Edward Bloom told his son stories of the life he desired to live. Soon, the son grew old enough to know that none of these tales were true. Even when Edward was dying, he would never talk of the facts of his life, purely fancy, & fascinating stories. Would the son ever draw the factual recount of his dad’s life? If so, what will he find out?
It would have been just another family-oriented movie, if not for the quirky narration that would lure any breathing soul. For most directors, content is king. Here, Tim Burton proved how ‘style & form’ could do magic.
Let’s Get Personal
I was afraid it’s going to reveal something I don’t want to know or something I wasn’t ready to accept. The first half of the movie struck me with this question: “Aren’t you too big for what you’re doing right now?” I then postponed watching the other half for another day.
As I was viewing the remaining half, I was hoping not to see a twist where Edward would succumb to infidelity or to some trivial tragedies, and writers would strive to rationalize his failings. Glad it met my expectation: A born hero died as one. The script was fun, unexpected and never dull, you’d probably love it like I did.
Shall I talk of the downside? I’d say it’s another story on love quest. I remember Cuelho saying 90% of movies depicts love- simply because they sell. The Big Fish must not have a defiant theme, yet it sure knows well how to play with any viewer’s wit.
Now it rarely happens that you get to catch a BIG FISH in less than two hours, so give it the time it demands.