Brendan Fraser Credits ‘Rental Family’ Role With Conquering Insecurity and Realizing His Self-Worth
Brendan Fraser recently shared insights into his experience with insecurity during a Q&A session following the London screening of his new film, “Rental Family.” Fraser, who won the Best Actor Oscar in 2023 for “The Whale,” found solace in his latest role, which helped him appreciate his self-worth.
Overcoming Insecurity Through Art
“Rental Family” features Fraser as Philip Vanderplug, a man struggling with loneliness in Tokyo. Through the city’s unique “rental family” industry, individuals can hire stand-ins to play relatives or companions. This unconventional setting allowed Fraser to confront his personal challenges with self-doubt.
The Film’s Global Journey
The film, directed and co-written by Hikari, has been showcased at the Toronto, London, and Tokyo Film Festivals. Hikari was inspired by a job listing discovered during the pandemic. “My co-writer Stephen Blahut found a job like this in Tokyo,” Hikari explained.
Exploring Themes of Isolation
Hikari noted that the pandemic underscored themes of isolation and disconnection, which became central to the film’s narrative. The cast added personal depth to these themes, drawing on their own experiences of loneliness and displacement.
Personal Connections to the Film
- Takehiro Hira, portraying a workaholic, recalled feeling alone as a student abroad, adding authenticity to his role.
- Mari Yamamoto drew parallels between her character’s journey and her own childhood experiences of moving between cultures.
Fraser praised young co-star Shannon Gorman, whose performance was a standout in her film debut. Meanwhile, veteran actor Akira Emoto explored themes of mortality and memory loss, finding “richness in life” amidst solitude.
Bringing “Rental Family” to Life
The film’s production faced significant delays but persevered through the pandemic and industry strikes. Filming eventually commenced in Tokyo after five years of preparation. “Rental Family” ultimately explores profound themes of human connection and personal growth, with Fraser’s journey of conquering insecurity serving as a central narrative thread.
