professor, is seen in a desperate quest to unearth an ancient artifact known as the Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of a ruthless Nazi group aiming for global conquest.
The True Definition of Blockbuster
The classic film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” represents the pinnacle of collaboration between Spielberg and Ford, offering an enchanting adventure for enthusiasts of all ages, as described by Fraser.
Well, it’s quite clear that those films have had a significant impact on my work. If they haven’t, I’d be dishonest. In fact, they turned me into a devoted fan of Harrison Ford for life.
In certain performances by Brendan Fraser, there’s a striking resemblance to Indiana Jones, particularly his character Rick in The Mummy. We eagerly anticipate seeing more of this likeness from him in future roles. Given that Ford is now 82 and continues to challenge himself, it’s only natural for us to hope for more captivating performances from a new generation of action heroes like Fraser.
Stream it on Prime Video or Paramount+
2 Ratatouille (2007)
In the movie “Ratatouille,” we find ourselves following the story of Remy, a rat with an extraordinary aspiration – he yearns to be a culinary genius, much like Gordon Ramsay. At first glance, this goal may appear unattainable, given society’s disdain for rodents and their unwelcome presence in kitchens. Yet, driven by his passion, Remy continues to cook in secret, evading human wrath. As fate would have it, he eventually receives an opportunity to demonstrate his skills to a renowned food critic.
Ideal for Children and Food Lovers
Ratatouille, with its engaging storyline and vibrant cast, makes an excellent choice for a family dinner movie night, appealing to both children and those yearning for a touch of nostalgia. As Fraser reminisces, his affection for the film stems from his kids’ viewing habits. He recalls that “the movie was always playing, and I would prepare meals for them while enjoying this tale about an unusual bond between a young man and a rat.” The contrast in this image between society’s perception of certain animals and a rodent’s pursuit of purpose is even more poignant today.
Stream it on Disney+
1 Good Will Hunting (1997)
The movie, “Good Will Hunting,” centers around Will Hunting, who works as a janitor at MIT and possesses an extraordinary intellect. A professor discovers that he has solved a challenging graduate-level math problem, leading him to extend assistance in realizing his true potential. Their connection starts off rocky, but it eventually warms up.
An Essential ‘90s Film
In simple terms, this Oscar-nominated movie offers a thought-provoking perspective on personal growth through its meticulously crafted storyline. Fraser cherishes Good Will Hunting due to the exceptional performances and the fact that his friends were making significant strides in their careers. He expresses his pride for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, stating, “I was so proud of those guys,” he says, “My heart was overflowing.” Indeed, it’s likely that many viewers shared this feeling. The film showcases a strong on-screen bond between the leads, and as a whole, it is seamless, which explains why it received nine Oscar nominations and won two.
Stream it on Prime Video
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2024-11-10 02:04