Big Fish (****)
review by Jon Waterman

Edward Bloom has led an extraordinary life full of whimsical and death-defying adventures. He’s seen witches and giants and werewolves and Siamese twins and myriad other incredible sights. But how much of it is true? That’s the question his son is trying to figure out. With his father’s health in question, William (the son) needs to get answers to wrap up the tall tale that is Edward’s life.

Tim Burton directs and for the first time in a long time for him, there is no real definitive look to the film. Normally there’s a standard tone or color and lighting scheme that’s applied. Here, the movie jumps around so much to different areas of the world and to different time periods that a template would be rather unnecessary. I find it a little refreshing. This man is known for making dark movies and here’s this vibrant picture with themes that don’t exactly go against the grain of what he’s done in the past, but goes about them in a less sardonic manner.

In fact, the film is very light and fun the whole way through. It still maintains the unusual elements and the surreal feel, but it does it without the attitude. The movie goes back and forth between present day and young Edward’s life story. All of the flashbacks and storytelling don’t serve an overwhelming purpose. They’re pretty much just there to entertain and keep your attention. It’s all a very roundabout way towards reaching the main point of the movie. Despite that, I don’t feel it’s a waste of time. Listening to any interesting story is never a waste of time. Who cares how much of it is real or possible or what. Just sit back and marvel at the brain that thought it all up.

By the way, the script was written by John August based on Daniel Wallace’s book. The dialogue and characters are well-written and fascinating to watch. It is just magnified by the great acting. Billy Crudup and Albert Finney give incredible performances with real human emotions and flaws. Ewan McGregor, Steve Buscemi, Danny Devito and the rest of the flashback supporting crew tend to overact and exaggerate their facial expressions, but it goes along with the fable-like mood.

The movie may not start a storytelling fad or anything, but I think people will enjoy watching the fascinating array of characters and locations that Mr. Bloom encountered. And if that isn’t enough, then you also get one of the most emotional movies I’ve seen a long time. You will find a stronger sense of love in this film than you will find in any romantic comedy in recent memory. “Big Fish” is just as, if not more, fantastical as “Edward Scissorhands,” and his best film since.

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