Rating of
3.5/4
Big Fish review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 07/22/11
A story of a man much like Forrest Gump, who have experienced a lot during his lifetime and his son, who has trouble deciphering his father’s stories if it is fact or fiction. The body of Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) started growing faster like a fish he read about in an encyclopedia. He became the town’s best player in different sports. A giant from his town of Ashton was being ostracized. Bloom was able to negotiate with the gentle giant to leave town, since it wasn’t “big” enough for both of them. He was able to accidentally find a dreamlike village (named Spectre) where there are no problems, food and celebration galore. After seeing his future wife at a circus, namely Sandra Tibbleton, he mentioned that “when you meet the love of your life time stops.” He sacrifices to work for free just to get information of the girl. He courts her immensely after finding out her name and location. After getting married, he was sent to war and discovers a talented conjoint twins. He was able to save Spectre and the kid who had a crush on him, still never forgot. He becomes one with nature as a Big Fish with the help of the beleaguered son, William Bloom.
The cast (Ewan, Albert Finney, Billy Crudrup, Jessica Lange, Danny DeVito, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Buchemi) was splendid since they represented their characters with passion, as if we were part of the family. Josephine the amiable daughter in law of Edward listened to his stories like a child. The supportive wife Sandra, who was enamored by his husbands’ journey, charm and kindness. Will, the son who felt he never knew his “real father.” The director has been known for imaginative films such as Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka and the chocolate Factory, etc. In the film, he adds some elements as if it were a fairy tale. The movie’s score was admirable and well exploited. In my opinion, the picture’s focus was on the father-son relationship, dealing with pain and people from a myriad of cultures/personalities, and how you leave a legacy. One of the memorable lines “you were a big fish in a small pond, but this here is the ocean and you’re drowning,” implies our existence and frailties whenever we move to a new place, meet people or maybe a job. Edward symbolizes hope in everything we encounter despite of certain impediments. His exaggerated stories are what make him unique and immortal. This novel turned to movie screen is a big winner for me.
