Big Fish is so emotional and so sincere, depending on the place you’re in, it can be almost difficult to watch, but worth every minute.
Tim Burton directed this after losing his father and mother between 2000-2002. Although not close to either or perhaps because of that, Burton is able to meticulously highlight the pain, sorrow, regret, and joy of the story; each are woven through each shot with a texture only loss can weave.
There is no way to explain this movie except to say watching it is an unmitigated pleasure that you will want to call on again and again.
The cast is exceptional in so many ways: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Marion Cotillard, Helena Bonham Carter, Danny DeVito, Robert Guillaume, Matthew McGrory, Steve Buscemi, Alison Lohman, Deep Roy, and Miley Cyrus (credited as Destiny Cyrus) among others.
The 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace gives us this fantastical tale of a man who has an astonishing gift for storytelling. On his deathbed he and his son try to reconcile.
John August follows the same path, but brings the tale onto the screen with words and images that wrap you in soft, warm blanket where you want to sip some tea and press replay.
The son thinks he can never trust his father because he obviously wasn’t as his tall tales portrayed. The son had never looked past his own disbelief to his heart where his father’s stories had nestled, where he learned the stories were true in many ways, if he only believed.
A film of rare proportions, with just the right mix adventure, magical storytelling, the glory of life and love, and raw emotion.
And music by Danny Elfman. Never forget that.
When I read the book I cried.
When I saw the movie I openly wept.
And still I never fully understood…
Now, sadly, I do.
Just watched the trailer and decided to rent it. It looks very interesting. Thanks.
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Let me know what you think. 🙂
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After reading your post I too will be watching this movie!
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I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think. 🙂
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Good review, Donna. It almost plays like a homage to “Big Fish” – one of Burton’s best works (wonder where his touch has disappeared to). Haven’t read the book though, but since it’s the source material for such a superior film, I’m sure it’s a fascinating read.
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I’m a massive Burton fan, but I think it’s difficult to be so far out once you become rich and famous, maybe he’s lost his hunger or need to prove himself. At any rate, still love so much of his body of work. Yes, the book is great. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
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What a lovely, vivid, mindful, comprehensive review, Donna. I can’t bear to watch or read anything that makes me cry (devastates me) even sappy Disney-esque things. Even though I will not see or read this story, I feel I’ve experienced the good parts sitting beside you. Mega hugs.
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Then do not, I repeat, do not see this, or Manchester By The Sea.
I’m glad you enjoyed the review, dear friend and I hope this week is giving you nothing to cry about/
Mega there’s no crying in blogging (hopefully) hugs xox
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