Brendan Fraser's Remarkable Comeback: From Blockbuster Icon to Oscar-Winning Heartthrob—And the Surprising Truth Behind His Timeless Acting Method
Picture this: An actor who once conquered the world as a dashing adventurer in movies like 'The Mummy' finds himself playing a washed-up star in Tokyo, renting out his life to strangers for a living. Sounds like a wild ride, right? But here's where it gets intriguing—Brendan Fraser isn't just reviving his career; he's flipping the script on what it means to be an authentic performer in today's disconnected world. And trust me, you won't want to miss the juicy details on how his approach has stayed surprisingly consistent through decades of fame. Let's dive in!
Brendan Fraser has catapulted back into the spotlight for the Academy Awards thanks to his raw, deeply empathetic portrayal in Searchlight Pictures' 'Rental Family,' hitting theaters on November 21. In this touching comedy, Fraser embodies Phillip Vandarpleog, a struggling actor in Tokyo who stumbles upon a bizarre job through an agency: posing as a fake friend or family member for lonely clients. Directed by Hikari (of 'Beef' fame) and co-written by Stephen Blahut, the film delves into themes of genuine human connection and self-discovery. Phillip, whose only brush with celebrity is a pesky toothpaste ad he can't shake, discovers unintended meaning by offering companionship to those in need— a journey that resonates in our increasingly isolated society.
This standout role follows Fraser's triumphant best actor victory at the 95th Academy Awards for Darren Aronofsky's 2022 drama 'The Whale.' That accolade marked his dramatic shift from the fun, high-octane thrillers that built his reputation in the 1990s and 2000s—think 'George of the Jungle' and the 'Mummy' series, which he's set to revive in a fourth installment (check out more at https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/mummy-4-news-79504/)—toward serious, critically praised dramatic work.
We caught up with Fraser to explore the nuances of bringing Phillip to life, how he drew from personal anecdotes (like his own stint as a superhero battling gingivitis in a commercial), and whether his acting technique has changed over time.
Hikari described 'Rental Family' as an exploration of acting's essence and true authenticity. What specific guidance did she offer to ground Phillip's storyline?
Honestly, I'm not sure she handed over a single standout piece of direction, beyond our marathon conversations about the film's universe.
Our initial meeting occurred in the winter of 2022, and without exaggeration, we chatted for nearly six hours straight. We relocated to a hotel library, flipping through books and opening up about our lives, especially navigating the COVID-19 lockdowns when solitude felt overwhelming. Those heartfelt talks inspired the movie.
Brendan Fraser in 'Rental Family' Credit: James Lisle/Searchlight Pictures
Hikari penned the script during her own period of loneliness. While researching jobs in Tokyo, her co-writer uncovered a real service where you can 'hire' a family member. That discovery ignited a spark of exploration.
It served as a perfect launchpad to examine relationships lacking true bonds—a societal issue we're grappling with on a massive scale. Perhaps it's due to our generation growing up glued to screens, those glass, plastic, or metal devices feeding us endless information but depriving us of what truly matters: locking eyes with someone and affirming their existence. In Tokyo, that human need is so profound, people are willing to pay for it. And this is the part most people miss—could this trend be a wake-up call for our own lives? But here's where it gets controversial: Is 'renting' companionship a sad indictment of modern isolation, or a clever solution to it? What do you think?
In the movie, your character frequently speaks Japanese. You've admitted (as noted in https://people.com/how-brendan-fraser-learned-japanese-new-movie-rental-family-toronto-film-festival-11805036) that you're not a natural with languages but excel at imitation. Any tips for actors tackling similar challenges?
Soak up as much tutoring as possible. If mimicry is your forte, lean into it. But remember, it's not enough to just nail the sounds. Dive deep into the words' meanings. Speak from the heart. Think of it like tackling Shakespeare or rhythmic poetry—actors thrive when they embody the ideas first, then deliver the lines. Master the proper pronunciation and rhythm to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.
Shannon Gorman and Brendan Fraser in 'Rental Family' Credit: James Lisle/Searchlight Pictures
For budding actors facing career hurdles like Phillip in 'Rental Family,' what wisdom would you share?
Let me be frank—I wouldn't call Phillip a top-tier actor by any stretch. Sure, his Clearo Brighto Man toothpaste spot was a boon back then, padding his wallet, but it branded him eternally as that character in Japanese culture. And that's fine.
This commercial haunts Phillip as his defining legacy. From your perspective as an actor, have you had a similar early job that stuck with you?
Back when I was scraping by as a student, I took a $14-an-hour gig standing on Aurora Avenue in Seattle's sketchier neighborhood, dressed as a Keystone Cop with hat and all. I even attached a fake handlebar mustache—made from crepe hair, mind you—while holding a sign and ringing a bell to lure drivers into renting storage at a new facility.
I threw myself into the role completely. I got flipped off more times than I care to count, and even had fast-food hurled my way, but hey—it was work, and I was thrilled for the cash. I thought, 'I'm all in, and things can only improve from here.'
You're gearing up to reprise one of your iconic roles in 'The Mummy 4.'
Well, my mouth is zipped on spilling details, but thanks for trying. I'm optimistic we'll have more to share soon—the fans have earned it.
'The Mummy Returns' Credit: Maximum Films/Alamy
How has your acting style changed since your beginnings in films like 'George of the Jungle' to your current dramatic turns in 'Rental Family'?
Truthfully, it hasn't altered much. Stick to the fundamentals: Believe in your project. Forge connections with your team. Basics like punctuality, memorizing your script (repeat after me: know your lines!), and being kind. Treat others well, and you'll thrive.
This interview was condensed for clarity.
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What sparks your thoughts? Is Fraser's consistent acting method a sign of timeless wisdom, or does it overlook the need for evolution in a changing industry? Do you agree that 'renting' family highlights our loneliness epidemic, or is it just a quirky cultural quirk? Share your opinions in the comments—we'd love to hear your take!
