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I've been a fan of Tim Burton's work since before I knew who he was. This goes back to Frankenweenie and Pee Wee's Big Adventure. So, in reviewing this movie I can't exactly say I'm unbiased when it comes to his work. (Planet of the Apes just seems like a severe abberation.) Bear this in mind when I say that I think Big Fish is his best movie ever and that I firmly believe that he has found the balance between his etherial weirdness and moral stories that tug at the heart strings. It struck me last night that there is a term for the sort of films Burton is best at though it's normally applied to fiction and not movies: magical realism.
Essentially this movie is about the life of one Edward Bloome, told in his own voice through small vignettes. In his younger years he is played by Ewan McGregor who does not miss a single beat. I find it very interesting that some how they made him look less polished than normal yet still amazingly appealing. Through him, and a bizarre cast of others, we're taken into a world that is just a few steps from this one. Helena Bonham Carter, Jessica Lange and Danny Devito are perfect though I feel Jessica Lange is a little underused. Steve Buscemi is a treat as he manages to fit into his character perfectly.
Overarching the stories being told and weaving in and out of the background, is the story of a man and his father. All he wants is to know who his father is before he dies, wants the truth from him just once. He wants to know who his father was so he can tell his children. His father doesn't understand how his father can't see that he is telling him the truth - just embellished just a little. Each one of the tales has a small but important lesson embedded in them but the important lesson is the one told by the interaction between father and son.
The movie isn't perfect, to be certain. There were a few minor editing mistakes that I caught. Also, Danny Elfman's score, while very fitting in a very places,is underwhelming for the most part. I expected it to be more memorable and a little less in the background. (Though he did write a song which is sung in the movie. It's hilarious.) There was a moment or two where a special effect didn't quite work for me but it passed quickly.
The visuals are stunning and the use of color is very dramatic. The field of daffodils and Ewan Mcgregor in a blue suit (again) is the one that sticks with me right now. I can see why Tim Burton's name is being tossed around for an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for this movie. It is a great movie at different turns pulling laughs and tears from the audience.
Do yourself a favor - go and see it when it comes out.
Essentially this movie is about the life of one Edward Bloome, told in his own voice through small vignettes. In his younger years he is played by Ewan McGregor who does not miss a single beat. I find it very interesting that some how they made him look less polished than normal yet still amazingly appealing. Through him, and a bizarre cast of others, we're taken into a world that is just a few steps from this one. Helena Bonham Carter, Jessica Lange and Danny Devito are perfect though I feel Jessica Lange is a little underused. Steve Buscemi is a treat as he manages to fit into his character perfectly.
Overarching the stories being told and weaving in and out of the background, is the story of a man and his father. All he wants is to know who his father is before he dies, wants the truth from him just once. He wants to know who his father was so he can tell his children. His father doesn't understand how his father can't see that he is telling him the truth - just embellished just a little. Each one of the tales has a small but important lesson embedded in them but the important lesson is the one told by the interaction between father and son.
The movie isn't perfect, to be certain. There were a few minor editing mistakes that I caught. Also, Danny Elfman's score, while very fitting in a very places,is underwhelming for the most part. I expected it to be more memorable and a little less in the background. (Though he did write a song which is sung in the movie. It's hilarious.) There was a moment or two where a special effect didn't quite work for me but it passed quickly.
The visuals are stunning and the use of color is very dramatic. The field of daffodils and Ewan Mcgregor in a blue suit (again) is the one that sticks with me right now. I can see why Tim Burton's name is being tossed around for an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for this movie. It is a great movie at different turns pulling laughs and tears from the audience.
Do yourself a favor - go and see it when it comes out.
