LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the epic cinematic saga 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese and brought to life by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, a dark chapter of American history is unveiled.
The narrative's brilliance is further heightened by its star-studded cast, featuring the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone as the protagonists, Ernest Buckhart and Mollie, and the iconic Robert De Niro, who steps into the shoes of William Hale, Ernest's enigmatic uncle.
However, it's Brendan Fraser, celebrated for his role in 'The Whale,' who adds a fascinating layer to the ensemble, portraying William Hale's morally compromised lawyer, WS Hamilton, as per ComicBook.com.
Brendan Fraser's brief but captivating performance in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
Fraser's portrayal manages to steal the spotlight, despite his relatively short screen time. With a pronounced Southern accent that enriches his character, Fraser's performance resonates with the audience.
His sudden outbursts demand attention, and even in moments of silence, his enigmatic expressions hint at concealed motives, leaving viewers in suspense.
Unexpectedly, Fraser's performance has sparked a divided reaction among fans. While some extol his exceptional performance, others remain unsatisfied, leading to an internet storm of opinions.
A critical user on X expressed, "Brendan Fraser's entrance in 'Killers of the Flower Moon.' It was almost like he was dragged out from the set of 'The Whale.'"
Another reviewer remarked, "He's very hammy and overly theatrical in his other scene as well, which results in a weak execution of his intended portrayal. He feels like he is reading off a script."
A third user's comment was blunt, "God, that's bad acting on his part." And yet another chimed in, "You’re right, the performance was shit."
Fans rally to Brendan Fraser's defense over his acting in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
Despite the mixed reviews, Fraser's fans have come to his defense, emphasizing his contribution to the film.
One user on X stated, "This performance is excellent, and trust me, Marty knows more about casting and directing than you will ever know."
Another commenter defended Fraser, asserting, "It’s hammy and performative because that’s how some lawyers act in court. You can’t convince me this wasn’t an intentional choice because Fraser’s performance is much different outside the courtroom."
A third enthusiast remarked, "This was literally the most entertaining performance in the whole movie; how could you be complaining?" And yet another proclaimed, "I love how people are acting like this is so awful when it's not."
One user succinctly asked, "Are we pretending Fraser isn’t good in this scene?"
Brendan Fraser's pivotal character in an exceptional ensemble cast
While Scorsese's film deftly blends gravity and absurdity, illustrated by a scene where De Niro spanks DiCaprio, Fraser's role is not confined to comic relief. He plays a pivotal character who influences the narrative's course, compelling Ernest to manipulate his testimony, thereby shaping the unfolding drama.
Fraser's return to Hollywood with 'The Whale' garnered immense acclaim, and he even secured a Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Charlie, a reclusive father, marking a triumphant comeback following a prolonged hiatus.
Fraser's role in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' may be polarizing, but it seamlessly fits the context, especially during the courtroom scene where Fraser's character, WS Hamilton, unleashes his vocal power.
This courtroom scene is a powerful vehicle to expose how the wealthy manipulate justice. The exaggerated acting isn't a flaw in Fraser's performance; rather, it mirrors his character's abuse of power.
Notably, the lawyer's impassioned speech towards the end of 'Killers of the Flower Moon' remains faithful to the book's source material, according to The Daily Beast. In essence, Fraser effectively portrays a deeply flawed character that contributes to the movie's thematic richness.
